St. Alphonsus Liguori: Patron of Vocations and Founder of the Redemptorists

St. Alphonsus Liguori, Bishop and Doctor of the Church: 1696-1787 A.D.

Feast day, August 1

Birth, education, and early career

St. Alphonsus was born on September 21, 1696 A.D. at Marianelli near Naples, Italy, to Don Joseph de Liguori, captain of the royal galleys, and Doña Anna Cavaliero. His parents were both virtuous and distinguished. St. Alphonsus was baptized Alphonsus Mary Antony John Francis Cosmas Damian Michael Caspar, but preferred to call himself simply Alfonso Maria. His father was determined that this first born son of his should have the advantage of formal education. So he provided tutors for Alphonsus and then sent him to the university at the age of thirteen. Within four years, at the age of about seventeen, Alphonsus was awarded doctorate degrees in both canon and civil law. He practiced law very successfully for the next eight years, and his reputation as a barrister is testified by a tradition of never losing a case.

Calling and ordination

In 1717 A.D., when St. Alphonsus was twenty-one, his father arranged a marriage for him, but it never took place. Several years later, after receiving the sacrament of confirmation, he vowed not to marry, but continue in his profession, until God gave him a sign to abandon it. What he took to be a clear indication of divine will was shown only a few months later: he completely missed an important point in a case before a civil court. He lost the case. After this experience, he visited the sick in the hospital for incurables and then heard an inner voice, saying, "leave the world, and give yourself to Me". St. Alphonsus went to the Church of Our Lady of Ransom, lay his sword on the altar, and offered himself to the priests of the Oratory. He was ordained a priest in 1726 A.D.

Missionary work and preaching

For the next two years, St. Alphonsus was engaged in missionary work throughout the kingdom of Naples. The preaching style of this period was exemplified by pompousness and ornate verbosity, but St. Alphonsus kept his style simple - leading to a high degree of success for him. St. Alphonsus' preaching was also against Jansenism - a heresy that supported a very strict morality. He declared that "penitents should be treated as souls to be saved, rather than as criminals to be punished."

Founding the Redemptorines and the Redemptorists


In 1729 A.D., when Alphosus was thirty-three years old, he became chaplain to a college for the training of missionaries to China. It was here that he met Bishop Thomas Falcoia. Bishop Falcoia wanted to establish a new religious institute in accordance with a vision he had in Rome. He was able to establish a convent of nuns who followed a version of the rule of the Visitandines. When St. Alphonsus conducted a retreat for these nuns of Bishop Falcoia, he met Sr. Mary Celeste. Recognizing that the vision of Bishop Falcoia was genuine, St. Alphonsus reorganized the convent of these nuns according to the vision of Bishop Falcoia. He thus founded the Redemptorines. St. Alphonsus then moved to Scala in 1732 A.D., to organize the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (the Redemptorists), which would be devoted to the missions. The Congregation was born on November 9, 1732 A.D. The first home of the Redemptorists was a small house belonging to the convent of the nuns.

Dissensions within the community

St. Alphonsus had seven postulants in his new religious community with Bishop Falcoia as informal superior general. However, dissensions began to occur, centering chiefly on the matter of who was in the highest authority. A party opposed the bishop and also Alphonsus, and eventually a schism was formed in both houses. Sr. Mary Celeste went off to found a convent at Foggia, and at the end of five months, St. Alphonsus was alone except for one lay brother. However, others arrived again and a larger house became necessary. In in January 1734 A.D., a second foundation was made at Villa degli Schiavi, It was here that Alphonsus went to reside and conduct missions. Despite all the difficulties, the Congregation overcame them and grew. In 1734 A.D., on the death of Bishop Falcoia, a general council elected Alphonsus as superior. Pope Benedict XIV approved the rule of the men in 1749 A.D. and a rule for the women in 1750 A.D.

Written works and style of writing

In the 1750s, St. Alphonsus began to concentrate on his writing. His work was based on the earlier writings of St. Thomas Aquinas. He gives us many of the theological positions which the Church holds today. St. Alphonsus clarified the elements of mortal sin: that the sinner must have full awareness of the matter; full consent was made; and that it involves serious matter. It is the theological positions of these writings which came to be known as his work in moral theology. The other writings of St. Alphonsus were devotional writings: the most successful, "Glories of Mary". Other writings were: "Visits to the Blessed Sacrament and to the Blessed Virgin", "The True Spouse of Jesus Christ", and "The Great Means of Prayer". Alphonsus' style of writing were similar to the prayerful meditation he practiced and taught to others. It consisted of a brief consideration of some aspect of the mysteries of our redemption, followed by a prayer filled with feelings of love, contrition, and other sentiments of devotion. His favorite devotions were to the Eucharist, to Christ in His Passion, and to the Blessed Mother.

