St. Alphonsus Liguori
1696-1787
📅 Feast Day: Aug 1
📖 Life Timeline
1696
Born in April 27, 1696 AD, Roccella, Italy
1696
Born Alphonsus Maria de Liguori on Oct 27, 1696 in Mola di Bari, Naples, to a noble family
1723
l experience during a procession of the Rosary in 1723 and abandoned his legal career for the priesthood
1726
his legal career for the priesthood
1732
came a renowned preacher, drawing huge crowds
1732
came a renowned preacher, drawing huge crowds
1787
Died — January 1, 1787 AD, Nocera Inferiore, Italy
1839
Canonized — 1839 by Pope Gregory XVI
✝ Biography
Born Alphonsus Maria de Liguori on Oct 27, 1696 in Roccella, Italy, Naples, to a noble family. Educated in law, admitted to the bar at 19. Had a mystical experience during a procession of the Rosary in 1723 and abandoned his legal career for the priesthood. Ordained in 1726. Became a renowned preacher, drawing huge crowds. In 1732, during a retreat, he resolved to found a religious community dedicated to the care of abandoned souls. Founded the Redemptorists (Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer) in 1732 at Scala, Campania. Wrote 'The Glory of God and the Existence of Evil,' 'Practical Treatises on the Virtues,' and his masterpiece 'Theologia Moralis'—the standard moral theology textbook for 150 years. Known for his devotion to Mary under the title Mother of God. Suffered from depression, kidney stones, and other illnesses. Became Bishop of Sant'Agata de' Goti in 1762 but resigned after three years due to ill health. Died Aug 1, 1787 at the Redemptorist monastery of Novarella. Canonized in 1839. Doctor of the Church (1871). Patron of moral theologians and confessors.
🛡 Patronage
Patron of: Confessors, moral theologians, the Redemptorists, and those who preach to the poor. Doctor of the Church.
💬 Words of the Saint
The Gospel must be preached to the poorest.
📜 Key Facts
Born
April 27, 1696, Roccella, Italy
Died
January 1, 1787 AD, Nocera Inferiore, Italy
Feast Day
Aug 1
Canonized
1839 by Pope Gregory XVI
🕊 Legacy
Alphonsus's moral theology shaped Catholic teaching for generations. The Redemptorists he founded serve in 70+ countries. His hymns are sung worldwide. He proved that theology and popular preaching can go together.
📜 Personal Writings
Read excerpts from the saint's own words — their personal letters, spiritual writings, and teachings.
📖 The Glories of Mary
On Mary's Intercession
Mary is the advocate of sinners, the comfort of the afflicted, the refuge of the desperate, the hope of the dying. She is the star of the sea, the rose without thorns, the tower of ivory, the house of gold, the gate of heaven. All graces come through Mary; she is the mediatrix of all graces.
— St. Alphonsus Liguori
📖 The Way of the Cross
On the Sufferings of Christ
O Jesus, my Jesus, how can I forget Thee? How can I not love Thee? Thou hast loved me to the end. Thou hast died for me on the cross. Thou hast shed Thy precious blood for me. Thou hast opened to me the gates of heaven. O how great is Thy love for me!
— St. Alphonsus Liguori
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