1. Francis and Bonaventure New forms of religious life

2. Francis of Assisi Medieval conversion story (male) –Dramatic acts of renunciation –Story of reversal –Contrast medieval female story Catherine of Siena: married to Christ Domestic service: feeding, nursing Continues and deepens “feminine” activities

3. “Mendicant” orders New form of religious life –Mendicant = begging –Dominicans also mendicants, devoted to preaching –Focus: be out in the world, not in the monastery Medieval “evangelical counsels”: poverty, chastity, obedience –How are these “evangelical” (related to the gospel of Jesus)? –Not required of all Christians –But recommended “to be perfect, as your Heavenly Father is perfect”

4. Story of Francis Themes Favorite details Inspiring?

5. Basilica of St. Francis, Assisi: upper church “The renunciation of worldly goods” Fresco by Giotto

6. “The Stigmata,” Giotto, upper basilica

7. Development of Franciscans Shortly after Francis’ life, they split –How to best follow Francis? Extreme poverty? Spiritual poverty and common goods? Bonaventure –Minister of Franciscan order –Studied theology at University of Paris

8. Soul’s Journey into God Image: Seraph in form of crucified –Strong medieval devotion to the crucified Jesus: can only know him in his suffering Long tradition of spirituality as ascent to God Six stages –Start with what you know (sense perception) –“God is more present to me than I am to myself” (Augustine) –Ascend to mystical union with God

9. Journey, cont. Why does Bonaventure use the image of a journey? –Does this make sense, in light of human experience? First stage: seeing vestiges of God in universe –“whole visible world” is “mirror through which we may pass over to God” (1.9)

10. Stage two: see God in these vestiges –Cf. Jesuit ideal: see God in all things –Cause and effect (motion; 2.3)

11. For next time How does Bonaventure think human beings should see themselves? What is the difference between human nature as created, as affected by sin, and as reformed by grace? –How does this affect the soul’s journey? Who is God? –What does it mean that God is good?