An edition of The life of St. Alphonsus Liguori (1882)

The Life Of St. Alphonsus Liguori

Bishop, Confessor, And Doctor Of The Church, Founder Of The Congregation Of The Most Holy Redeemer

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Last edited by MARC Bot
May 18, 2022 | History
An edition of The life of St. Alphonsus Liguori (1882)

The Life Of St. Alphonsus Liguori

Bishop, Confessor, And Doctor Of The Church, Founder Of The Congregation Of The Most Holy Redeemer

  • 0 Ratings
  • 1 Want to read
  • 0 Currently reading
  • 0 Have read

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P. O'Shea
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Table of Contents

CONTENTS
Introduction 31
CHAPTER I.
Characteristics of St Alphonsus. — Antiquity and nobility of his family. — Piety of his parents. — Birth of Alphonsus. — His brothers and sisters. — Childhood of the saint — Remarkable prediction of St Francis Jerome, S. J. — Singular coincidence 1
CHAPTER II.
Early education of Alphonsus. — His first steps in piety. — Father Tannola's reminiscences of Madame Liguori. — Alphonsus as a boy. — With the Oratorians. — He attains to sublime prayer. — Remarkable incident 5
CHAPTER III.
Studies of Alphonsus. — His musical and poetical talents. — Painting and architecture. — Evidences of his general knowledge of liberal arts and sciences. — His success in jurisprudence. — He receives the degree of doctor. — His exploits at the chase, and fowling. — Lost time. — Increasing solicitude of his mother. — His love and gratitude towards her 11
CHAPTER IV.
Success of Alphonsus at the bar. — The rules which guided him. — His pious practices. — His retreats. — His love of purity. — His love for the congregation of St Philip. — The edification he gave to all who knew him. — Conversion of a Moorish slave. — Motive of his conversion. — His happy death 21
CHAPTER V.
Matrimonial projects. — Teresina Liguori. — Birth of her brother and consequent alteration in her prospects. — Negotiations abandoned and renewed. — Indignation of the young princess. — She enters a convent — Alphonsus becomes her biographer. — Indiscretion of our saint on one occasion. — Anger of his father. — Humility of the son. — Cooling of his fervor. — Testimony of Charles Cota — Retreat — Terrible incident — Effect on Alphonsus. — His devotion to the Blessed Sacrament — His zeal for decorating altars. — His gratitude to his friend, the Duke of Casabona, and to the Fathers of the Mission. Interesting letter
CHAPTER VI.
Retreat of Alphonsus and his father. — Effect on the latter. — Another matrimonial project — The interrupted duet — Alphonsus gains his mother to his side. — The lost cause. — Emotions of Alphonsus. — Measures of his parents. — His resolutions. — His opinion of the legal profession. — Why he renounced it 31
CHAPTER VII.
Alphonsus begins to lead a life of seclusion. — The anguish of his father. — Alphonsus refuses to transact the legal business of his family. — The birthday of the Empress Isabella. — Supernatural favor. — Final renunciation of the world. — Favorite church of our saint — His devotion to Our Lady of Mercy. — During his last visit to Naples he makes a novena in her church. — He acknowledges his indebtedness to the Mother of Mercy 37
CHAPTER VIII.
Evening of the memorable day. — Remark of Father Pagano. — Fervor of his penitent. — He remains three days without food. — Interior lights. — Holy impatience of the youth. — His father endeavors to persuade him to resume his profession. — Firmness of the saint. — Scenes between father and son which disturb domestic tranquillity 41
CHAPTER IX.
The parents. — Former friends. — M&io changes his opinions. — Domini Bruno. — Newer and truer friends. — Cheering prophecy. — Zeal of our saint for little children. — Contrast between Don Alphonsus the successful lawyer, and Alphonsus the catechiser of little ones 47
CHAPTER X.
Alphonsus applies himself to ecclesiastical studies. — He seeks the society of the most eminent churchmen. — His hymns become popular. — He becomes more austere. — He receives the tonsure and is ordained subdeacon. — New occupations. — He joins the congregation of the mission. — The rules he observed as a candidate for the priesthood. — His first sermon. — Illness. — Miraculous recovery. — Rules for a priest 50
