Born in Naples, Italy, in the 18th century, Alphonsus dedicated his life to serving God, promoting devotion to Mary, and advocating for moral theology and spiritual guidance.
Here are 12 things we can learn from the life and teachings of St. Alphonsus Liguori:
Devotion to Mary: St. Alphonsus had a deep and abiding devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. He encouraged others to seek Mary's intercession, emulate her virtues, and cultivate a personal relationship with the Mother of God.
Moral Theology: Alphonsus was a renowned moral theologian who emphasized the importance of conscience, virtue, and discernment in making ethical decisions. His writings on moral theology continue to be studied and revered by theologians and scholars.
Spiritual Guidance: St. Alphonsus was a gifted spiritual director who offered counsel and support to those seeking to deepen their relationship with God. His compassionate and practical advice resonates with individuals on their spiritual journey.
Redemptive Suffering: Alphonsus understood the value of suffering as a means of purification and redemption. He embraced his own physical ailments and challenges as opportunities to unite his suffering with that of Christ for the salvation of souls.
Humility: St. Alphonsus exemplified humility in his words and actions, recognizing his own limitations and weaknesses while trusting in God's grace and mercy. His humility endeared him to others and made him a model of Christian virtue.
Prayer and Contemplation: Alphonsus emphasized the importance of prayer, contemplation, and silent reflection in nurturing one's relationship with God. He encouraged a life of prayerful attentiveness and union with the divine.
Missionary Zeal: St. Alphonsus founded the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists) with a mission to preach the Gospel, especially to the poor and marginalized. His zeal for evangelization and social justice continues to inspire missionary work today.
Love for the Eucharist: Alphonsus had a profound love for the Eucharist, seeing it as the source and summit of the Christian life. He promoted frequent reception of the Eucharist and encouraged reverence and devotion in approaching the sacrament.
Mercy and Forgiveness: St. Alphonsus emphasized the importance of mercy, forgiveness, and reconciliation in relationships. He believed in the transformative power of God's mercy and encouraged others to extend forgiveness to those who have wronged them.
Detachment from Worldly Goods: Alphonsus embraced a life of poverty and simplicity, renouncing worldly goods and comforts in favour of spiritual riches. His detachment from material possessions served as a witness to the transitory nature of earthly wealth.
Trust in Divine Providence: St. Alphonsus had unwavering trust in God's providential care and guidance. He believed that God's will was always for the good of His children and encouraged others to surrender to divine providence in all circumstances.
Eternal Perspective: Alphonsus had a keen awareness of the eternal destiny of souls and the importance of living a life oriented toward heaven. He reminded others of the fleeting nature of earthly life and the need to prioritize spiritual values over temporal concerns.
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His example of devotion, humility, and service continues to resonate with believers of all backgrounds and generations, inviting us to embrace these timeless lessons in our own spiritual journey.
Image of St. Alphonsus Liguori courtesy of
https://catholicreadings.org/saint-alphonsus-maria-de-liguori/