Saint Who?
Saints Who Exemplify Devotion
to the Christ Child
Saint Alphonsus Liguori
Bishop and Doctor († 1787) Feast: August 1
“Go in, then, all ye devout souls; go and see the Creator of heaven and earth on a little hay, under the form of a little Infant, but so beautiful that he sheds all around rays of light. Now that he is born and is lying on the straw, the cave is no longer horrible, but is become a paradise. Let us enter; let us not be afraid.” Alphonsus Liguori was born to a devout Catholic family near Naples in 1696. Strong-willed and intelligent, he was a brilliant student, graduating with a doctorate in law at age sixteen.
After some years, he gave up practicing law and became a priest. He was eager to serve poor and simple people, and founded the Redemptorists for this purpose. It is said he himself always aspired to preach so that the simplest person in the congregation could understand everything he said.
While a young priest, Alphonsus wrote a Christmas hymn, Quanno Nascetto Ninno. It was later translated into modern Italian from Alphonsus’ Neapolitan dialect by Blessed Pius IX. In this translation, Tu Scendi dalle Stelle, or “The Bagpiper’s Carol,” it is said to be one of the most popular Christmas carols in Italy. “Dearest, fairest, sweetest Infant/ Dire this state of poverty./ The more I care for Thee,/ Since Thou, O Love Divine,/ Will’st now so poor to be.”
Infant Lord, help us to honor you in simplicity
of heart through joyful song.
