Alphonsus Liguori
Biographical Details:
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Biography:
Alphonsus Liguori was born in 1696 near Naples, Italy, into a well-off, deeply Catholic family. A brilliant student, he earned a law degree at the age of sixteen, becoming a successful lawyer by nineteen. However, a turning point came in 1723 when he lost an important case due to a minor technicality, which he interpreted as a sign from God to change his life’s direction. Leaving law, Alphonsus studied for the priesthood and was ordained in 1726. His ministry focused on the poor and marginalized, leading him to the mountain villages around Naples, where he found people with little religious instruction. In 1732, he founded the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, or Redemptorists, to bring the gospel to neglected and impoverished areas, emphasizing simplicity and accessibility in his teachings. Alphonsus became known for his compassionate approach to moral theology, advocating a balance between rigor and mercy.
He wrote extensively, producing over 100 works on theology, spirituality, and devotion. His most famous work, The Glories of Mary, expressed his deep devotion to the Virgin Mary, which became a hallmark of his spirituality. Alphonsus’ writings also included contributions to moral theology, emphasizing a practical, pastoral approach that would later be foundational to the field. Despite suffering from crippling arthritis in his later years, he continued to write and guide the Redemptorists. In 1762, he reluctantly accepted an appointment as Bishop of Sant’Agata de’ Goti, where he served until he was forced to resign due to ill health. He died in 1787 at age ninety-one and was canonized in 1839. In 1871, he was declared a Doctor of the Church, and his teachings on moral theology have since been influential in Catholic thought.
Quotes and Excerpts:
On the Intercession of Mary:
“God could have dispensed with the Virgin Mary, but it was His will to provide the world with Jesus through her, that we might all acknowledge her as the source of all good.” – The Glories of Mary, Part I, Chapter 1.
“The Eternal Father gave His only Son to the world only through Mary; whatever God deigned to bestow on us was given by her hand.” – The Glories of Mary, Part I, Chapter 2.
“Mary became the Mother of God by giving her consent to the Incarnation of the Word, thereby cooperating in the mystery of redemption.” – The Glories of Mary, Part I, Chapter 3.
“As Jesus chose to be entirely dependent on His Mother during His earthly life, so now He grants her intercession power over all graces.” – The Glories of Mary, Part I, Chapter 5.
“She is truly the Mother of mercy, for she gave us Jesus, the Fountain of mercy, and by her merits, united to those of her Son, she continues to obtain for us the graces of salvation.” – The Glories of Mary, Part I, Chapter 7.
“When the Eternal Word became man, He chose her for His Mother, and for love of her, He grants graces to all men.” –The Glories of Mary, Part I, Chapter 10.
“Mary is called the gate of heaven because no one can enter that blessed kingdom without passing through her.” –The Glories of Mary, Part I, Chapter 3.
“Mary is the Mediatrix of grace; she obtains from her Son all the graces that God gives to men.” –The Glories of Mary, Part I, Chapter 5.
“To be without devotion to Mary is a mark of reprobation; to have it is a mark of predestination.” –The Glories of Mary, Part I, Chapter 8.