Saint Bonaventure, known as "the seraphic doctor," was born in Italy in 1221. He received the name of Bonaventure in consequence of an exclamation of Saint Francis of Assisi, when, in response to the pleading of the child's mother, the saint prayed for the child's recovery from a dangerous illness, and, foreseeing his future greatness, cried out "O Buona ventura"-O good fortune!

At the age of twenty-two St. Bonaventure entered the Franciscan Order. He he became the intimate friend of the great Saint Thomas Aquinas. Like Saint Thomas, he enjoyed the friendship of the holy King, Saint Louis.

At the age of thirty-five he was chosen General of his Order and restored a perfect calm where peace had been disturbed by internal dissensions. He did much for his Order and composed The Life of Saint Francis. He is one of the Doctors of the Western Church.

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