Saint Bonaventure E-Book

Laurence Costelloe

• Herausgeber: Cervantes Digital
• Kategorie: Religion und Spiritualität
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2024

Beschreibung

Dive into the depths of medieval spirituality with "Saint Bonaventure" by acclaimed author Laurence Costelloe. In this illuminating biography, Costelloe unveils the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of one of the most revered figures in Christian history.

Follow the footsteps of Bonaventure of Bagnoregio, the Seraphic Doctor, from his humble beginnings in Italy to his ascent as a leading theologian and mystic of the Franciscan Order. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, Costelloe brings to life the pivotal moments and profound insights that shaped Bonaventure's journey.

Discover Bonaventure's spiritual awakening amidst the tumultuous backdrop of the 13th century, as he navigates the intellectual and spiritual currents of his time. From his encounters with Saint Francis of Assisi to his pivotal role in shaping the theological tradition of the Franciscan Order, Bonaventure's life emerges as a testament to the power of faith and devotion.

But "Saint Bonaventure" is more than just a biography – it's a journey into the heart of medieval spirituality and the enduring relevance of Bonaventure's teachings for today's world. Costelloe expertly explores Bonaventure's timeless insights into the nature of God, the soul, and the journey of spiritual transformation, inviting readers to deepen their own spiritual practice and understanding.

With its engaging narrative and profound insights, "Saint Bonaventure" is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of theology, mysticism, and Christian spirituality. Join Laurence Costelloe on this captivating journey into the life and legacy of one of Christianity's most beloved saints.

Leseprobe

Copyright 2024

Cervantes Digital

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

FOREWORD

CHAPTER I. CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH.

CHAPTER II. SANCTITY AND LEARNING.

CHAPTER III. THE MENDICANT ORDERS ASSAILED.

CHAPTER IV. THE MENDICANTS VINDICATED.

CHAPTER V. MINISTER-GENERAL.

CHAPTER VI. DISCIPLINE AND OBSERVANCE.

CHAPTER VII. INCIDENTS OF ADMINISTRATION.

CHAPTER VIII. ST. FRANCIS' BIOGRAPHER.

CHAPTER IX. INTERIOR SPIRIT.

CHAPTER X. LOVE OF GOD.

CHAPTER XI. THE ARCHBISHOPRIC OF YORK.

CHAPTER XII. MISCELLANEOUS ANECDOTES OF THE SAINT.

CHAPTER XIII. THE CARDINALATE.

CHAPTER XIV. DEATH.

CHAPTER XV. CANONIZATION.

NOTES

FOREWORD

The life of Saint Bonaventure, the "Seraphic Doctor," is now appropriately presented to the public as the first of the Franciscan lives in this "Series of the Lives of the Friar Saints". Till the days of this "Second Founder of the Franciscan Order," the simplicity of our Holy Father St. Francis had been the salient feature of his institute: no successful effort had hitherto been made to organize the growing Order unto the full measure of its efficiency. Speaking generally, everything so far had been left to individual initiative, and the keynote of those early days is struck in the liberty enjoyed by the individual--a liberty which, though charming to contemplate and of irresistible appeal to a democratic age, is yet incompatible with the distinctive work a corporate body must perforce fulfil if its deeds are to justify its existence. To effect this purpose a certain amount of that rigid uniformity attendant on all organization was imperatively demanded.

Under the influence of St. Bonaventure this was successfully accomplished. Among the many elements that entered into this process of development we must, perhaps, assign the most conspicuous place to the systematic pursuit of learning which our Saint engrafted on St. Francis' ideal of contemplation and zeal, and which, under the guidance of God's Providence, has been destined to render the Franciscan Order an effective force in dealing with the world's most vital problems. Together with this pursuit of learning came the introduction into the Order of a uniform exterior observance; an observance inculcated and fostered by a systematized code of Constitutions and ordinances which remain substantially the same to-day as when first framed centuries ago.

The life of St. Bonaventure may, accordingly, be considered as the ideal to which the modern Franciscan tends: an ideal in which the simplicity of St. Francis is blended with a thorough grasp of the latest developments in scientific thought: in which personal holiness, because cognizant of self-weakness, is large-hearted and generous in its sympathy with others: in which the multitudinous details of active and administrative life are raised by a strong interior spirit from what might be a fertile source of distraction into a means of closer union with God.

We have now but to add that the following pages on the life-work of St. Bonaventure, written by the late Fr. Laurence Costelloe, O.F.M., are based on the critical life of the Seraphic Doctor contained in the tenth volume of his works (Quaracchi, 1902). At the request of his superiors he intended to revise and publish his work, but sudden death frustrated his design. This revision has now been undertaken by the Rev. Fr. Leo, O.F.M., who has verified the sources, and introduced such changes as were demanded by the prescribed length of this work.

CHAPTER I. CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH.

It is refreshing to turn from the depressing materialism of the present time to the inspiring faith of the Middle Ages. The change of outlook is invigorating; it has on the soul the effect which a bracing atmosphere has on the body.

The temper of modern times tends to enfeeble our sense of the supernatural. If we would maintain undiminished our spiritual vigour we must withdraw occasionally from its influence and endeavour to dwell for a time in a more healthy religious atmosphere.

This is why I would take my readers back to the thirteenth century--a period glowing with the faith and fervour of the great spiritual revival effected by St. Francis and St. Dominic. I do not intend to treat of that epoch and its characteristics generally; a field so wide could be but very imperfectly surveyed in these pages. I think we shall receive a clearer and more forcible impression of it if we study it as exemplified in the life of one of those great saints who personified its spirit in themselves. Of course we should find this in all its fulness in St. Francis, but there are so many works treating of the Seraphic Patriarch that only the discovery of some entirely new aspect of his marvellous life would fully justify another. I do not pretend to this; but I consider that we shall achieve our purpose by studying the life of one of Francis' most remarkable sons, viz. the Seraphic Doctor, St. Bonaventure. This great man presents to us an aspect of the Franciscan spirit which those who study the life of St. Francis in all its literal simplicity may fail to discover. For actual pre-eminence in learning and the establishment of means to secure its continuance amongst his followers do not at first sight appear to receive either approval or support from the life of St. Francis. Learning and the honour naturally attaching to it seem to savour of temporal greatness, but direct and absolute opposition to this was the dominant note in Francis' life. He would have his brethren called "Friars Minor," or lesser brethren, and he directly says in his Rule: "Let those who are unlearned not seek to learn". Yet we find St. Bonaventure--deeply imbued with the spirit of St. Francis, and seventh General of his Order--bearing the high dignity of Master of Theology and Arts, and as Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church, occupying one of the most exalted stations in Christendom.

In the course of our survey we shall discover the secret of this apparent anomaly. No one appears to have been more fully alive to its existence than St. Bonaventure himself, as frequent references to it in his writings testify. It is from these references and the explanations they contain that we receive the truest insight into the development of the spirit of learning in the Franciscan Order.