St. Bonaventure was born in Tuscany in 1221. He joined the Franciscans when he was 22 years old. After taking his vows, he studied in Paris where he befriended St. Thomas Aquinas. When he was 35 he became the general of his order. He helped restore peace in his order and also composed “The Life of St. Francis.” While helping at the Second Council of Lyons on July 15, 1274, the saint died. St. Bonaventure is a doctor of the church.