Appointed as bishop

In 1762 A.D., Pope Clement XIII appointed St. Alphonsus as bishop of a small diocese near Naples. Though reluctantly accepting the position, he brought the same zeal to this ministry which he had applied to all of his previous work. He reformed the secular clergy, organized general missions for the people, and established programmes for assisting the poor of the diocese.

Last years, death and sainthood

The last few years of St. Alphonsus Liguori brought him intense interior trials - a "dark night of the soul". He was beset by temptations and every article of his faith was shaken. This torment lasted for eighteen months with only brief periods of light and relief. When this period of trial finally ended, Alphonsus experienced spiritual ecstasies, prophetic visions, and the ability to perform miracles. St. Alphonsus died on August 1, 1787 A.D. He was canonized in 1839 A.D. and declared a Doctor of the Church in 1871 A.D. by Pope Pius IX. He is the patron saint of vocations, moral theologians, and of confessors.

References of this article

• Dictionary of Saints, by John J. Delaney


• The Doctors of the Church vol 1, by John F. Fink


• A Year With the Saints, by Don Bosco Press, Inc.


• Saints for Our Time, by Ransom


• The Lives of the Saints, by Butler

Feasts of Saints Celebrated in the Month of August

Alphonsus Liguori (died 1787): lawyer; founded the Redemptorists; opposed Jansenism, emphasizing Christ's love "copiosa apud eum redemptio" and Mary's help; bishop of Sant'Agata del Goti; master of moral theology; patron of confessors and moral theologians. (August 1)

Born at La Mure, France, Peter Julian Eymard became a parish priest in 1834 A.D. and joined the Marists five years later. He fostered Eucharistic adoration throughout his life and founded a religious order of priests-adorers of the Holy Eucharists who came to be known as the Priests of the Blessed Sacrament. (August 1)

also on August 1: The Holy Machabees, martyrs; Faith, Hope, Charity, and their mother, Wisdom, martyrs; Aled, Almedha, or Eiluned, virgin and martyr; Ethelwold, bishop

Eusebius (died 371 A.D.): considered the founder of the canons regular in the West, defender of St. Athanasius; exiled to Palestine by Constantius; with St. Hilary, an opponent of Arianism. (August 2)

also on August 2: Stephen I, pope and martyr; Theodota, martyr; Thomas of Dover

on August 3: The Finding of the Body of Stephen, protomartyr; Waltheof of Walthen, abbot; Nicodemus

Jean-Baptiste Marie Vianney (died 1859 A.D.): universally known as the "Cure of Ars", compassionate confessor and spiritual counsellor; patron of priests and the parish clergy. (August 4)

also on August 4: Ia and Companions, martyrs; Molua or Lughaidh, abbot

on August 5: Dedication of St. Mary Major; Addai and Mari, bishops; Afra, martyr; Nonna, matron

on August 6: The Transfiguration of Our Lord; Justus and Pastor, martyrs; Hormisdas, priest

Sixtus II and four deacons were arrested on 6 Aug. 258 A.D. while celebrating the Eucharist in the cemetery of Callixtus; by the order of Valerian, they were decapitated that same day; Sixtus is named in the Roman Canon. (August 7)

Cajetan (died 1547 A.D.): from Venice; co-founded the Theatines, clerks regular devoted to reform, prayer and ministry especially to the poor and the sick. (August 7)

also on August 7: Donatus, bishop and martyr; Claudia, matron; Dometius the Persian, martyr; Victricius, bishop; Albert of Trapani; Donatus of Besançon, bishop

Dominic de Guzman (died 6 Aug. 1221 A.D.): born in Caleruega, Spain; founded the Order of Preachers, an elective, fraternal form of community life devoted to contemplation, study and preaching; sought to bring Albigensians back into the Church through preaching and living evangelical poverty; his ideal contemplata tradere; canonized in 1234 A.D. (August 8)

also on August 8: Cyriacus, Largus and Smaragdus, martyrs; The Fourteen Holy Helpers; Hormisdas, martyrs; Altman, bishop

