This Doctor of the Church was friends with St. Thomas Aquinas.
He is considered the second founder of the Franciscan Order.
The Franciscans say he is one of the greatest Doctors of the Church.
Who is St. Bonaventure, and why is he called the “Seraphic Doctor”?
St. Bonaventure was called John when he was born, and it is not certain why or when he became known as Bonaventure.
Some say that when St. Francis of Assisi met John as a baby, he prayed for him that he might be preserved from death. Then he pronounced that the baby would have buona ventura—good fortune—and the nickname stuck.
Since his canonization, St. Bonaventure has also developed the nickname “Seraphic Doctor” for his contributions to Catholic theology and the Franciscan Order.
Seraphim are the highest-ranking angels, and God once appeared to St. Francis as a seraph. St. Bonaventure has therefore been given this angelic epithet because of his great love for God and devotion to St. Francis, who is himself called the “Seraphic Father.”
Like St. Francis, St. Bonaventure wrote in a style that was rich with teaching but also infused with simplicity and humility. He wrote about the goodness of poverty and the simple life—which the Franciscans are known for. He especially focused on applying practicalities to the mysteries of the Faith, demonstrating how aspects of our ordinary life reflect truths about God.
You too can join in the spirituality of the Franciscans by praying a devotion particular to them—the Seven-Decade Seraphic Rosary! This Rosary, also known as the Franciscan Crown, focuses on the Seven Joys of Our Lady. Get your Seraphic Rosary today at The Catholic Company!
