(1221-1274) The Doctor Seraphicus, or the Seraphic Doctor, was cured from a disease in childhood by the prayers of Saint Francis of Assisi, and he joined the new Franciscan order in his early twenties in his native Italy. He studied and taught theology and philosophy in Paris, where he became friends with Saint Thomas Aquinas and Saint Louis IX, King of France. Bonaventure carefully collected documents and interviews of Saint Francis and wrote the official biography. He also wrote commentaries on the scriptures and textbooks for philosophy and theology, earning him the title of Doctor of the Church.

Teaching was one of Saint Bonaventure’s great charisms, a gift that helps build others and the Church. While we don’t all have the expertise to be a Doctor of the Church, any person with experience in the Twelve Steps can help accompany another where they have been themselves. This is a gift both for sponsor and sponsee. What is your relationship to sponsorship?

“When we pray, the voice of the heart must be heard more than that proceeding from the mouth” (Saint Bonaventure).

Reflection by Brad Farmer