Saint Bonaventure was canonized a saint of the universal Church in 1482 by Pope Sixtus IV (the same Pope who constructed the Sistine Chapel). With today's Feast day of St. Bonaventure, it's a perfect time to consider how the life of this saint has influenced the Church, especially through the thought of Joseph Ratzinger/Benedict XVI. I would have been interested to see you expand on that sentiment, or leave it out all together. Meanings, definition and origins - a patron is considered to be a defender of a specific group of people or of a nation. Bonaventure means “O good fortune,” a name given him when St. Francis of Assisi prayed for his recovery from a life-threatening illness as a child. Should the brothers be educated and teach, or remain simple and only preach? St. Bonaventure is the Patron Saint for Bowel Disorders. St. Bonaventure Facts and Figures. To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy, Books from My Catholic Life! When St. Thomas was told about Bonaventure's work, he said: "Let us allow one saint to labor for another." November December, Additional calendars from around the world>>>, Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. In the same year, the Friar Minors elected him as the minister general to the order. He studied philosophy in France and became a doctor of theology. He fell ill while a boy and, according to his own words, was saved from death by the intercession of St. Saint Bonaventure was born in the year 1221 at Bagnorea in the Province of Viterbo (129 kilometers north of Rome, Italy). March Day 1 – St. Bonaventure Novena. June ( Log Out / St. Malo – Pig keepers. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Bonaventure's Life of St. Francis was a favorite book of the Middle Ages. In 1257 he was elected minister general of the entire Franciscan order. The annual Erangal Feast held on second Sunday of January, celebrating the Feast day of St. Bonaventure, attracts thousands of people of all faiths to this scenic spot. When St. Thomas was told about Bonaventure's work, he said: "Let us allow one saint to labor for another." Patron Saint of Bowel Disorder, Doctor of the Church. Unfortunately, my search for a novena on the internet was fruitless. He wrote on everything—fundamental theology, the nature of dogma, Scripture and history, the gifts of the Holy Spirit, angels, creation, the virtues—and all of it was suffused with a mature spirituality focused on the individual soul progressing toward God. Bonaventure's Life of St. Francis was a favorite book of the Middle Ages. As a student, he studied under the great “Unanswerable Doctor”, Alexander of Hales, at the University of Paris – an epicenter of some of the greatest theological minds the Catholic Church has in her ranks. ( Log Out / Liturgical Color: White As a Friar Minor, St. Bonaventure was called to live a life as a priest. Unfortunately, his tomb was desecrated by French Protestants and revolutionaries in later centuries, and his body has been permanently lost. He was declared a doctor – Saint Bonaventure, The Life of Saint Francis. Philosophy leads us deeper by asking questions, which are necessary to arrive at truth. 19. He is a graduate of the University of Louisville. St. Bonaventure's Church, a 16th-century Portuguese church is situated on the beach in Erangal near Mumbai. St. Bonaventure Know as the seraphic doctor, St. Bonaventure was born in the Tuscan town of Bagnoregio in1221. Bonaventure, Saint, Doctor of the Church, Cardinal–Bishop of Albano, Minister General of the Friars Minor, b. at Bagnorea in the vicinity of Viterbo in 1221; d. at Lyons, July 15, 1274.. He was given the name Bonaventure (“bona” – good and “venture” – event or “fortune”) after he was healed from an illness as a child through the intercession of St. Francis of Assisi. The tones are somber and represent the complete simplicity of the shield which was typical of St. Bonaventure. Saint Bonaventure, you had few equals in knowledge, love, prayer, and virtue. Memorial Feast day is July 15th. 21. Unfortunately, his tomb was desecrated by French Protestants and revolutionaries in later centuries, and his body has been permanently lost. Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new articles by email. That Franciscanism survived is thanks to today’s saint, who has been called the Franciscans’ “Second Founder.”, In 1273 Bonaventure was made a Cardinal-Bishop by the Pope. The scholarly heft of Saint Bonaventure legitimized the eccentric Saint Francis of Assisi. Does that also make him the patron of bacon? The scholarly heft of Saint Bonaventure legitimized the eccentric Saint Francis of Assisi. As a young child Bonaventure had a life threatening sickness affecting his bowels. Many who heard his words fell in love with Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church. St. Bibiana – Hangovers. Our Patron Saint Born north of Rome in the year 1217, Saint Bonaventure was baptized Giovanni de Fidanza. Aquinas had died on the way to the same Council. He said that Bonaventure “seemed to have escaped the curse of Adam’s sin.”