In 1257, at the young age of 36, St. Bonaventure was elected Minister-General of the Franciscan Order. He has been called, with much justification, the Order’s “second founder.” St. Francis himself had died in 1226. In the years following his death, the Franciscans were coming under criticism as a result of a huge increase in numbers, poor organization (attributed to Francis’ “style” of leadership), and what resulted was growing division into factions.
While strongly defending the ideals of St. Francis, St. Bonaventure insisted on a new path for the Friars: including the need for study, on having libraries, and having proper buildings. He approved of the Friars studying and teaching in universities. He saw the Franciscan “role” in the Church as complementing the work of the diocesan clergy through preaching and spiritual direction. The clergy of the day were often poorly educated and lacking in spirituality.
Within the Franciscan community, St. Bonaventure urged what we might call “a middle way.” He opposed the so-called “Spirituals” who promoted material poverty above all as being the true teaching of their first founder. At the same time, St. Bonaventure’s own ideals of a simple life of frugal poverty, hard work, and detachment from riches were a reality in his own life.
Let us pray. “Grant, we pray, almighty God, that, just as we celebrate the heavenly birthday of Saint Bonaventure, we may benefit from his great learning and constantly imitate his selfless charity. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you for ever and ever. Amen.”
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Today marks the 34th anniversary of the ordination of our pastor, Fr. Mark. He chose the feastday of St. Bonaventure as his ordination day because of Bonaventure’s desire to complement the work of diocesan clergy. We have it on good authority that he has prayed for St. Bonaventure’s good and holy intercession every day since July 15, 1989!
“Remember, it was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you. This I command you: love one another.” John 15, 16-17
