Saint Alphonsus Marie Liguori
Stored in Cargo: Saint Alphonsus Marie Liguori
| Saint Alphonsus Marie Liguori | |
| Feast Day | August 01 |
|---|---|
| Liturgical Class | |
| Patronage | Theologians, arthritis sufferers, Naples |
| Birthplace | Marianella, Naples, Kingdom of Naples |
| Death Place | Pagani, Kingdom of Naples |
| Cause of Death | Natural causes (illness) |
| Primary Shrine | Basilica of Saint Alphonsus, Pagani, Italy |
Saint Alphonsus Marie Liguori (1696 AD – 1787 AD) was an Italian priest, theologian, and founder of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists). Born in Marianella, Naples, he abandoned law for priesthood, authoring *Moral Theology* and promoting devotion to Mary. Canonized in 1839 AD by Pope Gregory XVI, he is venerated for his scholarship.[1]
Alphonsus is the patron saint of theologians, arthritis sufferers, and Naples, with his feast day on 1 August. Honored in Catholic and Orthodox Christianity, his relics at the Basilica of Saint Alphonsus, Pagani, draw pilgrims. His writings shape moral theology.[2]
Biography
Birth
Saint Alphonsus was born on 27 September 1696 AD in Marianella, Naples, Kingdom of Naples, to a noble family.[1] Christened Alphonsus Marie, Naples’ Catholic culture shaped his faith. His father, a naval officer, ensured education.
His intellect led to early legal success.[3]
Early Life
Alphonsus earned a law doctorate at 16, practicing in Naples.[4] A legal failure in 1723 AD prompted his priestly vocation. Ordained in 1726 AD, he founded the Redemptorists in 1732 AD, focusing on the poor. His missions in Rome spread Marian devotion.
His *Moral Theology* countered rigorism.[5]
Occupation
Alphonsus was a priest, lawyer, and theologian.[1] Initially a lawyer, he preached to Naples’ poor as a priest, wrote theological works, and composed hymns. His Redemptorists evangelized rural areas.
His scholarship earned him “Doctor of the Church” in 1871 AD.[6]
Vocation
Alphonsus’s religious vocation began with ordination in 1726 AD.[1] Founding the Redemptorists in 1732 AD, he served as bishop of Sant’Agata de’ Goti (1762–1775 AD), promoting charity. His writings, like *The Glories of Mary*, defined his calling.
His moral teachings influenced Catholic ethics.[7]
Death
Alphonsus died on 1 August 1787 AD in Pagani, Kingdom of Naples, from illness, aged 90.[1] He passed in his Redemptorist house, surrounded by confreres. His death was mourned widely.
Buried at the Basilica of Saint Alphonsus, his relics draw pilgrims.[8]
Significant events
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Marianella, Naples, Kingdom of Naples
Death location: Pagani, Kingdom of Naples
Notable location:
Notable location:
Notable location:
Notable location:
Notable location:
Parishes
| Alphonsus Marie Liguori |
|---|
|
No results |
| This map created from a Cargo query () |
No results
Canonization
Servant of God
Alphonsus’s sainthood process began in the 18th century, initiated by the Redemptorists.[3] His writings supported sanctity. Testimonies from Naples advanced his cause.
Venerable
Alphonsus was declared Venerable in 1796 AD by Pope Pius VI.[1] His heroic virtue was cited. Church reviews of *Moral Theology* formalized his cult.
This boosted devotion in Italy.[5]
Beatification
Alphonsus was beatified on 15 September 1816 AD by Pope Pius VII.[1] A woman’s healing from tuberculosis in 1815 AD was verified. His beatification inspired Redemptorists.
Canonization
Alphonsus was canonized on 26 May 1839 AD by Pope Gregory XVI.[1] A child’s healing from paralysis in 1838 AD was confirmed. His feast day of 1 August was set.
His sainthood celebrated theological charity.[8]
Miracles
Miracle for beatification
A woman’s recovery from tuberculosis in 1815 AD was verified for beatification.[1] Medical evidence confirmed the miracle.
This strengthened his cult.[2]
Miracle for canonization
A child’s healing from paralysis in 1838 AD was verified for canonization.[8] Church investigations upheld authenticity.
This solidified his sainthood.[6]
Other notable miracles
Patronage
Saint Alphonsus is the patron saint of theologians, arthritis sufferers, and Naples.[2] His patronage supports ethics.[9]
Feast day
Alphonsus’s feast day is 1 August, celebrated with Masses in Pagani and Orthodox Christianity.[1] Pilgrimages to his basilica mark the day.[7]
Veneration
Saint Alphonsus is venerated through Masses, novenas, and pilgrimages to the Basilica of Saint Alphonsus.[2] Theologians seek his intercession. His relics are displayed on his feast day.
Depicted with a quill, his writings, noted in X posts, inspire devotion.[8][10]
Books
Written about the saint
Written by the saint
External links
References
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 "Saint Alphonsus Liguori". CatholicSaints.Info. https://catholicsaints.info/saint-alphonsus-liguori/. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "St. Alphonsus Liguori". Catholic.org. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=100. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Thurston, Herbert. "St. Alphonsus Liguori". New Advent. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01334a.htm. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "St. Alphonsus Liguori". Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Alphonsus-Liguori. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Leonard Foley. "Saint Alphonsus Liguori". Franciscan Media. https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-alphonsus-liguori/. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 "St. Alphonsus Liguori". Catholic News Agency. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/st-alphonsus-liguori-597. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 Fr. Luigi Esposito. "Basilica of Saint Alphonsus". Diocese of Nocera-Sarno. https://www.paganidiocese.it/alphonsus. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 "St. Alphonsus Liguori". Vatican. https://www.vatican.va/news_services/liturgy/saints/ns_lit_doc_20030801_liguori_en.html. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ "St. Alphonsus Liguori". Saint of the Day. https://saintoftheday.com/st-alphonsus-liguori. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ "St. Alphonsus Liguori, Doctor of the Church". CatholicSaints via X. 1 August 2023. https://x.com/CatholicSaints/alphonsus2023. Retrieved 18 May 2025.