Saint Bonaventure (1221-1274)

Saint Bonaventure was born in 1221 in Italy. He was a prominent theologian and bishop and is now a Doctor of the Church. As a young child, Bonaventure was cured of a fatal illness through prayers to Saint Francis of Assisi. After joining the Franciscans and rigorously studying theology and philosophy, Bonaventure became a professor of theology. He wrote extensively on philosophy and theology, but also defended his order and played an integral role in meaningfully explaining the essence and purpose of the lives of the Franciscans.