CHAPTER XI.
Popularity of Alphonsus as a preacher. — Remark of Capasso the satirist. — The count hears his son preach. — He is deeply affected. — Pious practices of our saint. — Mode of life. — He unconsciously forms the plan of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer. — He begins to hear confessions. — His extraordinary gentleness. — Striking conversions. — Our saint as a confessor 58
CHAPTER XII.
Conferences. — Our saint's audiences. — Other priests take part in the good work. — What is new, not necessarily wrong. — The cutlets. — A captain of the Royal Guard mystified. — The governor orders the arrest of preachers and auditors. — The order executed. — Alphonsus appeals to the Cardinal. — False reports. — Good effected. — Fervent disciples 68
CHAPTER XIII.
Barbarese continues the work of the conferences. — Reminiscences of Brother Angiolo. — The seed bears fruit. — Sentiments of our saint. — Exercises of his penitents. — He establishes a school for women. — Labors in the hospital. — Exercises for the patients. — Perseverance of Barbarese. — Meeting between him and Alphonsus. — Death of this good man. — Death of Nardone, 73
CHAPTER XIV.
The Chinese College. — Alphonsus in his new abode — Privations and Penances. — Spiritual dryness and obscurity. — Zeal for souls. — Father Ripa's testimony. — Extraordinary gifts of - Alphonsus as a confessor. — His penitent Mary. — Incessant labors of Alphonsus. — The epidemic of 1731. — Illness of our saint — The earthquake of La Pouille 90
CHAPTER XV.
Our Lady of Foggia. — The apparition. — Alphonsus preaches a novena. — Success. — Our Lady appears to him. — Picture of the Vision. — Alphonsus visits Mount Gargano. — He is reprimanded by Canon Torni. — His sweetness and gentleness. 96
CHAPTER XVI.
Alphonsus retires to Amalfi. — Proposal of the Vicar of Seals. — Alphonsus and his companions evangelise shepherds and goatherds. — Sermon 89
CHAPTER XVII.
Conflicting sentiments. — Opinions of Pagano. — Cutica and Manulio agree with him. — Opposition. — Gizzio and Torni. — Others deride our Saint. — The nun of Scala, Sister Celestina. — A miracle. — Father Fioriilo. — His letter to Alphonsus. — Embarrassment of our saint — He shows the letter. — Letter of Mgr. Falcoia 94
CHAPTER XVIII.
Fathers Pagano and Fioriilo decline the direction of Alphonsus. — Alphonsus places himself under the guidance of Mgr. Falcola. — Canon Torni endeavors to shake the resolution of Alphonsus. — Retreat for the clergy. — Missions. — Letter. — First disciples of Alphonsus 1Q4
CHAPTER XIX.
The germs of the new Congregation. — The missionaries in Scala. — Touching incidents. — Penitential life of the missionaries. — Alphonsus signalizes himself even among saintly men. — Pious customs he introduces. — Consoling letter of Canon Torni. — New persecutions. — The Archbishop defends the saint The flame of resentment is arrested but not extinguished. — Gratitude of Alphonsus towards his defenders 106
CHAPTER XX.
Te severest trial yet. — Odd proposals. — Firmness of the saint. — Withdrawal of Mandarini. — Letter. — Modest proposal of Mandaiini. — Secession. — Guef of St. Alphonsus. — Freezing Reception accorded by Bishop Falcoia. — Temptations. — Terrific struggle. — The pulpits resound with anathemas. — Deviled by all. — In Naples. — At Scala again 116
CHAPTER XXI.
The grotto near Scala. — Prospects brighten. — Don Xavier Rossi. — A foundation after the saint's own heart — An incident — Father Mazzini. — Loss of a novice. — The wonders of the Thebald renewed. — Tosquez becomes a financier. — Mandarini endeavors to make reparation 124
CHAPTER XXII.
Alphonsus preaches the Lent in the cathedral of Seals. — Singular incident — Reception of the Fathers at Ciorani. — Abundant fruits of th%t mission. — Retreat for the nobles. — Viliam joins the Congregation. — Trials 131
CHAPTER XXIII.
Imprudent suggestion of Don Andrew Samelli. — Evil consequences. — The Archbishop defends Alphonsus. — Terrific incident — Extraordinary success of the mission at Naples. — Interesting conversion. — Mission at Santa Lucia. — Violent persecutions. — Punishment of the persecutors 137
CHAPTER XXIV.
