Ep. 38 | Timothy Weldon | St. Bonaventure: Beauty, Light, and the Journey Into God

In this episode celebrating the Feast Day of 13th-century Franciscan philosopher St. Bonaventure, Professor Timothy Weldon helps listeners encounter a saint whose heart-centered wisdom still speaks powerfully today. Weldon explores Bonaventure's life of humble service, brilliant leadership, and profound vision of beauty, light, and the Trinity. Dr. Weldon, a philosophy professor who has taught for 25 years at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, Illinois, explores a number of topics in this episode: from Bonaventure’s deep connection to St. Francis, his beautiful Hymn to the Cross, the soul’s journey to God, and how themes of order, light, relationality, and everyday faithfulness can renew our own lives. Whether you’re Franciscan-curious or well-versed in the tradition, this episode offers both inspiration and practical invitation. 0:00 Introduction 2:05 The Life of St. Bonaventure 15:22 What St. Francis Lived, Bonaventure was to Think 24:09 Beauty's Invitation to Contemplation and Action 38:30 Trinity, Relationality, and Love 44:52 Applying Bonaventure Today in Our Lived Experience 55:48 Conclusion