The Childhood of St. Alphonsus Liguori

St. Alphonsus Liguori was the firstborn child to Giuseppe (Joseph) and Anna Liguori on October 5, 1696 in Naples, Italy. His father was the captain of the royal galleys, and because they were a noble family, Alphonsus was able to receive a very good education. Ever since he was a young child, it was clear that Alphonsus had a brilliant mind. He was raised to learn and grow in all the virtues; he diligently studied the sciences, classic and sacred literature. He also received an early call to become a priest. Because of his deep desire and dedication to learning, Alphonsus began law school when he was only 13 years old, and he achieved degrees in civil and canon law by the young age of 16, well advanced for his time!

Consecration to God

As a youth, Alphonsus made a solemn consecration to God. He vowed to remain pure and entrusted his chastity to the Mother of God. Alphonsus preserved and protected his purity and integrity all his youth and teen years, and throughout his life. St. Gregory wrote about the virtuous life of St. Alphonsus. He said St. Alphonsus exerted ”all powers of his mind” and employed “every movement of his body for the sole purpose of preserving it free from the slightest stain.”

The Virtues of St. Alphonsus Liguori

Alphonsus always used his time to serve the Lord. His thoughts, actions, and words were always directed toward God. His attention to God was constant. Alphonsus was always in action for the faith and he never idly wasted time. He was very devoted to helping his neighbors; assisting the sick who were in the hospital, and hearing confession after confession for hours on end, sometimes all night long! St. Alphonsus gave long and powerful sermons that changed people’s hearts and minds from coldness to sorrow, and from sinfulness to repentance and weeping.

Author of Books

He also wrote a great number of books. He fed, clothed and supported the poor. He established houses of refuge to protect young women. He taught and inspired many, often travelling difficult roads, mountains, and remote areas to spread and teach the word of God.

Almost Married

Alphonsus began studying theology while at home. In 1717 his father tried to arrange a marriage for his son but this did not succeed. In 1722 the young Alphonsus decided to go on a retreat during Lent, then one day while visiting the sick in the hospital, he heard an inner voice tell him to, “Leave the world and give yourself to Me.”

Ordained a Priest

In 1726, at the age of 29, Alphonsus Liguori was ordained a priest. He was a good preacher and confessor who worked in Naples, traveling from village to village for nearly 25 years. St. Alphonsus Liguori instituted the Congregation of The Most Holy Redeemer. We also know them as the Redemptorists. He was also appointed bishop in an area near Naples.

Would you be surprised to know that he had an incredible love of the Holy Eucharist and the Virgin Mother of the Church? Alphonsus was such a model of all the virtues that he changed entire communities. He brought forth deep brotherly love and unity. The church acknowledges that Alphonsus had achieved the highest summit of virtues.

St. Alphonsus Liguori’s Long Illness

Toward the end of his life, St. Alphonsus suffered long years of sickness. He suffered from a very bad rheumatism or arthritis. Actually, it was so bad in 1767 that he received his last rites and even began to plan his funeral! For twelve whole months he waited to die, but God had other plans!

If you look at pictures of him from this time you will see that his neck was permanently bent after this illness. He could barely raise his chin off his chest. His head was so bent that he could not even celebrate the Mass! But eventually he succeeded in being able to celebrate Mass again.

The End of St. Alphonsus Liguori’s Life

He experienced the dark night of the soul from 1784-1785. For eighteen months he prayed but did not feel God’s presence or consolations. And during this same time he had many terrible temptations. He was tempted against his faith and had unjustified fears. After his “dark night of the soul” he received great peace and light, experiencing angelic visions and ecstasies. He also received prophesies and even performed miracles! St. Alphonsus died in 1787 just 2 months after his 91st birthday. He was canonized in 1839 and declared a Doctor of the Church, a title given to only a few saints, by Pope Pius IX in 1871.

St. Alphonsus Liguori, pray for us!
Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us!
Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us!