Bonaventura Tornielli facts for kids

Bonaventura Tornielli (1411 – 31 March 1491) was an Italian Catholic priest. He was also a friar from the Servite Order, a group of religious men. Bonaventura was born into a rich and important family. He became a very famous preacher, traveling to many Italian cities like Florence and Perugia. Even Pope Sixtus IV thought highly of him and called him the "Apostolic Preacher." This meant he was a special preacher for the Pope. Bonaventura also held important leadership roles within his religious order.

His beatification was approved by Pope Pius X on 6 September 1911. Beatification is a step towards becoming a saint in the Catholic Church.

Bonaventura Tornielli's Life Story

Bonaventura Tornielli was born in 1411 in a town called Forlì. His father, Giacomo Tornielli, was a nobleman.

Joining the Servite Order

In 1448, Bonaventura joined the Servite Order. This is a religious community for men. He became known as an expert on the Bible. Later, he was ordained as a priest. He finished his studies in Venice in 1454. He earned a master's degree in his religious studies. Even then, people said he looked small, thin, and tired.

His Work as a Preacher

Bonaventura loved quiet time for thinking and prayer. He would meditate on the Gospel, which are parts of the Bible about Jesus. He also gave many sermons and led missions. These were special religious events in the Papal States and other Italian cities. His main message was about repentance, which means turning away from bad actions.

His reputation for being a very holy person grew quickly. Even Pope Sixtus IV heard about him. The Pope then gave him the special title of "Apostolic Preacher." Bonaventura also served in important jobs within his order. He was a vicar-general, a prior, and a provincial. These are all leadership roles.

Preaching in Italian Cities

Bonaventura gave sermons in many important places. In 1468, he spoke to the leaders of the Republic of Venice. He also preached there again in 1482. In 1488, he spoke at the San Marco Basilica in Venice.

He also preached in Florence at the main cathedral. The city's leaders asked him to do this. In 1481, he also preached at the SS. Annunziata church. During a time of plague in 1476, he preached in Bologna and Perugia.

Later Years and Retirement

In 1483, Bonaventura was the prior of the San Marcello convent in Rome. A convent is a religious house. He decided to retire there with six other men. They wanted to live in a quiet place called a hermitage. The Pope gave them permission to do this. He might have spent some time in Monte Senario.

However, his retirement did not last long. On 31 May 1483, Pope Sixtus IV asked him to preach again. The Pope wanted him to preach in the Papal States. Bonaventura also took part in important meetings for his order. He attended the General Chapter in 1485 in Vetralla. He also spoke at another meeting in 1488 in Bologna.

His Simple Lifestyle

People said that Bonaventura lived a very simple and strict life. He often walked barefoot, no matter the weather. He also did not eat meat or drink wine. One writer, Fra Filippo Albrizzi, described him. He said Bonaventura was a very holy priest. He slept on the floor or on a bed made of wooden planks.

Death and Legacy

Bonaventura Tornielli died on 31 March 1491. This was on Holy Thursday, an important day for Christians. He died in Udine, where he was preaching for the Lenten season.

In 1507, a man named Andrea Loredan was traveling. He became very sick. He prayed to Bonaventura for healing and got better. Because of this, Bonaventura's remains were moved in 1509. They were taken to a church in Venice. During a time of war, his remains were moved again for safety. They were kept in a private home. Later, they were moved to another church. Finally, in 1971, his remains were brought back to Udine.

Becoming Blessed

The process for Bonaventura Tornielli to become "Blessed" was approved. This happened when Pope Pius X issued a special decree. The decree was given on 6 September 1911. The Pope recognized that people had honored Bonaventura for a long time. This public honor, or "veneration," was seen in cities like Udine and Venice.