St Alphonsus Liguori

     Today is the Feast day of Saint Alphonsus Liguori. He is a composer and musician. A poet and an author. A philosopher and the theologian. He was born in or around Naples in 1696 and died at the age of 90 on August 1st, 1787. He is the Founder of the Redemption Order. They follow in Jesus's footsteps preaching the word of God and serving the poor and the most abandoned. Born into a Noble family, but ending up giving all his riches to become poor like the people he came to serve. He loved the life of Society and being well-dressed. He loved the music of the Neapolitan Theater. While visiting a hospital of the incurable sick, he heard a voice within him say, leave the world and give yourself to ME. He put down his sword on the altar of the Church of Our Lady of Mercy, and asked to become part of the Oratory priests. He was an outspoken speaker and many loved his sermons, feeling revived and uplifted. Forgetting themselves as he did and concentrated on the Jesus that he loved. Many hardened sinners converted and he is known for his capability, through the Grace of God, to bring many into or back to the Sacraments and their Faith 

    There are still many Alphonsus Liguori's in our midst. Many, many, good priests and preachers, who relay the word of God as he did, in a manner that touches us to the bone and swells our heart with Love for God. It is a sweet smelling petal off of a rose, to see or hear one. God has not or ever will abandon us. In our world today, the Gospel and good words of Jesus Christ are being told to us. We must slow down and listen. Listen to the Alphonsus's that are right before us. Be silent and listen. God is talking. Adjust your composure to the Mass and the words that have long been told and are waiting to spark that fire within our Souls. Saint Alphonsus was and is one of many whom we can turn to, to live a life of Love and Evangelization. 

     The word of God is alive. Listen.... And we will hear it.

     St Alphonsus Liguori, pray for us!