St. Bonaventure's Letter To An Unknown Master

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St. Bonaventure was the Minister General of the order of the Friars minor 1257-1274. He was the master theology in France and he was concerned about the rule of the order in 1254 – 1255 he responded to the letter of the unknown master. In A Letter in Response to an Unknown Master, Bonaventure wrote about poverty and he quotes the later rule saying “The brothers are in no way to receive any money, either personally or through an intermediary… they shall not acquire anything as their own, neither a house or a place nor anything at all.” Bonaventure’s answers defended the Friars Minor that they were still living and observing the original rule of the order. In addition, he clarified and proved to the ones who were condemning the Franciscans that it may emerge the friars have houses or properties, but they do not own them. The book, Olivi and Franciscan Poverty, the author say that Franciscans were in great discussion about how they are supposed to live according to the rule of poverty. Their leader had to use vivid examples to explain how …show more content…

Everyone used his talent to serve where he belongs like those who could preach they did so with all their heart. Some people were not able to give the friars anything, but they never demand or comment on anything. Their humble service was to benefit them as servants of Christ and his apostles in living poverty. Hugh in his commentary writes reminding the friars what they can accept as payment for their work and what cannot take and at the same time he is telling them to be mindful of their own needs. Hugh is concerned about what is necessary for