General Description:

Fr. D.F. Miller, C.SS.R.

Fr. L.X. Aubin, C.SS.R.

This child will be blessed with length of days; he shall not see death before his ninetieth year; he will be a bishop and will do great things for Jesus Christ." So prophesied St. Francis Jerome, a friend of the Liguori family, upon the birth of St. Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787). And this prophecy was borne out to the letter, for St. Alphonsus Liguori lived to be 91; he became bishop at the unlikely age of 66 (even though in failing health); and he founded the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer-which, 150 years after his death, had 350 houses throughout the world and over 7,000 members.

Gifted by God with a brilliant mind, St. Alphonsus resolved early in life never to waste a moment. By age 16 he was awarded a doctorate in civil and Canon Law with highest honors, but by age 26 he had renounced life as a lawyer and became a priest, dedicating his ministry particularly to preaching, and especially to preaching missions. Under the inspiration of a series of visions seen by several holy nuns, he was led to found, first the Redemptoristine nuns for women, and shortly thereafter the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer for men, to which his name will be forever linked. As a Redemptorist, he personally conducted scores of missions and reconciled tens of thousands to Christ and His Church. Miracles abounded in his life-at least two of which were witnessed by the entire congregation in church-and include prophecy, bilocation, ecstasy, apparitions, cures and various other miracles. On one occasion, when Mt. Vesuvius was threatening to erupt and was actually shooting flames, it became quiescent as soon as St. Alphonsus blessed it.

Renowned though he was for his other accomplishments as well as for his many virtues and miracles, St. Alphonsus Liguori is best known today for his writings-he wrote 111 books and pamphlets, including his monumental Moral Theology. Many of these works are still available today in popular editions and include The Glories of Mary, Preparation for Death.

 

St. Alphonsus de Liguori

Feast Day: Roman Rite Calendar - 08/01 Patron Of: Theologians, Confessors, Arthritis, Moralists, Scrupulous People, Final Perseverence, Against Scrupulosity, Vocations Born to the nobility, he was a child prodigy, was extremely well-educated, and received his doctorate in law from the University of Naples at age 16. He had his own practice by age 21, and was soon one of the leading lawyers in Naples, though he never attended court without having attended Mass first. He loved music, could play the harpsichord, and often attended the opera, though he frequently listened without bothering to watch the over-done staging. As he matured and learned more and more of the world, he liked it less and less, and finally felt a call to religious life. He declined an arranged marriage, studied theology, and was ordained at age 29. Preacher and home missioner around Naples. Noted for his simple, clear, direct style of preaching, and his gentle, understanding way in the confessional. Writer on asceticism, theology, and history; master theologian. He was often opposed by Church officials for a perceived laxity toward sinners, and by government officials who opposed anything religious. Founded the Redemptoristines women's order in Scala in 1730. Founded the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Liguorians; Redemptorists) at Scala, Italy in 1732. Appointed bishop of Saint Agata dei Gotti by Pope Clement XIII in 1762. Worked to reform the clergy and revitalize the faithful in a diocese with a bad reputation. He was afflicted with severe rheumatism, and often could barely move or raise his chin from his chest. In 1775 he resigned his see due to his health, and went into what he thought was a prayerful retirement. In 1777 the royal government threatened to disband his Redemptorists, claiming that they were covertly carrying on the work of the Jesuits, who had been suppressed in 1773. Calling on his knowledge of the Congregation, his background in thelogy, and his skills as a lawyer, Alphonsus defended the Redemptorists so well that they obtained the king's approval. However, by this point Alphonsus was nearly blind, and was tricked into giving his approval to a revised Rule for the Congregation, one that suited the king and the anti-clerical government. When Pope Pius VI saw the changes, he condemned it, and removed Alphonsus from his position as leader of the Order. This caused Alphonsus a crisis in confidence and faith that took years to overcome. However, by the time of his death he had returned to faith and peace. Alphonsus vowed early to never to waste a moment of his life, and lived that way for over 90 years. Declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius IX in 1871. When he was bishop, one of Alphonsus's priests led a worldly life, and resisted all attempts to change. He was summoned to Alphonsus, and at the entrance to the bishop's study he found a large crucifix laid on the threshold. When the priest hesitated to step in, Alphonsus quietly said, "Come along, and be sure to trample it underfoot. It would not be the first time you have placed Our Lord beneath your feet." All information used with permission of the Patron Saint Index.

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