Alphonsus Liguori
Alphonsus Liguori: A Life of Devotion and Service
#### Full Name and Common Aliases
Alphonsus Maria de' Liguori was born on September 27, 1696, in Naples, Italy. He is commonly known as Saint Alphonsus.
#### Birth and Death Dates
September 27, 1696 - August 1, 1787
#### Nationality and Profession(s)
Italian Catholic priest, theologian, and founder of the Redemptorist Congregation.
#### Early Life and Background
Alphonsus Liguori was born into a noble family in Naples. His father, Fortunato Liguori, was a Neapolitan nobleman who served as a senator in the kingdom of Sicily. Alphonsus's mother, Anna Maria Fusco, came from a wealthy merchant family. Despite his family's high social standing, Alphonsus chose a life of devotion and service.
Growing up, Alphonsus was educated by the Jesuits at the Royal College of Naples. He showed great aptitude for music and mathematics but soon became disillusioned with the Jesuit order due to their strict adherence to Aristotelian philosophy. This led him to seek a more spiritual path, which eventually led him to become a priest.
#### Major Accomplishments
Alphonsus Liguori's life was marked by numerous accomplishments that showcased his dedication to serving God and humanity. Some of his most notable achievements include:
Founding the Redemptorist Congregation: In 1732, Alphonsus founded the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists), an order dedicated to preaching missions and caring for the poor.
Writing on Morality and Spirituality: Alphonsus wrote extensively on moral theology and spirituality. His works include _The Way of Salvation_ and _The Mystical City of God_.
#### Notable Works or Actions
Alphonsus's life was filled with notable works and actions that reflected his commitment to serving others:
Preaching Missions: Alphonsus spent much of his life preaching missions throughout Italy, emphasizing the importance of conversion and spiritual growth.
Defending the Faith: He actively defended Catholic doctrine against heresies, particularly those promoted by Jansenism.
#### Impact and Legacy
Alphonsus Liguori's impact on the world is immeasurable. His contributions to Catholic theology and spirituality continue to inspire generations:
Shaping Catholic Doctrine: Alphonsus played a significant role in shaping Catholic doctrine, especially regarding justification and sanctification.
Founding the Redemptorist Congregation: The congregation he founded has spread across the globe, carrying on his mission of preaching missions and caring for the poor.
#### Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Alphonsus Liguori is widely quoted and remembered for several reasons:
Intellectual Contributions: His writings have had a profound impact on Catholic theology and spirituality.
Spiritual Guidance: Alphonsus's emphasis on the importance of spiritual growth and conversion continues to inspire countless individuals worldwide.
Quotes by Alphonsus Liguori
Alphonsus Liguori's insights on:
What does it cost us to say: “My God help me! Have mercy on me!” Is there anything easier than this? And this little will suffice to save us if we be diligent in doing it.
My Jesus! What a lovable contrivance this holy Sacrament was – that You would hide under the appearance of bread to make Yourself loved and to be available for a visit by anyone who desires You!
You may be sure that of all the moments of your life, the time you spend before the divine Sacrament will be that which will give you more strength during life and more consolation at the hour of your death and during eternity.
How beautiful she is, Our Lady of compassion! How dear! How utterly unselfish! How filled with joy for Him – and us – in the depths of her own agony and desolation!
Speak to Him often of your business, your plans, your troubles, your fears – of everything that concerns you.
St. Jerome declares that he holds for certain, and has learned from experience, that he will never make a good end who has led a bad life to the very last: ‘This I hold, this I have learned by much experience, that his will be an evil end who has always led an evil life.’
Those who are seeking the true religion will never find it outside the Catholic Church alone, because, in every other religion, if they trace it up to the author, they will find some impostor whose imagination furnished a mass of sophisms and errors.
In cold and heat, in rain and wind, the soul united to God says, “I want it to be warm, to be cold, windy, to rain, because God wills it.”
Love tends to union with the object loved. Now Jesus Christ loves a soul that is in a state of grace with immense love; He ardently desires to unite Himself with it. That is what Holy Communion does.