S ALPHONSUS MARY LIGUORI (1696-1787) - 1st Aug

 Born to the nobility, Alphonsus was a child prodigy; he received his doctorate in law from the University of Naples. He had his own legal practice by age 21, 

    and was soon one of the leading lawyers in Naples,

    though he never attended court without having attended Mass first. As he matured and learned more and more of the world, he felt a call to religious life. 

    He studied theology, and was ordained at age 29.

    He founded the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer at Scala, Italy in1732. Appointed Bishop of the Diocese of Sant’Agata de’ Goti, Italy by Pope Clement XIII in 1762. 

    Worked to reform the clergy and revitalize the faithful in a diocese with a bad reputation. When he was the Bishop, one of Alphonsus’s priests led a worldly life, 

    and resisted all attempts to change. He was summoned to Alphonsus, and at the entrance to the Bishop‘s study he found a large crucifix laid on the threshold. 

    When the priest hesitated to step in, Alphonsus quietly said, “Come along, and be sure

    to trample it underfoot. It would not be the first time you have placed Our Lord beneath your feet.” He died in 1787 and was declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius IX in 1871.




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