Collations on the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit

Book excerpt: This is the first English translation of St. Bonaventure's Collationes de septem donis Spiritus Sanctus to appear in print. The Collationes were the next-to-last of the Seraphic Doctor's major writings, dating to 1268. This translation is similarly a crowning achievement for Fr. Zachary Hayes, a pre-eminent commentator on Bonaventure's thought for the last four decades. Scholars of medieval theology and of Bonaventure in particular will find a treasure trove here, thanks to the flowing translation of Fr. Hayes. Ample footnotes citing ancient philosophers, biblical texts, ancient Christian writers and contemporary scholars provide a rich resource for further study. Those interested in the contemporary question of how faith relates to reason will especially welcome the final two conferences - or, collations, on understanding and wisdom, in which Bonaventure wrestles with that same issue in the framework of this thought and times. Gil Ostdiek, O.F.M., Catholic Theological Union.