Do you know how St. Bonaventure received his name? Or what his life motto was?
Called the “Second Founder” of the Franciscans, St. Bonaventure was a brilliant scholar dedicated to serving God in all things – whether he was washing dishes or preaching sermons! As we celebrate his memorial on July 15, we invite you to discover five facts about his life and discover where you can find him portrayed in the Basilica.
1. His given name was Giovanni di Fidanza.
Born in the early 13th century, he was said to have received the name “Bonaventure” due to an incident with St. Francis of Assisi. Legend holds that when he was just a boy, he became gravely ill and was miraculously healed by St. Francis. Upon healing him, St. Francis remarked “buona ventura” (good fortune) – inspiring the name by which he is known today.
2. He lived by the motto: “Do common things well and be constantly faithful to small matters.”
After studying theology and philosophy at the University of Paris, at the age of 20, Bonaventure joined the Franciscan Order and quickly ascended to a leadership position. Rather than being caught up in accomplishing “great” things for God, Bonaventure sought to glorify God in the faithful achievement of the ordinary. This disposition was especially demonstrated when Bonaventure was appointed cardinal-bishop of Albano by Pope Gregory X. A delegation was sent to deliver his red cardinal hat and other special items associated with the office, and when they arrived, he was washing dishes. Bonaventure did not stop and greet them, however; he continued his work until the task was finished.
3. He wrote over 500 sermons during his lifetime.
Bonaventure’s dedication to faithfulness in the “small things” did not prevent him from leaving a profound mark on Christian thought and philosophy. Over the course of his lifetime, he penned countless essays, over 500 sermons, and a biography of St. Francis.
4. He is credited as being the “Second Founder” of the Franciscans.
Following Francis’ death, the members of the Franciscan Order fell into disunity and dissension, splitting into two main factions: the “Spirituals,” who favored strict, austere standards of living; and the Relaxists, who were more casual and favored less severe asceticism. Thanks to Bonaventure, both factions were able to unite under a moderate approach, a feat which earned him the designation as the “second founder” of the Franciscans.
5. Bonaventure passed away at the Council of Lyons.
This council accomplished the unification of the eastern and western Churches – an event in keeping with the spirit of Bonaventure’s gift of conflict resolution. Today, his spiritual leadership and profound writings continue to inspire the faithful around the world.
You can find St. Bonaventure portrayed in the East Apse of the Basilica in a Trani marble statue.
Sources:
Butler’s Lives of Saints, ed. Bernard Bangley
The Way of Saints, Dr. Tom Cowan
Rohling, Geraldine M., PhD, MAEd. The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception: Guide and Tour Book. Washington, D.C.: Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, 2018.