St. Alphonsus Liguori

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St. Alphonsus Liguori led a very full life!  

He was the oldest of seven children, and he liked to study (even though his eyesight was not very good). He became a lawyer, but when he heard an “interior voice” tell him to “Leave the world, and give yourself to me,” he decided to become a priest. He began his ministry with the homeless and young people in the city of Naples, and he became known for his preaching, which was always easy to understand.  

Not long after, Alphonsus founded the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, or the Redemptorists, with the mission of preaching popular missions wherever poor people lived. Alphonsus also brought his musical gifts to these missions, writing many popular hymns and teaching them to the people.  

Alphonsus did not want to become a bishop, but he agreed when he was called. As a bishop, he was given a fancy carriage and an episcopal ring, but he sold both and gave the money to the poor.  

Alphonsus wrote many books that helped people to understand and live their faith. Among the best known is The Way of the Cross, which is still used in parishes during Lent. Because he heard confessions with understanding and mercy, he is the patron saint of confessors.  

Liguori suffered from a number of illnesses, and by the end of his life, he was both deaf and blind. He suffered from rheumatism, and he is often depicted bent over. He is a remarkable example of what can happen when, even with our weaknesses, we give ourselves to God. 

Prayer for your Table

Table suggestions

At your table, you could follow the spirit of St. Alphonsus Liguori by asking about the poor in your city or town. What are ways that you could draw close to them? How could you become more aware of their needs and strive to meet them?