Edith Stein was born of Jewish parents in 1891 A.D., becoming an influential philosopher following her extensive studies at major German universities. Following her conversion to Catholicism she became a major force in German intellectual life, entering the Discalced Carmelites in 1933 A.D. Sister Teresa Benedicta was arrested by the Nazi regime in 1942 A.D., along with all Catholics of Jewish extraction and transported by cattle train to the death camp of Auschwitz. She died in the gas chambers at Auschwitz that same year. (August 9)

also on August 9: Emygdius, martyr; Nathy and Felim, bishop; Oswald of Northumbria, martyr

on August 10: Lawrence, deacon and martyr; Philomnea or Philumena

Clare of Assisi (died 1253 A.D.): disciple of Francis; founded the Poor Clares whose first convent at Assisi she directed as abbess for 42 years. (August 11)

also on August 11: Tiburtius; Susanna; Alexander the Charcoal-Burner, bishop and martyr; Equitius, abbot; Blane, bishop; Attracta or Araght, virgin; Lelia, virgin; Gaugericus or Géry, bishop; Gerard of Gallinaro and Companions

on August 12: Euplus, martyr; Murtagh or Muredach, bishop; Porcarius and Companions, martyrs

Pontian (died 235 A.D.): bishop of Rome exiled to Sardinia where he was reconciled with Hippolytus; buried in the cemetery of Callixtus. (August 13)

Hippolytus (died 235/36 A.D.): authored Apostolic Tradition; Roman presbyter and stern rigorist; opposed Sabellianism and milder penitential discipline of Pope St. Callixtus (died 222 A.D.); exiled to Sardinia with Pontian; source of Eucharistic Prayer II. (August 13)

also on August 13: Cassian, martyr; Simplician, bishop; Radegund, matron; Maximus the Confessor, abbot; Benildi (Peter Romançon), religious; Wigbert, abbot; Nerses Klaiëtsi, bishop

Maximilian Kolbe became a Franciscan in 1907 A.D. and devoted his life to fostering devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary as a priest, a publisher and the founder of the "City of the Immaculate." Sentenced to hard manual labor at Auschwitz, he offered his life in exchange for that of an innocent man. He is remembered for his prophetic words, "Hatred is not a creative force. Only love is a creative power." (August 14)

also on August 14: Marcellus of Apamea, bishop and martyr; Fachanan, bishop; Athanasia, matron

on August 15: Assumption of Mary, Tarsicius, martyr; Arnulf or Arnoul of Soissons, bishop

Stephen (died 1038 A.D.): as the first Christian king of Hungary he united and Christianized the Magyar people; received the "holy crown" from Pope Sylvester II in 1000 A.D.; renowned for his charity to beggars; known as the "apostolic king and apostle of Hungary." (August 16)

also on August 16: Arsacius; Armel, abbot; Roch

on August 17: Hyacinth, confessor; Mamas, martyr; Eusebius, priest; Liberatus and Companions, martyrs; Clare of Montefalco, virgin

on August 18: Agapitus, martyr; Florus and Laurus, martyrs; Helena, widow; Alipius, bishop

John Eudes (died 1680 A.D.): founded (1643 A.D.) the Congregation of Jesus and Mary (Eudists) for training the clergy (today numbering about 750 religious). And the Sisters of the Good Shepherd for assisting morally endangered women, especially prostitutes; promoted cult to the Hearts of Jesus and Mary.
(August 19)

Ezechiel Moreno was born in Alfaro (La Rioja, Spain on 9 April 1848 A.D.; he professed his vows in the Order of Augustinian Recollects in Monteagudo (Navarra) in 1865 A.D.; was ordained priest in Manila in 1857 A.D. and worked for 15 years as a missionary in the Philippines. Prior of Monteagudo in 1885 A.D., he left for Columbia in 1888 A.D. where he restored the Augustinian Recollect Order and reactivated the old missions. Named Apostolic Vicar of Casanare (1893 A.D.) and Bishop of Pastro (1896 A.D.), he was a model pastor for his fidelity to the Church and for his apostolic zeal. He fell ill and in 1906 A.D. returned to Spain where he died of cancer on August 19 of the same year in the convent of Monteagudo. Innumerable cures, especially cancer, are attributed to his intercession. Beatified on 1 November 1975 A.D., he was canonized, on 11 October 1992 A.D. in Santo Domingo on the occasion of the fifth Centenary of the Christianization of America.
(August 19)

also on August 19: Andrew the Tribune, martyr; Timothy, Agapius and Thecla, martyrs; Sixtus or Xystus III, pope; Mochta, abbot; Bertulf, abbot; Sebald; Louis of Anjou, bishop

