The Diocese of Buffalo recently marked the feast day of St. Bonaventure, whom the diocese recognized for helping the Franciscan order as well contributing to theology.

“Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Bonaventure, a Doctor of the Church and the patron saint of St. Bonaventure University,” the diocese posted on Facebook. "He is best known for his leadership of the Franciscan Order and his contributions to theology and philosophy. St. Bonaventure, pray for us.”

Born in 1217 in Bagnoregio, St. Bonaventure became quite ill while he was still a child, a Britannica report said. With St. Francis of Assisi’s intercession, he recovered, and this boosted his religious belief.

St. Bonaventure studied at the University of Paris, and then he joined the Franciscans; Britannica said. One of his guiding philosophies in life was that he considered the pursuit of truth a form of divine worship and a path to the love of God. He studied, wrote and taught extensively, laying the foundation for him to eventually be designated a Doctor of the Church. In 1273, Pope Gregory X appointed Bonaventure to serve as the Cardinal Bishop of Albano, Italy. Bonaventure died on July 15, 1274; and Catholics celebrate his feast day on the anniversary of his passing. 

Pope Sixtus V bestowed the “Doctor of the Church” title on St. Bonaventure in 1587. The title, which is granted by a pope, is reserved for someone who has made significant and lasting contributions to the Church; a Crossroads Initiative report said. Throughout history, only 37 people have been granted this title. 

Crossroads Initiative noted that one must meet three prerequisites in order to be considered for the title: “1) holiness that is truly outstanding, even among saints; 2) depth of doctrinal insight; and 3) an extensive body of writings which the church can recommend as an expression of the authentic and life-giving Catholic Tradition.”

Italian friars who came to America to establish a Franciscan University founded St. Bonaventure University in New York, the university's website says. The school was dedicated on the Feast of St. Francis in 1858. It was fittingly named after St. Bonaventure because he is the patron saint of Franciscan studies and learning. 

In the early 1900s, the college became the home of the School of Franciscan Studies as well as the Franciscan Institute, the website said.