St. Bonaventure
Feast day: July 15
Born in Italy in 1221, Bonaventure was reported to have been cured of a serious illness through the intercession of St. Francis of Assisi. He became a Franciscan and after making his vows, went to Paris to complete his studies. He received his doctorate on the same day as Thomas Aquinas. Bonaventure became minister general of the Franciscans and worked tirelessly to restore it to a united, dynamic order. In 1273, he was made cardinal. It is said that he refused the traditional red hat and asked papal legates to leave it hanging from a tree. Bonaventure is called “The Seraphic Doctor” and is known for his numerous mystical and ascetical treatises. He was canonized in 1482 and declared a Doctor of the Church in 1588.
Collect
Grant, we pray, almighty God,
that, just as we celebrate the heavenly birthday
of the Bishop Saint Bonaventure,
we may benefit from his great learning
and constantly imitate the ardor of his charity.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
