Today we celebrate the liturgical Memorial of Saint Alphonsus Liguori, the founder of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (known as the Redemptorists). Born in 1696 in Marianella, not far from Naples (Italy). Nearsighted and suffering from asthma, he could not pursue the military career he first wanted, so his father had him educated and prepared for the legal profession. He eventually earned doctorates in both civil and canon law.
At the age of 18, Alphonsus joined the Confraternity of Our Lady of Mercy; with others who were part of this brotherhood, he helped to care for the sick at the hospital for incurables while enjoying a successful legal career. He did however recognize that the legal profession was too full of difficulties and dangers at at the age of 27, he made a firm resolution to leave the legal profession.
In 1723, he wanted to offer himself as a novice to the Oratory of Saint Philip Neri where he could prepare for priesthood, but his father was opposed to this plan. Eventually, after a few months had passed, he and his father reached a compromise: Alphonsus could prepare for priesthood but lived at home. He was ordained a priest on 21 December 1726. His first years of priesthood were spent among the homeless and marginalized youth of Naples. He founded the Evening Chapels, centres of prayer and piety, preaching, community, social activities and education which were managed by the young people themselves.
On 9 November 1732, he founded the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer with the charism of preaching popular missions in the city and throughout the countryside, teaching and preaching in slums and other poor places. In this way he helped the poor to discover the Lord's words and to devour them so that they became the joy and happiness of their hearts (Jer 15:16).
Alphonsus went on to become a renowned Bishop, serving as the pastoral leader of the Church of Sant'Agata dei Goti from 1762 until his retirement in 1775. He lived for two more years in the Redemptorist community in Pagani (Italy) where he died in 1787.
Beatified on 15 September 1816, and canonized on 26 May 1839, he continues to intercede for all of us, and to instruct us still.
Have a great day.
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