As Minister General, St. Bonaventure (1257-1274) insisted that all friaries have orchards and vegetable gardens. The garden was a place where the sick could be refreshed, scholars could be reminded of humility, and the young could develop strength and patience.
The friars at the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi maintain an olive orchard. At the end of October, they spent a day harvesting the olives.