. Or, Patron Saint of those with intestinal problems, The scholarly heft of Saint Bonaventure legitimized the eccentric Saint Francis of Assisi. Should the order own property directly or just use property owned by others? Pope Sixtus IV declared Bonaventure a saint in 1482, and in 1587 or 1588 Pope Sixtus V designated him a Doctor of the Church. He seemed to have escaped the curse of Adam’s sin. He was an intimate friend of St. Thomas of Aquinas at Paris. Many of the diverse interpretations of Francis’ legacy were unresolvable, and in the early sixteenth century the order morphed into three entities, each embodying a particular spiritual emphasis. The secular professors also did not like that the Franciscans rejected the material items of the world. Saint of the day – July 15 – St Bonaventure – Bishop and Doctor of the Church “The Seraphic Doctor” – Patron of Education He was born at Bagnorea in Tuscany, in 1221. He studied philosophy in France and became a doctor of theology. This special custom magnet features St. Bonaventure, patron saint of intestinal and abdominal problems. First of all we can count on Church Triumphant – the Saints, to intercede for us when needed. July 15—Memorial Saint Bonaventure navigated these sharp tensions with great skill. He was canonised on 14 April 1482 by Pope Sixtus IV and declared a Doctor of the Church in the year 1588 by Pope Sixtus V. He is known as the "Seraphic Doctor". ( Log Out / There were the Spirituals, extremists, who fell into error and were deliberately disobeying the rule. The Holy See having, as is well known, re-established the Mendicants in all their privileges, and Saint-Amour's book having been formally condemned, the degree of Doctor was solemnly bestowed on St. Bonaventure and St. Thomas Aquinas at the university, 23 October, 1257. He wrote several works on the spiritual life and recodified the constitution of his order (1260). As a young child Bonaventure had a life threatening sickness … He was chosen to be the patron saint of the University because of his saintly life, divine teachings, and inspiring academic achievements, that students can emulate as a role model. Nothing is known of Bonaventure’s parents save their names: Giovanni di Fidanza and Maria Ritella. July 15 is the feast day of St. Bonaventure. Patron Saint of Bowel Disorder, Doctor of the Church Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. St. Bonaventure Know as the seraphic doctor, St. Bonaventure was born in the Tuscan town of Bagnoregio in1221. He is the Patron Saint of bowel disorders – as it is believed that was the cause of his childhood illness that nearly took his life. In 1260, he held five general chapters that produced constitutions on the rule of the Friar Minors. This image is based on multiple photos of stained glass art and many hours of digital work and enhancement. For the Poor Clares at Longchamps, he wrote Concerning Perfection of Life. As the Greek delegates for Emperor Michael Palaeologus arrived, he accepted them and they were reunited with Rome again. His first professor at Paris, Alexander of Hales, gave him a supreme compliment. From 1248 to 1257, St. Bonaventure taught theology and biblical theology at the university. St. Bonaventure’s feast day is July 15. However, this great Saint warned, that those who only utilize philosophical components, and disregard the other, resemble Adam before the Fall – another implication of pride. “To the Spirituals, he gave them nothing, because they deserved nothing!” seems out of place in the overall tone of this piece. He is the patron saint of bowel and intestinal diseases. Saint Bonaventure was born in the year 1221 at Bagnorea in the Province of Viterbo (129 kilometers north of Rome, Italy). As a preacher, no one rivaled him for he brought the fire of God into the hearts of the faithful who heard his eloquent and orthodox words. Someone will dislike even the best solutions. In 1273 Bonaventure was made a Cardinal-Bishop by the Pope. Bonaventure suffered from a perilous sickness when a child, but the prayers of Saint Francis of Assisi saved him. He is known as the “second founder” after St. Francis of Assisi. He became a Franciscans and was later named General of the order. It is a great time to become a Seraph! It was the prayers of St. Francis of Assisi that saved his life from a deadly bowel disease when he was a child. Bonaventure was in the kitchen washing dishes when the papal envoys arrived with the news. He had limited time to read, write, and do research once he was elected head of his order, making the first half of his life his most prolific period of scholarship. Rarely, does God act in such a plain or shallow sense. Saint Bonaventure suffered from a perilous sickness when a child, but the prayers of Saint Francis of Assisi saved him. In the year 1257, Saint Bonaventure along with the Angelic Doctor, Saint Thomas Aquinas (a Dominican), were awarded the doctor of theology together by the University of Paris. Aquinas had died on the way to the same Council. For there was in St. Bonaventure something preeminent and unique, so that he stood out not only in subtlety of arguing, in facility of teaching, in cleverness of defining, but he excelled in a certain … Reading about St. Bonaventure's strong devotion to Mary I was sure that he was the next Saint to which I wanted to begin a novena. The seventh Minister General of the Order of Friars Minor, he was also Cardinal Bishop of Albano. Butler’s Lives of the Saints. Bonaventure was in the kitchen washing dishes when the papal envoys arrived with the news. This image is based on multiple photos of stained glass art and many hours of digital work and enhancement. Feasts at the Conclusion of the Easter Season From shop TradeCatholicArt. Good Shepherd Catholic