Doctors of the Church: St. Alphonsus Ligouri

In 1732, St. Alphonsus Liguori founded the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, also known as the Redemptorists. He regarded God as merciful.

His writings address topics that are pertinent throughout the liturgical year.

In some writings he references the words of various saints.

During Lent, you may be particularly interested in the meditations he wrote for Stations of the Cross.

He had severe rheumatism and is a patron of those who have arthritis.

He is also the patron saint of theologians and vocations.

The following quotations are representative of some of the topics he addressed.

"Jesus was the fruit of Mary, and as St. Elizabeth told her: 'Blessed art thou amongst woman, and blessed in the fruit of thy womb.' Whoever, therefore, desires the fruit must go to the tree; whoever desires Jesus must go to Mary; and whoever finds Mary will most certainly find Jesus."

'It is not enough to pray only with the tongue: we must, according to the Apostle, pray also with the heart if we wish to receive God's graces: "Praying at all times in the spirit."'

"Your God is ever beside you — indeed, He is even within you."

"Acquire the habit of speaking to God as if you were alone with Him, familiarly and with confidence and love, as to the dearest and most loving of friends. Speak to Him often of your business, your plans, your troubles, your fears— of everything that concerns you. Converse with Him confidently and frankly; for God is not wont to speak to a soul that does not speak to Him.”

“The more a person loves God, the more reason he has to hope in Him. This hope produces in the Saints an unutterable peace, which they preserve even in adversity, because as they love God, and know how beautiful He is to those who love Him, they place all their confidence and find all their repose in Him alone.”

After reading some of his words, consider:

• When you walk the Stations of the Cross, are there particular stations which especially resonate with concerns you or your friends have?
• How does your image of God shape the prayers you bring to God?
• How do your prayers to Mary help you contemplate about God?
• Do you have particular saints to whom you pray?
• Does your family have devotional practices for particular saints' feast days? 

To read more about St. Alphonsus, see here or here.

By: Laura Ross

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