Bonaventure, << BON uh `vehn` chehr, >> Saint (1221-1274), was a medieval theologian and religious leader. In 1257, he became minister general of the Franciscan religious order. Bonaventure restored unity among disagreeing friars within the order. He supported the Franciscan ideal of poverty but also defended the possession of books and buildings for the pursuit of learning. He believed friars should study and teach in universities. He wrote many influential religious works and a biography of Saint Francis of Assisi, the Franciscans’ founder.
Bonaventure was born in Bagnorea, near Viterbo, Italy. His family name was Fidanza. Bonaventure studied and taught at the University of Paris during the mid-1200’s. Bonaventure was named cardinal bishop of Albano in 1273. He died on July 15, 1274. He was canonized (declared a saint) in 1482. Bonaventure’s feast day is July 15.
