Bonaventure operates with a robust hylomorphic framework (matter and form). In his Commentary on the Sentences (III, d. 13, a. 2), he distinguishes between the matter of the Church (the assembly of the faithful, the sacramental signs) and its form . While many theologians of his era identified the form with the hierarchical offices, Bonaventure elevates the discussion: the ultimate, though not exclusive, form of the Church is the acting through the infused virtue of charity.
The Franciscan tradition, with its emphasis on poverty, simplicity, and devotion to the Gospel, has been a fertile ground for theological reflection on the nature of the Church. Among the prominent figures of this tradition, St. Bonaventure (1221-1274) stands out for his profound contributions to ecclesiology, the theology of the Church. This article explores the role of charity in the ecclesiology of St. Bonaventure, with a focus on his understanding of the Church as a community of love. 2), he distinguishes between the matter of the