Saint Bonaventure, considered the second founder of the Franciscan Order, is credited with giving structure to the Franciscan way of life and the spirituality of St. Francis.
Last year marked the 750th anniversary of the death of Saint Bonaventure, who died at the age of 57, in Lyon, France on July 15, 1274. Canonized by Pope Sixtus IV in 1482, St. Bonaventure was awarded the title Doctor of the Church by Pope Sixtus V in 1588.
Bonaventure was great in learning, but no less great in humility and holiness. His innocence and dove-like simplicity were such that Alexander of Hales, the renowned doctor whose disciple St. Bonaventure became, used to say of him that it seemed as though Adam had never sinned in him.
In recognition of the 750th anniversary, Minister General Friar Carlos Trovarelli asked Friar Orlando Todisco, Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at the Pontifical Theological Faculty of St. Bonaventure in Rome, for a commemorative essay on Saint Bonaventure. Friar Orlando focused on Bonaventure as a man of government and professorship. (Learn more about the essay.)
The Ministers General of the First Order and the Third Order Regular published a letter to the Franciscan Family, asking all to learn more about St. Bonaventure. The Letter is entitled: “St. Bonaventure: A Voice Still Relevant Today.” (See more about the letter.)
To learn more about Saint Bonaventure and his Christocentric view, check out the reflection by Friar Arturo Felix – The Christocentric View.
