Feast Day: February 8
Blessed Alfonso De Riera, also known as Alfonso de Riera, was a Mercedarian friar who dedicated his life to evangelizing and freeing enslaved Christians in the area of Provence, which is now part of modern-day France. Unfortunately, specific details regarding his birth, death, and other historical records are currently unavailable.
As a member of the Mercedarian Order, Alfonso De Riera embraced the calling of his order to provide assistance and liberation to Christians held captive by Muslims. During the medieval period, the region of Provence was situated in an area heavily influenced by Islamic rule, where many Christians lived in servitude or faced the threat of captivity. Alfonso actively worked to convert Muslims to Christianity while also focusing on the mission of redeeming the enslaved Christians.
His efforts to spread the Christian faith and liberate the enslaved earned him recognition and admiration among the people of Provence. Alfonso De Riera's unwavering dedication to his duties as a Mercedarian friar brought hope to many oppressed Christians and inspired faith in both Christians and newly converted Muslims.
The specific details of Alfonso De Riera's representation or iconography are not available at the moment. Likewise, information such as the date of his birth, death, and when he was venerated or beatified is not provided in the given details. However, it should be noted that the Mercedarian Order celebrates the feast day of its members on February 8th, which could potentially include Blessed Alfonso De Riera.
While the historical records might lack detailed information about Blessed Alfonso De Riera, it is evident that he played a significant role in evangelizing and freeing enslaved Christians in Provence during a challenging period. His dedication to his calling and commitment to the principles of the Mercedarian Order continue to serve as an inspiration to others striving for freedom, justice, and the spread of faith.