A feast day close to our heart
Saint Alphonsus Liguori, whose feast day we celebrate this week, was a fine example of holiness and faithfulness to God. He is best remembered for his devotion to the Eucharist, prayerful life, and dedication to serving those in need.
He was also a lawyer, spiritual writer, composer, musician, artist, poet, lawyer, scholastic philosopher, and theologian.
Saint Alphonsus founded the Congregation of Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists) which, since its inception in 1732, has been devoted to its mission to help the poor and those who are spiritually suffering.
The lay brother Saint Gerard Majella, who the magazine The Majellan is named after, was a devoted follower.
Saint Alphonsus’s teachings on moral theology have had an enduring influence throughout history as he wrote extensively about such topics as sin, grace, repentance and forgiveness that are all key aspects of our Christian lives.
At the heart of his message was one filled with hope – no matter how far we may stray from Jesus’ path, redemption will always be available if we turn back again in humility before Him and ask for mercy and guidance.
Saint Alphonsus suffered from scruples much of his adult life and felt guilty about the most minor issues relating to sin. But at times he viewed scruples as a blessing and wrote: “Scruples are useful in the beginning of conversion … they cleanse the soul, and at the same time make it careful.”
Redemptorists strive for holiness as they live their vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. They dedicate themselves fully to serving others – especially those on society’s margins – while proclaiming “the unfathomable riches of His grace” (Ephesians 2:7) which is available freely from God.
Through prayerful contemplation, study and reflection; pastoral care; spiritual direction and retreat ministry; social justice work etc., Redemptorists seek to be faithful witnesses so all may experience life-changing encounters with divine love made manifest in Jesus Christ!
Saint Alphonsus was canonised in 1839 by Pope Gregory XVI and in 1871 was proclaimed a Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius IX.
His feast day is celebrated each year on August 1.
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