Itinerarium Mentis in Deum is a masterpiece of medieval Christian spirituality written by Bonaventure of Bagnoregio (also known as Doctor Seraphicus or the “second father” of the Minorites) in 1259, shortly after his appointment as General Minister of the Franciscan order. The treatise outlines a seven-step journey of intellectual advancement and moral cleansing that elevates mankind from its terrestrial limitations towards a full enjoyment of its divine origin (unio mystica). Its straightforward and cohesive structure consists of a prologue and seven chapters that detail the itinerary that Bonaventure is presenting.
The book opens with a call for prayer and meditation, a prerequisite without which no real purification is possible. In the incipit, Doctor Seraphicus explains that he is taking a break from his burdensome duties as Minister General. Searching for some peace of mind, he...
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Citation: Gelmi, Alberto. "Itinerarium mentis in Deum". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 20 October 2020 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/sworks.php?rec=true&UID=38979, accessed 13 December 2025.]
