Feast of St. Bonaventure, Bishop & Doctor of the Church

Saint Bonaventure was born about the year 1218 at Bagnorea in Tuscany. He studied philosophy and theology at Paris, France. Having earned the title Master, he taught his fellow members of the Order of Friars Minor with great success. He was elected Minister General of the Order, a position he filled with prudence and wisdom. After being made Cardinal-Bishop of Albano, he died at the Council of Lyons in 1274. His writings did much to illuminate the study of both theology and philosophy.
Psalmody
Ant. 1 He walked the path of wisdom; he considered her ways as one who follows her and searches her out.
First Reading Wisdom 8:2-7, 9-13, 16-19
Wisdom I loved and sought after from my youth; I sought to take her for my bride.....
Gospel Reading
Matthew 5: 14-16
You are the light of the world etc......your light must shine before men so that they may see goodness in your acts and give praise to your Heavenly Father.

Ant. He spoke with eloquence in the churches of the Most High. He was exalted in the midst of his people and glorified in the full assembly of saints.
Prayer
Almighty God, as we celebrate the birthday of Saint Bonaventure the bishop grant us the grace to profit from his excellent teaching and always to imitate the ardor of his love, we ask this through our Lord Jesus, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.