Catholic Saints
Saint Alphonsus Liguori, born in 1696 near Naples, Italy, was an 18th-century bishop, moral theologian, and Doctor of the Church. Known for founding the Redemptorists and his writings on moral theology and devotion to Mary, he died in 1787. His feast day is celebrated on August 1.
His feast day is celebrated on August 1.
Doctor of the Church
Born in 1696 near Naples, Alphonsus became a bishop and founder of the Redemptorists.
Alphonsus Maria de Liguori was born on September 27, 1696, in Marianella, near Naples, to a noble and devout family. His father, Giuseppe Liguori, a naval officer, pushed him toward law, and by age 16, Alphonsus earned doctorates in both civil and canon law, practicing as a successful lawyer. A devastating courtroom loss in 1723, however, led him to abandon his career, vowing never to return to the world’s vanities.
He entered the priesthood in 1726 after a profound spiritual conversion, dedicating himself to serving the poor and sick. His early ministry focused on preaching and hearing confessions, earning him a reputation for compassion and insight.
In 1732, Alphonsus founded the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists) to evangelize the rural poor, emphasizing Christ’s redemption and Mary’s intercession. He became Bishop of Sant’Agata dei Goti in 1762, serving with humility despite chronic health issues, and resigned in 1775 to focus on writing. His seminal work, Moral Theology, balanced rigor and mercy, shaping Catholic ethics by rejecting both laxism and excessive severity.
Alphonsus also wrote devotional classics like The Glories of Mary and Visits to the Blessed Sacrament, promoting frequent prayer and devotion. His practical spirituality made holiness attainable for all, earning him widespread influence.
Alphonsus died on August 1, 1787, in Pagani, Italy, after a life of intense prayer and suffering from arthritis and deafness. Beatified in 1816 and canonized in 1839 by Pope Gregory XVI, he was declared a Doctor of the Church in 1871 by Pope Pius IX for his moral and spiritual writings. His relics are venerated in Pagani.
Known as the patron saint of confessors, moral theologians, and those with arthritis, Alphonsus’s legacy lies in his compassionate theology and devotion to Mary. The Redemptorists continue his mission worldwide.
Born near Naples.
Born into a noble Italian family.
Began ministry to the poor.
Entered the priesthood.
Founded Redemptorists.
Started order for the poor.
Led diocese with humility.
Appointed bishop.
Died in Pagani.
Passed away and later canonized in 1839.
"He who prays is certain to be saved; he who does not pray is certain to be lost."
Saint Alphonsus Liguori Quotes
"He who prays is certain to be saved; he who does not pray is certain to be lost."
"The Blessed Virgin Mary is our Mother, our Queen, and our surest path to Jesus. By her intercession, we obtain all graces; by her love, we are led to her Son."
"True charity consists in doing good to those who do evil to us."
"Acquire the habit of speaking to God as if you were alone with Him, familiarly and with confidence and love."
"What does it profit a man to gain the whole world if he loses his soul? All earthly goods pass away, but eternity is forever."
"The heart of man is made for God alone; nothing less can satisfy its infinite desires."