St. Alphonsus Liguori
Feast day: August 1
Born in Italy, Alphonsus studied civil and canon law at the University of Naples. He practiced law until 1723, when he began theology studies. After his ordination, he concentrated on preaching and hearing confessions. In 1732, he founded the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, or Redemptorists. He served as bishop of Sant’ Agata dei Goti from 1762-75. During these years, Alphonsus initiated reforms, reorganized the seminary and religious houses, and taught theology. He resigned his see due to illness, then devoted himself to his order’s growth and spiritual writings. Alphonsus was canonized in 1839 and was declared a Doctor of the Church in 1871. He is patron of confessors and theologians.
Collect
O God, who constantly raise up in your Church new examples
of virtue,
grant that we may follow so closely in the footsteps
of the Bishop Saint Alphonsus in his zeal for souls
as to attain the same rewards that are his in heaven.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
