Pope Benedict XVI in English - Weekly General Audience
Dear Brothers and Sisters, In our catechesis on the Christian culture of the Middle
Ages, we turn once more to Saint Bonaventure. Bonaventure was a contemporary of Saint
Thomas Aquinas, and the two great theologians reveal the rich diversity of the theology
of the thirteenth century. Whereas Thomas saw theology as primarily a theoretical
science, concerned with knowing God, Bonaventure saw it as practical, concerned with
that “wisdom” which enables us to love God and conform our wills to his. Thomas’s
emphasis on truth complements Bonaventure’s emphasis on love within the unity of a
great common vision. As a Franciscan, Bonaventure reflects the primacy of love embodied
in the life of Saint Francis. He was also deeply influenced by the theology of Pseudo-Dionysius,
with its emphasis on the heavenly hierarchies which serve as steps leading the creature
to communion with the Triune God. Pseudo-Dionysius also inspired his reflections
on the darkness of the Cross, where, in the ascent of the mind to God, reason can
go no further and love enters the divine mystery. As a great master of prayer, Bonaventure
invites us to let our minds and hearts rise from the contemplation of creation to
rest in God’s eternal love. * * * Today is the feast of Saint Patrick, and
in a special way I greet all the Irish faithful and pilgrims here present. As you
know, in recent months the Church in Ireland has been severely shaken as a result
of the child abuse crisis. As a sign of my deep concern I have written a Pastoral
Letter dealing with this painful situation. I will sign it on the Solemnity of Saint
Joseph, the Guardian of the Holy Family and Patron of the Universal Church, and send
it soon after. I ask all of you to read it for yourselves, with an open heart and
in a spirit of faith. My hope is that it will help in the process of repentance,
healing and renewal. I welcome all the English-speaking visitors, especially those
from England, Ireland, Denmark, Indonesia and the United States of America. Upon
you and your families I invoke God’s abundant blessings.