Atrium - St. Bonaventure Stained-Glass Window

St. Bonaventure (1218-1274) is one of the major figures in the history of the Franciscan Friars. Born Giovanni di Fidanza in Bagnoregio, was a prominent medieval theologian and philosopher. He joined the Franciscan Order and later became its Minister General, significantly contributing to its structural reform. He studied at the University of Paris, where he was in close contact with Thomas Aquinas. In 1273, Pope Gregory X appointed him Cardinal-Bishop of Albano, but he passed away a year later during the Second Council of Lyon. He was canonized on April 14, 1482 by Pope Sixtus IV and declared a Doctor of the Church in 1588 by Pope Sixtus V,

St. Bonaventure is depicted in art wearing a red cardinal's hat to signify his high rank. Common symbols associated with him include a book to represent his scholarship and prolific writings; a cross representing his deep faith and sometimes lilies (although more commonly associated with St. Anthony of Padua). Additionally, he is frequently depicted standing in front of light shining through a window which represents divine inspiration and revelation.

The most famous miracle associated with Bonaventure happened when he was a child. He was severely ill and his mother, in desperation, brought him to St. Francis of Assisi who was preaching nearby. St. Francis prayed over the child, and he was instantly healed. Upon seeing the child's recovery, St. Francis is said to have exclaimed, "O buona ventura!" ("O good fortune!"). The child, originally named Giovanni (John), was called Bonaventure from then on.

Roger Bacon has a special relationship with St. Bonaventure University, a a private Franciscan university in western New York. Established in 1858 by the Franciscans, it is named after St. Bonaventure. The Franciscan friars at the St. Bonaventure Friary belong to the Our Lady of Guadalupe Province which sponsors Roger Bacon High School. Roger Bacon graduates who attend St. Bonaventure University are provided a very generous scholarship due to the shared Franciscan charism of both schools.

A plaque honoring St. Bonaventure can be found outside the President’s Office at Roger Bacon.

His Feast Day is July 15th.

The window is honor of Dave and Nancy Meyer. Dave is a 1963 graduate of Roger Bacon…….