Saint Alphonsus Mary de' Liguori, a revered Bishop and Doctor of the Church, is celebrated as the founder of the Redemptorists and for his significant contributions to moral theology and devotional literature, guiding countless souls through his compassionate teachings.
Saint Alphonsus Mary de' Liguori was an influential 18th-century Italian Bishop and Doctor of the Church, canonized for his profound spirituality and intellectual contributions, particularly in the field of moral theology. After a successful career as a lawyer, he dedicated his life to God, founding the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists) to evangelize the most abandoned, especially the poor and rural populations. He is renowned for his extensive writings, which include practical moral guides that emphasized a balanced approach between rigorism and laxity, and beloved devotional works like "The Glories of Mary," which fostered deep love for the Blessed Mother and the Eucharist, profoundly shaping Christian piety and pastoral practice.
Saint Alphonsus Mary de' Liguori, born on September 27, 1696, in Marianella, near Naples, Italy, entered the world with the promise of a brilliant future. Hailing from a noble and devout family, Alphonsus displayed extraordinary intellectual gifts from a young age. He was a child prodigy, mastering various subjects with remarkable ease. By the age of sixteen, he had already earned doctorates in both civil and canon law from the University of Naples, a testament to his exceptional academic prowess. His early career as a lawyer in the Neapolitan courts was marked by unparalleled success; for eight years, he never lost a case, earning him widespread acclaim and a reputation as an astute legal mind. However, a turning point arrived when he lost a significant case due to a technicality, leading to a profound disillusionment with the legal profession and sparking a deeper inquiry into his life's true purpose. This moment of professional crisis became a catalyst for his spiritual awakening, prompting him to reassess his worldly ambitions in favor of a divine calling. His experience as a lawyer, however, would later inform his methodical approach to moral theology, combining rigorous logic with profound compassion.
Following his disillusionment with the law, Alphonsus experienced a profound spiritual conversion. Despite his family's initial disapproval, he felt an undeniable call to the priesthood. He renounced his burgeoning legal career and, in 1723, began his theological studies. He was ordained a priest on December 21, 1726, at the age of 30. His early ministry was characterized by a fervent desire to serve the poor and neglected, particularly in the bustling streets and impoverished areas of Naples. He joined a secular institute of missionary priests, dedicating himself to preaching missions and offering spiritual guidance to those who were often overlooked by the established Church. His compassionate approach and clear, simple sermons resonated deeply with the common people, who flocked to hear him speak and receive the sacraments. This direct engagement with the spiritual needs of the marginalized would become the cornerstone of his life's work.
Alphonsus's deep concern for the spiritual welfare of the most abandoned led him to found a new religious congregation. In 1732, in Scala, Italy, he established the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, commonly known as the Redemptorists. The primary mission of this new order was to evangelize the poor and the most neglected, particularly those living in rural areas who had little access to spiritual instruction. Alphonsus envisioned a community of priests and brothers who would live a simple life, dedicated to preaching the Gospel in a clear and accessible manner, and providing moral guidance rooted in mercy and compassion. He emphasized the importance of popular missions, bringing the message of salvation directly to the people, and fostering a deep devotion to the Eucharist and the Blessed Mother. The Redemptorists quickly grew, spreading their mission throughout Italy and beyond, becoming a significant force for evangelization.
Beyond his pastoral work and the founding of his congregation, Saint Alphonsus distinguished himself as a prolific and influential author. His writings profoundly shaped Catholic moral theology and spirituality for centuries. His magnum opus, *Theologia Moralis* (Moral Theology), published in 1748, became a standard text for confessors and moral theologians. In this work, Alphonsus charted a balanced course between the excessive rigorism of Jansenism and the laxity of certain contemporary moralists, advocating for a compassionate yet firm approach to moral decision-making, always leaning towards mercy when doubt existed. He is also renowned for his beloved devotional works, such as *The Glories of Mary*, which eloquently expresses his deep love for the Blessed Mother, and *Visits to the Blessed Sacrament and to Our Lady*, which encourages frequent prayer and Eucharistic adoration. His clear, practical, and accessible style made his spiritual writings widely popular, fostering piety and devotion among the faithful. His immense contributions to theological thought and spiritual guidance led to his proclamation as a Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius IX in 1871, a rare honor signifying his profound doctrinal authority.
In 1762, despite his advanced age and persistent ill health, Alphonsus reluctantly accepted his appointment as Bishop of Sant'Agata dei Goti by Pope Clement XIII. He initially resisted the appointment, citing his infirmities and his dedication to the Redemptorist mission, but eventually submitted to the will of the Holy See. As bishop, he dedicated himself wholeheartedly to the pastoral care of his diocese, implementing reforms, promoting catechesis, and combating ignorance and superstition. He tirelessly visited parishes, established schools, and worked to improve the lives of his flock, often facing significant opposition from local authorities and ingrained customs. His episcopacy was marked by both zealous pastoral activity and considerable personal suffering, including a severe period of rheumatic fever that left him partially paralyzed. He also endured the painful experience of seeing his beloved Redemptorist congregation face internal strife and external interference, particularly regarding the approval of their rule by the Neapolitan government, which caused him immense distress.
