St. Bonaventure died seven hundred and fifty years ago. He was one of the most important thinkers of the Middle Ages and a master among the theologians of his day. On October 24, 2024, the Franciscan Studies Institute in Cracow, Poland, celebrated the anniversary of his death by conducting a study session dedicated to this exceptional figure. He is defined by some as the second founding father of the Franciscan Order.
“Bonaventure is undoubtedly one of the most eminent thinkers of the medieval period,” said the Director of the Institute, Friar Piotr BIELENIN. “He combines great wisdom with personal sanctity. This was reflected in both his canonization and his proclamation as a Doctor of the Church. His theological, mystical and hagiographic works have inspired many generations of theologians over the centuries, not just Franciscan ones. The modern era also draws on his rich legacy.”
Indeed, Bonaventurian thought is deeply rooted in the intellectual reflection of our day. This was demonstrated by the speakers at the event, Friar Robert WOŹNIAK from Cracow, Friar Zdzisław KIJAS from Rome and Friar Jerzy SZYMIK from Katowice, Poland. They pointed to three important, 20th century theologians as examples: Romano GUARDINI, Hans Urs VON BALTHASAR and Joseph RATZINGER/Benedict XVI.
Friar Jan M. SZEWEK