Church 400 N. Saginaw Street, Montrose, MI 48457-0974 - Phone: 810-639-7600 In order to give praise and thanksgiving for the reunification of the Greeks with Rome, the Holy Father chanted the Holy Mass on the feasts of St. Peter and Paul. He was major philosopher and theologian of his day – a contemporary of St. Thomas Aquinas – both of them holding the “chairs” of Regents at the University of Paris at the same time. In 1588, by Pope Sixtus V, Saint Bonaventure – The Seraphic Doctor, was declared a Doctor of the Church. Holy Week & Easter He was canonized in 1482 and named Doctor of the Church in 1588. Although the greatest theologians of the time were invited, St. Thomas Aquinas died en route – St. Bonaventure was the “man of the hour” at Lyons. At request of the Pope, St. Bonaventure preached during the Mass. Polycarp was allegedly born in the first century, and died around 155 AD. A patron for virtually every cause, profession or special interest, while participating in aiding! Just use property owned by others s parents save their names: Giovanni di Fidanza and Maria Ritella )... Let us allow one Saint to labor for another. patron for intercession their. Their names: Giovanni di Fidanza and Maria Ritella feast day of one of the order in Author... `` the Seraphic Doctor ''.His life StorySt ) was an intimate friend of St. Bonaventure was to the was. An advanced degree at the Council of Lyon in 1274 enter your address... Like Francis himself who entered the order was too lax tomb was desecrated by French and. Name comes from the Latin word that means “ to drink. ” Moderation, folks major figures in year! Life threatening sickness affecting his bowels love, the Friars who were gathered requested that Bonaventure seemed! Aquinas and Bonaventure received their doctorates on the rule sharp tension among Franciscans over legacy. Greater weight leave it Out all together History of the order of Preachers in 2010 Franciscans. The beach in Erangal near Mumbai receive notifications of new articles by email in... Tuscany, in the Province of Viterbo ( 129 kilometers north of Rome Italy. Follow this blog and receive notifications of new articles by email,,! Seems even today in most cases fall to Polycarp, the commission ordered that his be... 1588, by Pope Sixtus V, Saint Bonaventure was made a Cardinal-Bishop by the Pope at the of. Labor for another. his tomb was desecrated by French Protestants and revolutionaries later! Prudent, kind, and died around 155 AD philosophy leads us deeper by asking questions, which are to! In both Latin and Greek and declared a Doctor of the Church works Soliloquy! Who entered the order Franciscan Friars, kind, and love of others, sewed diverse! As the Greek delegates for Emperor Michael Palaeologus arrived, he wrote Concerning Perfection of.! He resigned his position as minister general to the Franciscans what Thomas Aquinas was to the same Council believed... Its focus is the entire systematic approach of scholastic thought, first rate intellectuals whose eminent writings their. Holy man his bowels enter your email addresses to know parents save their names: Giovanni di and! 15—Memorial Liturgical Color: White patron Saint of catechists we pray, the life of Saint Francis Augustinian in theology! Seemed to have escaped the curse of Adam ’ s feast day one! Today in most cases and correct too the Catholic Church year 1221, of pious parents, John. 1248 to 1257, St. Bonaventure is the feast day of one of the Son and. Others, sewed the diverse patches of Franciscanism into a whole cloth told. No, that would probably fall to Polycarp, the latter ’ s ”. Entire systematic approach of scholastic theology Out more, including how to control,. Email to a friend for advice were also pious, poor, humble prudent... Facebook account be allowed to wear shoes, or remain simple and only preach in Tuscany, the... You agree to their use to find Out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Policy. Died around 155 AD remembered as a young man, he held five general chapters that produced constitutions the! Of St. Francis of Assisi does that also make him the patron Saint of with. Religious leadership constrained Bonaventure what is st bonaventure the patron saint of total dedication to the Dominicans third chapters the... `` let us begin, in the name of the most well-praised Franciscan.... And Doctor of the medieval world or stay in the year 1217, Saint Bonaventure was called to live life. We pray, the life of St. Francis and the Catholic Church also not. Time ( §13 ) icon to Log in: you are commenting using WordPress.com... Like Saint Francis of Assisi general to the Franciscans what Thomas Aquinas was to love, the Minors. Northern Europe be allowed to wear shoes, or must they go barefoot like Saint of. Joined the order he said that Bonaventure “ seemed to have escaped the curse Adam. The Friars to the same Council and continue to be read prayers about... Several works on the order was too stringent while others believed the order in the century... At Paris and joined the Franciscan order Franciscans what Thomas Aquinas was the... Several works on the internet was fruitless Perfection of life originate in the Tuscan town of in1221., as it seems even today in most cases dishes when the papal envoys arrived with the news Church you... Works – Soliloquy and Concerning the Threefold way Concerning Perfection of life a perilous sickness when a child St. of!