Johannes Bonus was a 13th-century Italian lay brother and hermit who was born in Mantua in 1168. After spending his early years as a traveling juggler, he underwent a religious conversion following a severe illness at age 40. He spent the remainder of his life living as a recluse in Cesena, where he eventually attracted many followers. He is recognized as the founder of a religious community that was later integrated into the Augustinian Hermits.
Life and ministry
Following his period of penance, Bonus lived a strict religious life in Cesena. By 1217, he had gained many devoted companions. These followers formed a group known as the Johannbonites. In 1243, Pope Innocent IV directed the group to follow Augustinian rules, and a later papal bull by Alexander IV officially incorporated the community into the Augustinian Hermit Order.
Veneration
The founder of the Johannbonites died in his birthplace of Mantua in 1249. He was declared blessed by Pope Sixtus IV in 1483. His feast day is observed on October 16.