Saint Bonaventure, known as “the Seraphic Doctor,” stands among the greatest figures of the medieval Catholic Church. He was a man of extraordinary learning, humility, and sanctity, who devoted his life to following Christ in the spirit of Saint Francis of Assisi. His impact on theology, the Franciscan Order, and the Church at large earned him the titles of Doctor of the Church and patron of theologians and philosophers. His feast day is celebrated each year on July 15, the day of his death in 1274.

Saint Bonaventure is particularly important to us at Discover the Saints because of his devotion to studying the Saints, along with his relationship to some Saints who lived during his time. Saint Bonaventure became a doctor of the Church through studying the Saints, and being inspired and determined by their lives. He also had relationships with many notable saints of his time, including Saint Thomas Aquinas. Saint Bonaventure also wrote the official biography of Saint Francis, helping those past his time discover the great legacy of Francis and his order.

Early Life and Healing

Bonaventure was born in the town of Bagnoregio in the Lazio region of central Italy in the year 1221. His baptismal name was John, but an event in his early childhood led to the new name by which he would be known forever. As a small boy, John became gravely ill, and his mother sought the prayers of the great Saint Francis of Assisi. Upon the child's miraculous recovery, Saint Francis is said to have exclaimed, “O buona ventura!”—“O good fortune!” From that moment on, the child was known as Bonaventure, a name that would come to symbolize not only the good fortune of his healing but the spiritual fortune he would bring to others throughout his life.

Bonaventure’s early healing had a profound impact on his future. Inspired by the life and holiness of Saint Francis, he joined the Franciscan Order at the age of twenty-two. His decision marked the beginning of a lifetime of devotion to the teachings of Christ and the mission of the Church.

Education and Friendships

After entering the Franciscans, Bonaventure was sent to study in Paris, one of the most prestigious centers of learning in Europe at the time. There, he studied under the renowned Franciscan scholar Alexander of Hales, and after Alexander’s death, continued his theological training with John of Rochelle. At the University of Paris, Bonaventure became close friends with another towering intellect of the Church—Saint Thomas Aquinas. Although their theological approaches differed—Aquinas emphasized logical reasoning and scholastic structure, while Bonaventure leaned more toward spiritual and mystical contemplation—the two scholars had deep respect for one another and shaped the future of Catholic theology.

Bonaventure was a model student and an even greater teacher. He received the title of Doctor of Theology alongside Aquinas, though he humbly insisted that Aquinas be granted the honor first. Bonaventure’s deep knowledge was rooted not only in philosophy and theology but also in prayer and contemplation. He believed that studying theology was not simply an academic exercise but a spiritual journey aimed at knowing and loving Christ more deeply.

Leader of the Franciscans

In 1257, at the young age of thirty-five, Bonaventure was elected Minister General of the Franciscan Order. This was a critical time for the Franciscans, who were experiencing internal conflicts over how strictly to observe Saint Francis’s rule of poverty. With wisdom and grace, Bonaventure brought unity and peace back to the Order, leading with the same humility, simplicity, and love for the poor that characterized Saint Francis himself.

Under his leadership, the Franciscans not only stabilized but flourished. Bonaventure restructured the order’s administration and emphasized spiritual formation, helping the friars remain faithful to their calling. During this time, he wrote the Legenda Major, the official biography of Saint Francis, which remains one of the most significant sources on the life of the founder. The work reflects both historical detail and Bonaventure’s deep reverence for his spiritual father.

Cardinal and Theologian

Although Bonaventure never sought worldly honors, his sanctity and intellect made him a valued advisor to Church leaders. He was initially nominated to be the Archbishop of York, but he humbly declined. However, Pope Gregory X later insisted that he accept an even higher office, appointing him Cardinal and Bishop of Albano, one of the major dioceses surrounding Rome.

In this capacity, Bonaventure took part in preparing for the Second Council of Lyons, an important ecumenical council aimed at reuniting the Eastern and Western Churches. During the council itself, in July of 1274, Bonaventure died suddenly—most likely poisoned by those who opposed his influence and reform efforts. His death was deeply mourned, and Pope Gregory X himself led the funeral.

Writings and Spiritual Legacy

Bonaventure’s writings reflect his deep spirituality and theological brilliance. Unlike other scholars of his time who leaned heavily on debate and logic, Bonaventure focused on the heart and soul’s journey toward God. His most famous spiritual work, The Journey of the Mind to God (Itinerarium Mentis in Deum), outlines a path of contemplation that begins with the external world and ends in union with the divine. He taught that intellectual study, when guided by love, leads to a deeper experience of God.

Bonaventure also had a profound devotion to Jesus Christ. In his own words:
“In all your deeds and words you should look upon this Jesus as your model. Do so whether you are walking or keeping silence, or speaking, whether you are alone or with others. He is perfect, and thus you will be not only irreprehensible, but praiseworthy.”

This simple yet powerful rule of life speaks to his approach to holiness: that every action, no matter how small, should be done with Jesus as the example.

Death and Sainthood

Saint Bonaventure died on July 15, 1274, while serving the Church during the Second Council of Lyons. He was canonized in 1482 by Pope Sixtus IV and declared a Doctor of the Church in 1588 by Pope Sixtus V—an honor given to only the most important teachers of the faith. His title Doctor Seraphicus (“Seraphic Doctor”) reflects the burning love and angelic fervor with which he approached God and taught others to do the same.

Patronage and Influence

Today, Saint Bonaventure is the patron saint of theologians, philosophers, the Franciscan order, and those pursuing spiritual wisdom. He is also a patron of those seeking peace and unity in times of division—reflecting the healing role he played in the Franciscan Order. His life reminds us that knowledge without love is incomplete, and that holiness is the true goal of every Christian pursuit, whether through study, service, or prayer. He is also the patron saint of bowel disorders, after being healed of his childhood illness that affected his bowels.

Saint Bonaventure’s life challenges us to think deeply, love humbly, and live simply. He followed in the footsteps of Christ by following the path of Saint Francis, and in doing so, he became a guide for generations of faithful Christians. By studying the lives of the saints—as Bonaventure himself did—we, too, can draw closer to God and pursue the path of sainthood.