After years of dedicated service, deteriorating health, and increasing blindness, Saint Alphonsus resigned from his episcopal see in 1775. He returned to Pagani, to the motherhouse of his congregation, where he continued to live a life of prayer, writing, and leadership despite immense physical pain and spiritual trials, including periods of profound desolation and temptations. He passed away peacefully on August 1, 1787, at the remarkable age of 90, leaving behind a legacy of profound holiness, intellectual rigor, and tireless pastoral zeal. He was beatified in 1816 and canonized a saint in 1839 by Pope Gregory XVI. His enduring importance to Christianity lies not only in the Redemptorist order he founded and his voluminous writings but also in his compassionate approach to moral theology, which emphasized God's mercy and the accessibility of salvation through prayer and devotion. He remains a beloved patron of moral theologians and confessors, a guiding light for those seeking to balance truth with charity in the Christian life.
In the bustling courts of Naples, where wit and eloquence were the currency of success, there once shone a legal star named Alphonsus de' Liguori. Young, brilliant, and impeccably trained, he had, for eight years, never known defeat. His arguments were like finely honed blades, dissecting every opposing claim, and his reputation as an invincible advocate preceded him into every courtroom. Yet, destiny had a different verdict prepared for him, one that would redefine his very existence.
The fateful day arrived with a complex and high-stakes case, involving a substantial sum of money and the honor of a prominent noble family. Alphonsus, confident as ever, presented his arguments with his usual masterful precision. The tide of the trial seemed to flow in his favor, victory almost within his grasp. Then, a crushing blow: the opposing counsel produced a document, a seemingly minor technicality, yet one that rendered Alphonsus's meticulously constructed case invalid. It was a detail, a mere clause, that had been overlooked, or perhaps, subtly manipulated.
The courtroom hushed. Alphonsus, the undefeated, felt the floor crumble beneath him. The verdict was delivered: he had lost. It was not just a legal defeat; it was a profound personal crisis. Standing there, amidst the whispers of surprise and the weight of his own shattered pride, a realization struck him with the force of a divine lightning bolt. All his worldly achievements, his lauded intellect, his unblemished record – they were but fleeting shadows, vulnerable to the slightest twist of fate or the deceit of men. The pursuit of earthly glory, he saw with startling clarity, was a path of vanity and ultimate emptiness.
In that moment of profound disillusionment, a different call echoed in the depths of his soul. It was a call to something eternal, something incorruptible. He walked out of that courtroom a changed man. The very next day, he went to the Church of Our Lady of Mercy, a place he frequented for prayer. There, before the image of the Blessed Mother, he laid down his lawyer's sword, a symbolic act of renouncing his worldly career and dedicating his life entirely to God. He declared, "No more courts, no more lawsuits, no more legal battles! I will give myself entirely to God!" This dramatic renunciation marked the true beginning of Saint Alphonsus Mary de' Liguori's journey, from a celebrated lawyer to a zealous priest, a compassionate bishop, and a Doctor of the Church, forever committed to the service of souls.
1755
The perfection of love consists in conformity to the will of God. This is the goal of all spiritual writers, the summit of all holiness. God's will is the rule of perfection, and our will must be conformed to it. This conformity must be universal, extending to all things, whether prosperous or adverse. It must be constant, always persevering in the face of difficulties. And it must be joyful, embracing all that God wills for us, even when it involves suffering.
This is what Jesus Christ taught us by His own example. He came down from heaven, not to do His own will, but the will of His Father. He loved His Father's will so much that He embraced all the sufferings and humiliations that it entailed. He was obedient unto death, even to the death of the cross. This is the model that we must imitate. The more a soul is united to the Divine Will, the more perfect it is. This is because the will of God is infinitely perfect, and the more we unite ourselves to it, the more we participate in its perfection. There is no greater perfection than to love God, and there is no greater proof of love than to conform our will to His.
Many saints have attained great heights of sanctity by embracing God's will in all things. Some have embraced poverty, others sickness, others persecutions. But all have found their peace and joy in conforming their will to God's. The soul that is perfectly united to God's will desires nothing but what God desires. It finds its happiness in God's happiness, its joy in God's joy. It does not seek its own comfort or pleasure, but only to do God's will.
This conformity is not easy to attain. It requires a constant struggle against our own self-will, our own desires, our own inclinations. But with God's grace, it is possible. We must pray constantly for the grace to conform our will to God's, and we must make a sincere effort to put this conformity into practice in all things. Consider the case of the martyrs. They embraced death with joy because they knew it was God's will. They did not shrink from suffering, but embraced it as a means of uniting themselves more closely to God. This is the fruit of perfect conformity to God's will. In short, uniformity with God's will is the essence of holiness. It is the path to true peace and happiness, both in this life and in the next. Let us, therefore, strive with all our might to conform our will to God's, knowing that in so doing, we will find our ultimate fulfillment.
Now, let us consider how we are to embrace the divine will in adverse circumstances. It is easy to say, 'Thy will be done,' when all goes well. But when sickness, poverty, persecution, or any other tribulation strikes, then it is that our conformity to God's will is truly tested. In such times, we must remember that nothing happens without God's permission, and that He permits all things for our greater good. Even if we do not understand the reason for our sufferings, we must trust in His infinite wisdom and goodness.
