Saint Alphonsus Liguori

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During Vatican II it was said "Moral Theology should be more thoroughly nourished by Scripture, and show the nobility of the Christian vocation of the faithful and their obligation to bring fourth fruit in charity for the life of the world." St. Alphonus Liguori, the patron of moral theologians would celebrate in that statement. After losing a very important case the young attorney's failure as a lawyer helped him to see that God had something else planned for him. Not long after he entered the priesthood and from there went on to become known as one of the greatest moral theologians in Church history. After his ordination he focused on preaching parish missions, hearing confessions, and forming Christian groups such as the Redemptorist Congregation in 1732 which he envisioned as an association of priests and brothers living a common life, dedicated to the imitation of Christ, and working mainly in popular missions, preaching the Gospel to peasants in rural areas. Alphonsus Liguori's great pastoral reforms took place in the pulpit and confessional. He replaced the arrogant oratory of the time with clarity and openness, and replaced the often stern or disciplinary practices of the day with kindness and patience. After much rejection to the honor he finally accepted and was made Bishop at the age of 66 and at once initiated a comprehensive reform of his Diocese. Although known best for his moral theology, he was also an accomplished writer of spiritual and dogmatic theology. His two greatest works on the subject is his "Glories of Mary" and "Visits to the Blessed Sacrament" which went through not only 40 editions during his lifetime but are still widely available to this day and are still greatly influencing the practice of this devotion in the Church. We celebrate St. Alphonsus Liguori's feast day on August 1st.