Saint Bonaventure
Feast day: July 15
Seraphic Doctor of the Church, Franciscan theologian and mystic, model of wisdom and humility.
Giovanni di Fidanza was born around 1221 in Bagnoregio, Italy. He entered the Franciscan Order and studied in Paris with Saint Thomas Aquinas.
A doctor of theology, he became master at the University of Paris and minister general of the Franciscans in 1257.
His works — especially «The Journey of the Mind to God» — unite theology and contemplation.
Named cardinal and bishop of Albano in 1273. He died at the Council of Lyon on July 15, 1274.
Declared Doctor of the Church in 1588. His liturgical feast is July 15. He is invoked for wisdom, study, and spiritual life.
Dedicated prayer
To the Seraphic Doctor, we ask contemplative wisdom, humility, and ardent love for the crucified Christ.
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