Saint Alphonsus Maria De Liguori

Biography

Saint Alphonsus Maria De Liguori, also known as Alfonso, Alfons, Alfontso, Alphonse, Alfonsu, and Afonso, was born on September 27, 1696, in Marianelli near Naples, Italy. He was born into a noble family and displayed exceptional intelligence and talent from a young age. Alphonsus received a thorough education and achieved great academic success, earning his doctorate in law from the University of Naples at the remarkable age of 16. Despite his legal career and growing prominence as a lawyer in Naples, Alphonsus remained deeply devoted to his Catholic faith. He would never attend court without first attending Mass. He had a deep love for music and was skilled in playing the harpsichord. He often visited the opera, although he paid more attention to the music than the theatrics of the production. However, as Alphonsus matured and gained a deeper understanding of the world, he grew disillusioned with its vanities and felt a strong calling to religious life. He turned down an arranged marriage and dedicated his time to studying theology. At the age of 29, he was ordained as a priest. Saint Alphonsus is known for his remarkable abilities as a preacher and home missioner in the Naples area. His preaching style was simple, clear, and direct, resonating with the common people. He was widely respected for his patience and understanding in the confessional, providing gentle guidance to those seeking absolution. Alphonsus also demonstrated his brilliance as a writer, contributing significantly to the fields of asceticism, theology, and history. His theological insights and mastery of the subject earned him the title of a master theologian. Throughout his life, Saint Alphonsus faced opposition from both Church officials and government authorities. He was criticized for what some perceived as leniency towards sinners but remained steadfast in his compassionate approach. In 1730, he founded the Redemptoristines, a women's order, in Scala, Italy. Two years later, he established the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, also known as the Liguorians or Redemptorists, at Scala, Italy. In 1762, Pope Clement XIII appointed Alphonsus as the bishop of the diocese of Sant’Agata de’ Goti, Italy. He worked tirelessly to reform the clergy and revitalize the faith of the faithful in a diocese that had gained a negative reputation. Despite his severe rheumatism, which left him immobile and often unable to lift his chin from his chest, Saint Alphonsus made significant strides in his pastoral duties. However, due to declining health, Alphonsus resigned as bishop in 1775, hoping for a peaceful retirement spent in prayer. In 1777, the royal government threatened to disband the Redemptorists, accusing them of continuing the work of the suppressed Jesuits. Alphonsus, though nearly blind, advocated for his congregation with his vast knowledge and legal skills, successfully obtaining the king’s approval. Unfortunately, he was deceived into giving his consent to a revised Rule that went against the principles of the Church. Pope Pius VI, upon reviewing the changes, condemned them and removed Alphonsus from his leadership position within the Order. This caused Saint Alphonsus a crisis of confidence and faith, but he eventually found solace and returned to his deep faith before his death. Throughout his long life, Alphonsus lived with an unwavering commitment to make every moment count. His dedication and devotion led him to be declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius IX in 1871. Saint Alphonsus Maria De Liguori passed away on August 1, 1787, in Nocera, Italy, at the age of 90. His legacy endures as he is venerated internationally, recognized as a great moral theologian and an exemplary model of perseverance and devotion. Saint Alphonsus is invoked as a patron against arthritis, scrupulosity, and for final perseverance. He is also revered as a patron of confessors, moral theologians, moralists, theologians, and vocations.