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Sept. 11, Bl. Bonaventure of Barcelona, Confessor of the first Order. Bonaventure, who was born in 1620 of poor parents in Barcelona, spent his youth working in the fields. He heard the call of God …More
Sept. 11, Bl. Bonaventure of Barcelona, Confessor of the first Order.
Bonaventure, who was born in 1620 of poor parents in Barcelona, spent his youth working in the fields. He heard the call of God early in life. He was married against his will, but lost his virtuous wife a few months later. He then entered the Franciscans as a lay brother. From then on his whole live was spent in continual union with God, and in the practice of the most severe mortification. Although a lay brother, he was called upon to found several contemplative monasteries in Italy, for which he composed statutes which were approved by the Pope. He built the monastery of St. Bonaventure in Rome. Named Guardian several times, he carried out his duties with the greatest prudence. Men of great learning and even Popes came to consult him about their difficulties, drawn by the renown of his sanctity. He died in Rome on September 11, 1684, and was beatified by Pius X on June 10, 1906. – (from) The Franciscan Supplement.