We must not only accept these tribulations with resignation but with joy. For it is through suffering that we are purified and made more like Christ. 'Whom the Lord loves, he chastises, and he scourges every son whom he receives.' (Hebrews 12:6). These trials are proofs of God's love for us, and opportunities for us to grow in virtue. When we embrace suffering with a joyful heart, we offer a most pleasing sacrifice to God.
Let us learn from the saints who rejoiced in their afflictions. Saint Paul gloried in his infirmities, knowing that when he was weak, then he was strong. Saint Lawrence, while being roasted on a gridiron, joked with his tormentors. Such is the power of a soul united to God's will.
Therefore, when we are faced with trials, let us not complain or despair, but let us say with Job, 'The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.' (Job 1:21). Let us remember that God is our Father, and that a good father never sends anything to his children that is not for their benefit. Even if it seems like a punishment, it is always a loving correction.
Finally, let us make a firm resolution to accept all things, prosperous or adverse, that come from God's hand. Let us say, 'My God, I accept all that You will for me, and I desire only what You desire.' This is the shortest and surest path to holiness. For if we truly love God, we will desire nothing but His holy will. And in His will, we will find our peace.
1913
The principal work of St. Alphonsus is his 'Moral Theology,' which has passed through many editions and has been made the subject of numerous commentaries and treatises. Its characteristic feature is the 'equiprobabilism' which it teaches; this system, which is a mean between probabilism and equiprobabilism proper, may be described thus: if there is a question of the lawfulness of an act, and there is a solid probability for the law, and a solid probability for liberty, then the law must be followed. But if the probability for liberty is more solid, then liberty may be followed. St. Alphonsus himself defined equiprobabilism as follows: 'A probable opinion is that which rests on a solid reason, one which can be defended by weighty arguments, so that a prudent man would choose it. An equally probable opinion is that which has equal reasons on either side, so that one cannot say which is the more probable. In this case, the law must be followed.' This system was a reaction against the excessive rigorism of Jansenism and the laxity of certain schools, and it was approved by the Holy See. It became the standard for moral theology, especially in the practical guidance of confessors, where it emphasized a compassionate and merciful approach while upholding moral principles.
His other works are numerous and varied, including dogmatic treatises, controversial writings, ascetic and devotional books, and sermons. Among his dogmatic works, the 'Verità della Fede' (Truth of Faith) is a defense of the Catholic faith against various errors. His controversial writings include defenses of the Immaculate Conception and the perpetual virginity of Mary. But it is especially by his ascetic and devotional works that he is known and loved by the faithful. 'The Glories of Mary,' a fervent and tender exposition of the prerogatives of the Blessed Virgin, has been translated into many languages and has been a source of great spiritual profit to countless souls. His 'Visits to the Blessed Sacrament and to Our Lady' fosters Eucharistic adoration and Marian devotion. His 'Practice of the Love of Jesus Christ' is a profound treatise on Christian perfection. These works are characterized by their simplicity, clarity, and warmth, making profound spiritual truths accessible to the common people.
St. Alphonsus was declared Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius IX on 7 July, 1871. This supreme ecclesiastical title, given to those saints whose teachings have had an extraordinary influence on Catholic doctrine and spiritual life, recognizes the immense authority and universal importance of his contributions. His moral theology, with its emphasis on mercy and pastoral prudence, provided a safe and reliable guide for confessors, helping them to lead souls to salvation without undue rigor or dangerous laxity. His devotional writings, full of tender piety, fostered a deeper love for Jesus Christ, His Mother, and the Sacraments. He is justly celebrated as a master of the spiritual life, a guide for confessors, and a model of pastoral charity. His influence continues to be felt in the Church today, especially in the formation of priests and in the pastoral care of souls. His teachings remain relevant for navigating complex moral questions with both fidelity to truth and compassion for human weakness.
The universal liturgical celebration of his feast day on August 1st, marked by special Masses and prayers that highlight his profound contributions as a Bishop, Doctor of the Church, and founder of the Redemptorists.
He is a canonized saint and Doctor of the Church whose feast day is observed universally in the Roman Catholic liturgical calendar.
Within Redemptorist communities and parishes worldwide, his feast day is observed with particular solemnity, often including novenas (nine days of prayer) leading up to August 1st, special homilies on his life and spiritual teachings, and prayers for vocations to the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer.
He is the revered founder of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists).
A pious tradition among some faithful and clergy is to seek the Sacrament of Reconciliation or to pray for moral clarity and good confessors on his feast day, honoring his patronage as the patron of confessors and moral theologians.
His profound contributions to moral theology, especially his balanced and merciful approach, and his role as patron of confessors.
Individuals and communities, inspired by his popular devotional writings such as 'The Glories of Mary' and 'Visits to the Blessed Sacrament,' may engage in heightened Marian devotions or Eucharistic adoration on his feast day.
His authorship of widely influential devotional works that fostered deep love for the Blessed Mother and the Eucharist.