Saint Alphonsus Liguori, born in 1732 near Naples, Italy, was known for his studious nature and diligent work ethic. He earned a law degree and went on to establish a notable legal career. However, a legal mistake prompted a significant shift in his life. It validated his inner thoughts that he was meant for a different calling – priesthood.

Despite his father’s pleas to reconsider, Alphonsus was resolute in his decision. He embarked on his journey into priesthood, a journey filled with ceaseless activity. Alphonsus preached, penned books, and even founded a religious group, the Redemptorists.

Known for his wise spiritual guidance, he brought solace to people through the sacrament of Reconciliation. His talents went beyond preaching and counseling; he wrote hymns, played the organ, and even painted. The breadth of his accomplishments is made even more remarkable by his output of sixty books, despite being frequently unwell with headaches and other illnesses.

In terms of his temperament, Alphonsus was naturally quick-tempered but strived for self-control. His humility was such that when offered the position of bishop by Pope Pius VI, he initially declined. When told he was the pope’s choice, the pope’s messengers addressed him as “Most illustrious Lord.” Alphonsus politely requested they refrain from using that title, saying it would “kill him.”

Eventually, he accepted the bishop’s role, understanding that it was the pope’s wish. He sent numerous preachers throughout his diocese to remind people of God’s love and the importance of their faith. Alphonsus always advised his priests to preach sermons that even the simplest congregation member could comprehend, stating, “I never preached a sermon that the simplest old woman in the church could not understand.”

As he aged, Saint Alphonsus was burdened by illness. Arthritis made him crippled, and he became nearly deaf and blind. Despite these hardships, his devotion to the Blessed Mother, as evidenced in his renowned book, the Glories of Mary, remained unwavering. His trials were met with peace, joy, and a holy death.

St. Alphonsus passed away in 1787, aged ninety-one. He was canonized by Pope Gregory XVI in 1839, and in 1871, Pope Pius IX declared him a Doctor of the Church.

Editorial credit: jorisvo / Shutterstock.com
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18 COMMENTS

  1. My math does not compute the age as you state for St Alphonsus Liguori. If born in 1732 as you indicate how could he become bishop in 1798 but die in 1787 at the age 91. I do believe in St Alphonsus but the math does not compute properly. Please explain.

    A Child in Christ,

    Mary T

  2. St. Alphonsus Liguori, you know what it is to be sick and in pain. Please intercede with Our Lord to bring comfort and healing to all cancer patients, especially my friend Dianne W., Paul H., the husband of my friend Molly; Charles B. who at age two is battling brain cancer, and Marley H., a grade schooler also with brain cancer. Please ask Our Lord to send His Holy Spirit to guide their health care providers in every way, and to put His loving arms around these patients, their families, and loved ones to give them strength and courage during this most difficult time in their lives. I ask you, St. Alphonsus Liguori, through Christ Our Lord, Amen.

  3. Heavenly Father, thank you for another productive day and forgive me for my sins. Please pray for the souls of my Mother Carmen, Father Victorino, Brother Nelson and other relatives who had passed away already. Comfort them in your arms in their eternal life in your kingdom. Protect our whole family from any harms and danger. Be my guide at all times in all plans and actions in life. Lead me the way towards the right path and directions to follow. Hear the prayer requests of this online community. Lord, hear our prayers. Mary Help of Christians, pray for us! In Jesus name, Amen.

  4. Saint Alphonsus, please intercede for all of us who are suffering from sickness and pain. You also suffered from this. Please help us continue to be strong and patient and faithful to our Lord . Please Lord hear our prayers. Amen.

  5. Saint Alphonsus Ligouri, pray for us. Especially for those who suffer from arthritis and visual or hearing impairment, including Tinnitus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, etc. Let that humble sacrifice offered with pious prayer be fruitful for The Redemptorists and for the Kingdom of God on earth. Amen.

  6. Oh wonderful Saint…pray for me ….with a lot of tooth related problems. Please help my mother…with her knees….oh she needs help from Our Lord,Jesus Christ. Jesus, I trust in you.

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