Saint Who?
Saints Who Were Writers
Saint Alphonsus Liguori
Bishop and Doctor († 1787) Feast: August 1
According to a popular story, Alphonsus promised himself that he would do everything possible to bring souls to Christ and never waste a minute of his time. Since he eventually wrote an astonishing 111 books, it would appear that Alphonsus kept that promise.
Alphonsus was born into a devout family near Naples and received an excellent education. Because of his hard work and intelligence, he had become a lawyer by the time he was sixteen years old. However, he abandoned the practice of the law after making a mistake in court and turned to the priesthood. As a priest, he was noted for his care for the poor, and as a bishop, he successfully reinvigorated the spiritual life of his flock. He also founded the religious order commonly known as the Redemptorists, despite many setbacks due to political tensions. Alphonsus lived a devout, penitential life and accepted numerous health problems and periods of persecution without complaint.
Alphonsus’ many writings demonstrate his brilliance in topics such as moral theology, Mariology, and dogmatic theology. Yet he was also able to write about spiritual matters at a level that profited ordinary Catholics, and many of his works are still popular today. It is not surprising that he was declared a Doctor of the Church in 1871.
Lord Jesus, grant that I may love you always,
and then do with me as you will.
