Bonaventure, monk, bishop, reconciler

Today is Bonaventure's feast. I particularly like Bonaventure, for a couple of reasons.

He was Franciscan in the generation after Francis. The order had divided by this point--into those who observed complete poverty and owned nothing, and those who were university professors and owned a few things, necessarily books.

Bonaventure was of the second group, which said they were living the spirit and heart of Francis, and that in their calling, books and few other possessions were necessary.

The order was on the verge of division, and Bonaventure effected a reconciliation. One may now be Franciscan in the observance of poverty in two ways--one way is owning nothing. The other is owning nothing in our hearts, and living in the knowledge that all we own belongs to God, and that we are just stewards of them. We own or are stewards of things; they don't own us.

His theological writings are useful and good, but that isn't the other reason I like him. His contemporaries noted his personal characteristics: gentle courtesy, compassion, accessibility, and humility. He served as the Minister General of the order, and when in 1273 was nominated cardinal-bishop of Albano, and was commanded to not refuse, he had the papal messengers wait while he finished the dishes in the friary of Mugello (near Florence). He told them to hang the miter on a tree branch because his hands were dirty. He also nearly effected a reconciliation between the Eastern and Western churches.

We named our chapel/library/music room after him, thinking it fitting. (The Oratory of St. Bonaventure, "Bonny" room for short, the altar with the reserved Sacrament being called the "Bonny Altar.") The brother has the heart we wish for us, and for all Christians.

We thank our God for his heart and example, and pray to be like Him, as he was like Christ. Bonaventure, pray for us.



br. francis