By: Zachary Hayes, OFM

St. Bonaventure (1221-1274) is known as the Seraphic Doctor in honor of one of the qualities of his teaching-the purest love. Described by Etienne Gilson as “a St. Francis of Assisi gone philosopher and lecturing at the University of Paris,” the scholar saint was healed by St. Francis as an infant. A contemporary of Thomas Aquinas, he was taught by Alexander of Hales, and became head of the Franciscan order during a time of great upheaval. He left us with a treasure of classic writings of philosophical mysticism that explored the ascent of our minds and souls to God.

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