St. Alphonsus Liguori: A Saint for Real

Living a Real Life

One of the most beloved versions of the Stations of the Cross is by St. Alphonsus Liguori. Am I right? I know I am! And if you’ve ever picked up The Glories of Mary, you know it’s a spiritual classic—especially cherished by those of us with a deep Marian devotion. And let’s not forget the beautiful Act of Spiritual Communion that many of us turned to during the COVID pandemic—it, too, was written by St. Alphonsus.

Though he lived in the 18th century, St. Alphonsus Liguori has surprising relevance and appeal today. His feast day, celebrated on August 1, kicks off the month with a reminder of what holiness looks like in action: real, practical, and deeply rooted in love for God and neighbor.

A Doctor of the Church, St. Alphonsus was known for his down-to-earth approach to faith. He preferred the practical over the abstract, the simple over the lofty, and mercy over legalism. He was not just a saint, but a prodigy and a polymath—an Italian bishop, spiritual writer, composer, musician, artist, poet, lawyer, philosopher, and theologian. Talk about wearing many hats!

According to one of my favorite saint books—Franciscan Media’s Saint of the Day, edited by Leonard Foley and revised by Pat McCloskey—St. Alphonsus earned his doctorate in both canon and civil law at just 16 years old. (Let’s be honest—I was still figuring out how to drive at that age!) He never went to court without first attending Mass. But after losing a critical case, Alphonsus felt God calling him elsewhere. He left behind his legal career and entered the priesthood, eventually being ordained at the age of 30.

I also love flipping through saint picture books from time to time. (Remember when we used to buy those for our children, nieces, and nephews when they were receiving their sacraments?) They can be surprisingly insightful!

St. Alphonsus' heart was always with the poor, the forgotten, and the spiritually hungry. In 1732, he founded the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer—the Redemptorists—a religious order dedicated to preaching parish missions and reaching out to those neglected by the Church. The Redemptorists lived in community, striving to imitate Christ and speak to people in plain, accessible language.

Mercy over Rigor

One of St. Alphonsus’s great contributions was in moral theology, especially in response to the Jansenist movement, which emphasized guilt, fear, and the unworthiness of the human soul. Alphonsus countered with a theology of compassion, mercy, and practical wisdom. He wanted confessors to be approachable, helpful, and attuned to real-life struggles—not distant judges. He helped shift the Church away from harsh rigidity toward pastoral care rooted in the love of Christ.

He also reformed preaching. At a time when flowery, academic homilies were the norm, Alphonsus replaced pompous rhetoric with clarity and simplicity, believing that the Gospel should be accessible to all.

Trials and Triumphs

Despite his many accomplishments, Alphonsus’s life was not without suffering. At age 71, he developed severe rheumatism, which eventually left him crippled and nearly paralyzed. His head bent forward so drastically that his chin created an open wound on his chest. And yet, he never complained. In fact, he had made a vow never to waste even a moment of his time—a promise he kept faithfully until his death at age 91.

One of his deepest sorrows came near the end of his life. Due to his poor eyesight and declining health, he was tricked into signing a revised version of the Redemptorist Rule by a royal official and a high-ranking member of his own order. The betrayal caused heartbreak and confusion. However, after his death, the Redemptorists reconciled and remain active around the world today.

A Saint Who Still Speaks

St. Alphonsus Liguori left us a rich legacy: powerful prayers, compassionate theology, inspiring books, and a shining example of a life poured out in service. Whether you’re praying the Stations, seeking Mary’s intercession, or just trying to live your faith with authenticity and joy, he’s a saint who still speaks to the heart.

St. Alphonsus Liguori, pray for us!