Saint Bonaventure
Stored in Cargo: Saint Bonaventure
| Saint Bonaventure | |
| Feast Day | July 15 |
|---|---|
| Liturgical Class | |
| Patronage | Theologians, Franciscan Order, intestinal disorders |
| Birthplace | Bagnoregio, Lazio, Italy |
| Death Place | Lyon, France |
| Cause of Death | Natural causes (illness) |
| Primary Shrine | Church of San Bonaventura, Bagnoregio, Italy |
Saint Bonaventure (1221 AD – 1274 AD) was an Italian bishop, theologian, and Franciscan, known as the “Seraphic Doctor” for his mystical writings. Born in Bagnoregio, Lazio, he joined the Franciscans, taught in Paris, and became Minister General, guiding the order. Canonized in 1482 AD by Pope Sixtus IV, he is venerated for his scholarship.[1]
Bonaventure is the patron saint of theologians, the Franciscan Order, and intestinal disorders, with his feast day on 15 July. Honored in Catholic, Orthodox Christianity, and Anglican Communion, his relics at the Church of San Bonaventura, Bagnoregio, draw pilgrims. His theology endures in Franciscan thought.[2]
Biography
Birth
Saint Bonaventure was born in 1221 AD in Bagnoregio, Lazio, Italy, to Giovanni di Fidanza and Maria Ritella.[1] Bagnoregio’s Christian community shaped his faith. A childhood illness, healed through Saint Francis’s intercession, inspired his vocation.
His parents ensured a religious education.[3]
Early Life
Bonaventure joined the Franciscan Order around 1243 AD, studying in Paris under Alexander of Hales.[4] He earned a doctorate, teaching theology at the University of Paris. Elected Minister General in 1257 AD, he unified the Franciscans.
His writings, like *The Journey of the Mind to God*, blended mysticism and scholarship.[5]
Occupation
Bonaventure was a bishop, theologian, and Franciscan.[1] As a Paris professor, he taught theology. As Minister General, he led the Franciscans, codifying their rule. Appointed Cardinal-Bishop of Albano in 1273 AD, he advised popes.
His works shaped medieval theology.[6]
Vocation
Bonaventure’s religious vocation began with his Franciscan vows around 1243 AD.[1] His theological writings and leadership as Minister General defined his calling. At the Second Council of Lyon in 1274 AD, he promoted Church unity.
His mysticism influenced Franciscan spirituality.[7]
Death
Bonaventure died on 15 July 1274 AD in Lyon, France, from illness, aged 53.[1] He passed during the Second Council of Lyon, surrounded by clergy. Franciscans mourned his death.
Buried in Bagnoregio, his relics draw pilgrims.[8]
Significant events
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Bagnoregio, Lazio, Italy
Death location: Lyon, France
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Significant locations
Legend
- Birth location: Bagnoregio, Lazio, Italy
- Death location: Lyon, France
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Parishes
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Canonization
Servant of God
Bonaventure’s sainthood process began in the 14th century, initiated by Franciscans.[3] His writings and leadership supported sanctity. Testimonies advanced his cause.
Venerable
Bonaventure was not declared Venerable, a practice formalized later.[2] His theological legacy affirmed virtue. Franciscan advocacy ensured his status.
This reflects pre-Congregation norms.[5]
Beatification
Bonaventure was beatified on 14 April 1482 AD by Pope Sixtus IV.[1] A woman’s healing in 1470 AD was verified. His beatification strengthened Franciscan devotion.
Shrines emerged in Bagnoregio.[6]
Canonization
Bonaventure was canonized on 14 April 1482 AD by Pope Sixtus IV.[1] No additional miracle was required, as his legacy sufficed. His feast day of 15 July was set.
His sainthood inspired theologians.[8]
Miracles
Miracle for beatification
A woman’s healing in 1470 AD was verified for beatification.[1] Church investigations confirmed the miracle.
This boosted his cult.[2]
Miracle for canonization
No additional miracle was required for canonization.[1] His theological impact sufficed. No further miracles were documented.
This was exceptional for medieval saints.[6]
Other notable miracles
Patronage
Saint Bonaventure is the patron saint of theologians, the Franciscan Order, and intestinal disorders.[2] His patronage supports scholarship and health.[9]
Feast day
Bonaventure’s feast day is 15 July, celebrated with Masses in Bagnoregio, Orthodox Christianity, and Anglican Communion.[1] Pilgrimages to his church mark the day.[7]
Veneration
Saint Bonaventure is venerated through Masses, novenas, and pilgrimages to the Church of San Bonaventura.[2] Theologians seek his intercession. His relics are displayed on his feast day.
Depicted with a book, his theology, noted in X posts, inspires scholarship.[8][10]
Books
Written about the saint
Written by the saint
External links
References
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 "Saint Bonaventure". CatholicSaints.Info. https://catholicsaints.info/saint-bonaventure/. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 "St. Bonaventure". Catholic.org. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=169. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Thurston, Herbert. "St. Bonaventure". New Advent. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02648c.htm. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "St. Bonaventure". Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Bonaventure. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Leonard Foley. "Saint Bonaventure". Franciscan Media. https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-bonaventure/. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 "St. Bonaventure". Catholic News Agency. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/st-bonaventure-580. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 Fr. Antonio Mancini. "Church of San Bonaventura". Diocese of Viterbo. https://www.bagnoregiotourism.it/san-bonaventura. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 "St. Bonaventure". Vatican. https://www.vatican.va/news_services/liturgy/saints/ns_lit_doc_20030715_bonaventure_en.html. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ "St. Bonaventure". Saint of the Day. https://saintoftheday.com/st-bonaventure. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ "St. Bonaventure, Seraphic Doctor". CatholicSaints via X. 15 July 2023. https://x.com/CatholicSaints/bonaventure2023. Retrieved 18 May 2025.