BONVISI, GIOVANNI, Blessed. — Franciscan, born in Lucca at the beginning of the 15th century. From childhood he showed an inclination toward a life of solitude and penance. Having gone to Spain for commercial reasons, he entered the Franciscans, later transferring to Italy among the Observants of the province of Florence. He was outstanding in obedience, poverty, and spirit of penance. As master of novices and guardian, he was severely tried by demonic temptations. Endowed by God with visions and ecstasies, he performed miracles “some of which,” writes the author of the Franceschina, “I myself saw with my own eyes.” He died in 1472 at the convent of Santa Maria degli Angeli near Assisi. He is listed in the Franciscan Martyrology on May 14.
Marco da Lisbona, in his Croniche, records a discourse by the Blessed on humility (ch. 39), in which it is said that “knowing one’s own wretchedness is the greatest science we can acquire in this life.” There is also a discourse of his on the love of God and neighbor (ch. 40), one on abstinence (ch. 42), and one on obedience (ch. 43), which certainly reflect the thought and doctrine of the Blessed.