Biography of Saint Bonaventure of Bagnoregio

Saint Bonaventure of Bagnoregio

Also known as

• Seraphic Doctor of the Church
• the Devout Doctor

Profile

Healed from a childhood disease through the prayers of Saint Francis of Assisi. Bonaventure joined the Order of Friars Minor at age 22. Studied theology and philosophy in Paris, France, and later taught there. A friend of Saint Thomas Aquinas. Doctor of Theology. A friend of King Saint Louis IX. General of the Franciscan Order at 35. Bishop of Albano, Italy, chosen by Pope Gregory X. Cardinal. Wrote commentaries on the Scriptures, text-books in theology and philosophy, and a biography of Saint Francis. Doctor of the Church. Pope Clement IV chose him to be Archbishop of York, England, but Bonaventure begged off, claiming to be inadequate to the office. Spoke at the Council of Lyons, but died before its close.

Born

1221 at Bagnoregio, Tuscany, Italy

Died

15 July 1274 at Lyon, France of natural causes

Canonized

14 April 1482 by Pope Sixtus IV

Patronage

• against intestinal problems
• Bagnoregio, Italy
• Cochiti Indian Pueblo
• Saint Bonaventure University, New York

Representation

• cardinal's hat
• ciborium
• Holy Communion
• cardinal in Franciscan robes, usually reading or writing

Readings

A man of eminent learning and eloquence, and of outstanding holiness, he was known for his kindness, approachableness, gentleness and compassion. - Pope Gregory X on hearing of the death of Bonaventure

Mary seeks for those who approach her devoutly and with reverence, for such she loves, nourishes, and adopts as her children. - Saint Bonaventure

When we pray, the voice of the heart must be heard more than that proceeding from the mouth. - Saint Bonaventure

Christ is both the way and the door. Christ is the staircase and the vehicle, like the "throne of mercy over the Ark of the Covenant," and "the mystery hidden from the ages." A man should turn his full attention to this throne of mercy and should gaze at him hanging on the cross, full of faith, hope, and charity, devoted, full of wonder and joy, marked by gratitude, and open to praise and jubilation. Then such a man will make with Christ a "pasch," that is, a passing-over. Through the branches of the cross, he will pass over the Red Sea, leaving Egypt and entering the desert. There he will taste the hidden manna, and rest with Christ in the sepulchre as if he were dead to things outside. He will experience, as much as is possible for one who is still living, what was promised to the thief who hung beside Christ: "Today you will be with me in paradise." - from Journey of the Mind to Godby Saint Bonaventure