Bonaventure

1221–1274

BONAVENTURE SHOWING THE CRUCIFIX TO THOMAS AQUINAS

Bonaventure was born in modern-day Italy in the 13th century, and at the age of 22 he became a Franciscan friar and undertook studies at the University of Paris, where he famously lectored on The Four Books of Senses, a theology collection written by Peter Lomard a century earlier. By 1253, he held the Franciscan chair at Paris, and four years later he was officially proclaimed master of theology together with Thomas Aquinas. Soon after, he was selected as Archbishop of York, but the position was never finalized, and he resigned a year later.

Bonaventure's significant contributions to the Church, including the unification of the Greek and Latin churches, earned him great favor among the members of his order. He also played a key role in the election of Pope Gregory X, who in turn made him a cardinal and bishop of Albano. Bonaventure died in 1274 under mysterious circumstances, and two centuries later he was canonized by Pope Sixtus V.

Key events during the life of Saint Bonaventure:

Year	Event
1221	Born in modern-day Italy.
1243	Entered the Franciscan order.
1253	Held the Franciscan chair at Paris.
1257	Proclaimed master of theology in company with Thomas Aquinas.
1265	Chosen as Archbishop of York but resigned a year later.
1274	Participated in the Council of Lyon.
	Died, possibly from poisoning.
1482	Canonized by Pope Sixtus V.

Image Links
St. Bonaventure showing his book and the crucifix to St. Thomas Aquinas  in Church History: The Later Middle Ages

Contemporary	Short Biography
Thomas Aquinas	Foremost theologian and philosopher of the Catholic Church. Doctor of the Chruch.
Anthony of Padua	Greatly loved Franciscan preacher and teacher. Many miracles attributed to him.
Elizabeth of Hungary	Widowed princess of Hungary who dedicated her life and wealth to helping the poor.
Pope Boniface VIII	Pope who advocated of papal supremacy against king Philip IV of France, and was ultimately defeated.