Bernard (died 1153 A.D.): Cistercian abbot of Clairvaux; reformer and spiritual author (e.g., On Loving God; 86 sermons on the Canticle of Canticles); preached against the Albigensians; founded 68 monasteries; preached the 2nd Crusade; denounced injustice and worked for peace; known as Doctor mellifluus; patron of Gilbraltar. (August 20)

also on August 20: Amadour; Oswin, martyr; Philibert, abbot

Pius X (died 20 Aug 1914 A.D.): undertook liturgical and canonical reforms especially communion for children and frequent communion for adults; condemned Modernism in Lamentabili and Pascendi dominici gregis (1907 A.D.); motto "renew all things in Christ"; patron of sick pilgrims. (August 21)

also on August 21: Luxorius, Cisellus and Camerinus, martyrs; Bonosus and Maximian, martyrs; Sidonius Apollinaris, bishop; Abraham of Smolensk, abbot

on August 22: Queenship of Mary

also on August 22: Timothy and Symphorianus, martyrs; Sigfrid, abbot; Andrew of Fiesole; John Kemble and John Wall, priests and martyrs

Isabela de Oliva (also, Rose of Lima) (died 1617 A.D.): died at age 31; Peruvian mystic; nicknamed "Rosa" because of her beauty; OP tertiary who lived a life of penance and solitude, caring for the homeless, elderly and sick; first declared saint of the New World (1672 A.D.); patroness of South America, especially Peru; also of florists and gardeners. Proclaimed by Pius XII as Secondary Patroness of the Philippines. (August 23)

also on August 23: Philip Benizi, confessor; Claudius, Asterius, Neon, Domnina and Theonilla, martyrs; Eugene or Eoghan, bishop

on August 24: Bartholomew, apostle; The Martyrs of Utica; Audoenus or Ouen, bishop

Louis IX of France (died 1270 A.D.): model ruler and father of 11 children; Franciscan tertiary who cared especially for lepers; built Sainte Chapelle in Paris as a reliquary for the crown of thorns; while on his second crusade, died of the plague near Tunis; patron of masons and sculptors. (August 25)

Joseph Calasanz (died 1648 A.D.): from Aragon; founded Piarists, dedicated to helping poor children; faced many trials and calumnies for his work, including the temporary suppression of his Institute; patron of all Christian schools dedicated to assisting the poor. (August 25)

also on August 25: Genesius the Comedian, martyr; Genesius of Arles; Patricia, virgin; Mennas of Constantinople, bishop; Ebba the Elder, virgin; Gregory of Utrecht, abbot; Joan Antide-Thouret, virgin; Mary Michaela Desmaisières, virgin

on August 26: Joan Elizabeth Bichier des Ages, virgin; Teresa of Jesus Jornet Ibars, virgin

Monica (died 387 A.D.): at Ostia; born in Tagaste in Roman Africa; after 30 years of prayer, she obtained the conversion of her dissolute pagan husband; under the guidance of Ambrose, she won the conversion of her eldest son, Augustine; patroness of mothers. (August 27)

also on August 27: Marcellus and Companions, martyrs; Poemen, abbot; Caesarius of Arles, bishop; Syagrius, bishop; Hugh or Little Hugh of Lincoln; Margaret the Barefooted, widow; David Lewis, priest and martyr

Augustine (died 430 A.D.): born in Tagaste, North Africa; after a dissolute life, he received baptism at age 33 from Ambrose; elected bishop of Hippo; combatted Manicheans, the Donatists and Pelagius; most noted for his Confessions and the City of God; over 500 homilies are extant; considered a founder of monastic life in the West, his Rule is observed by some 150 religious communities today; one of the four great doctors of the Latin Church; called the "Doctor of grace."
(August 28)

also on August 28: Hermes; Julian of Brioude, martyr; Alexander, John III, and Paul IV, bishops; Moses the Black; Edmund Arrowsmith, priest and martyr; Joachim of Vedruña, religious

on August 29: Beheading of John the Baptist, martyr; Sabina, martyr; Medericus or Merry, abbot

on August 30: Felix and Adauctus, martyrs; Pammachius; Rumon or Ruan; Fantinus, abbot; Margaret Ward, martyr

on August 31: Raymund Nonnatus, confessor; Paulinus of Trier, bishop; Aidan of Lindisfarne, bishop