St Bonaventure.
1221-1274. ~ Born Giovanni di Fidanza, in the Italian town of Bagnorea, he received a good all round education, taught by Alexander of Hales. After completing his studies, he entered the Franciscan order and taught scripture and theology in Paris. He became one of the best theologians of his time through his numerous writings. Bonaventure was the author of many Biblical writings and he wrote over five hundred biographies of Franciscans, including St Francis himself, whom he greatly admired. It was St Francis who gave Bonaventure his name.
After a number of years in the order, he was given the post of head (Master General) of the Franciscans’ house and ruled with a firm, but fair hand. The monks liked admired and had great respect for him. His re-organisation of the order brought hundreds of new applicants all hoping for a place in the order. Although his teaching methods were a little different to those of St Francis, he insisted that all his monks undertake serious and detailed studies of the scriptures as well as theology. For this he realised he needed specially designed buildings to house the school and hundreds of religious books.
It was at this time, Bonaventure was offered the position of Archbishop of York, but he refused. After eight years, he took up the post of cardinal-bishop of Albano, but still insisted on doing his share of menial tasks in the monastery. The pope summoned him to Rome to discuss the agenda for the Council of Lyon. The main topic of the council was to be “creating unity between the Eastern Church and Rome”. Bonaventure succeeded in bringing together the Churches, but sadly he died before it really took effect. He was revered as “The Second Founder of the Franciscans”. He is buried in Lyons and he was made Doctor of the Church in 1588.