Bonaventure was a native of Tuscany in Italy, but had his education in the University of Paris, France. Inspired by the exemplary life of the Franciscan Friars and of his Professor Fr. Alexander of Hales, Bonaventure joined the Franciscan Order in 1238. For seven years he served as a brilliant professor of Theology in the University of Paris. It was there that he came into contact with St. Albert the Great and St. Thomas Aquinas, all of whom were great luminaries of the Church. At the age of thirty-six Bonaventure was elected General of the Franciscans. His timely reforms of the Religious Order earned him the title “Second Founder” of the Franciscan Order. Because of his deep love for God and his outstanding Theological writings, he is called “Seraphic/angelic Doctor”. It is narrated that one day St. Thomas Aquinas approached him and asked for the source of his knowledge and wisdom. Bonaventure took him to his study and pointing to a big crucifix whispered: “It is he who tells me everything. He is my only Teacher.” He sternly refused to be the Archbishop of York. However, he was prevailed upon to accept the Cardinal’s hat. His contribution to the Council of Lyons in 1121 was very significant. Bonaventure was summoned for his heavenly reward on July 13, 1274. He was elevated to the honours of the altar in 1482 and declared a Doctor of the Church in 1588.
Reflection: Bonaventure uniquely combined holiness and doctrine. To know him was to love him and to read him was to love Jesus. A chronicler of the Council of Lyons has recorded about him: “A man of eminent learning and eloquence, and outstanding holiness…he was beloved of God and of man.”
If you ask how such things can occur, seek the answer in God’s grace, not in doctrine; in the longing of the will, not in the understanding; in the sighs of prayer, not in research. (St. Bonaventure)