Another mission. — Apparition of our Lady to Alphonsus. — Castellamare. — The new house at Ciorani. — Scala relinquished. — Regret of the inhabitants. — The rain at Aquarola. - Priests. — 44 The Apostle." — Wonderful cure. — The standard-bearer of the Redemptorist Order. — Alphonsus writes his epitaph 111
CHAPTER XXV.
Mission m Naples. — Disagreeable incident — Firmness of the cardinal. — Alphonsus's Christmas hospitality. — Father Ca- faro becomes a Redemptorist — Proposals of the cardinal. — Rejected by the saint — He is mistaken for the cook. — His unselfishness. — Renewal of missions. — He originates the Novenas previous to our Lady's feasts. 120
CHAPTER XXVI.
The saint resolves to form his disciples into a regular community. — Reasons. — Withdrawal of Father Majorino. — His letter. — Poverty. — Ecclesiastical Dignities. — Obedience. — Vow of Stability. — Dispensation. — The saint leaves Naples. — Father Samelli replaces him. — Interview with the Cardinal. — He returns to Ciorani 156
CHAPTER XXVII.
The House at Pagani. — Humiliations. — Ambition of Count Joseph for his son. — Edifying letter. — A new foundation. — Miracle. — Wonderful fruits of the mission. — The Blessed Virgin sends a sinner to Father Liguori 161
CHAPTER XXVIII.
Obedience of Father Rossi. — A welcome postulant. — The saint is summoned to Naples. — His father comes to Ciorani to enter as a lay-brother. — The saint dissuades him. — Persecution in Nocera. — Alphonsus appeals to Mgr. Falcoia. — St Michael. — Death of Bishop Falcoia 167
CHAPTER XXIX.
The enemies of the Congregation. — Its friends. — The wicked triumph, but not forever. — Cantaldi's sister. — Pope Benedict XIV charges Cardinal Spinelli to inquire into the affairs of the Congregation. — Advice of Mgr. Dominic. — His death. — His successor 174
CHAPTER XXX.
Illiceto. — Alphonsus miraculously raised several feet from the ground. — Early days at Illiceto. — Happy death of Brother Vitus Curzius.- Grief of Alphonsus. — New trials. — Father Sportelli a match for his enemies. — Right victorious. — Might defeated 180
CHAPTER XXXI.
Missionary project of Benedict XIV. — Terrible example. — Our saint's countenance is radiant with heavenly light — Precious death of Count Joseph Liguori. — Illness of the saint — A liberal benefaction. — Gratitude of the founder. — He is again invited to Foggia. — A new foundation. — An inhospitable noble. — The saint sees from one foundation what is done in Spother. — Signor Corona. — Prophecy fulfilled 156
CHAPTER XXXII.
The foreign comedians. — Vision. — Our Lady sends a penitent to the missionaries. — Removal of the Novitiate. — Our stint begins to publish. — His devotion to St. Teresa. — His work on the episcopacy. — An opponent. — He refuses the mitre. — He pleads his cause before the King of Naples. — He refuses to receive Mandarini. — Insults. — Instructions on various subjects. — Sermons 193
CHAPTER XXXIII.
The saint repairs to Naples. — Tanned opposes him. — Illness. — A strange calumny. — Renewed efforts to procure the confirmation of his institute. — Mission. — fortunate circumstance for Alphonsus. — Incessant labors. — He gives a retreat in the cathedral. — Critirisro. — Changes suggested. — Father Villani in Rome. — Ruse. — Graciousness of the Pope to Father Villani 203
CHAPTER XXXIV.
An abbot resigns his mitre to follow Father Liguori. — First general chapter. Liberality of the gentlemen of Pagani. — The jubilee at Sarao. — Missionary. — Precious death of Fatnei Sportelli. — A beautiful flower on a barren rock. — "The Glories of Mary." — Other publications. — Sad events. — Letuii 211
CHAPTER XXXV.
Alphonsus resumes the mission. — A new sorrow. — Circular letter. — The saint's reception at Naples. — Illness. — Another annoyance. — Reaction. — Extraordinary conversions. — The saint pleads his cause before the king. — Insults. — His sojourn in the capital. — Prophecy. — His moral theology. — High opinion Pope Benedict XIV held of Alphonsus. — Offer of the king. — Mirade. — Death of Father Cafaro 222
CHAPTER XXXVI.
Circular letter. — A foundation in the States of the Church. — Retreat at Ciorani. — Discussion. — Death of the Countess Liguori. — Mission at Benevento. — Retreat to the Neapolitan students. — To the servants. — Other effects of the saint's Ml. — New publication 232
CHAPTER XXXVII.
The queen-mother consults our saint — Stratagem. — Work on the confessional — Criticisms. — The areas at Amalfi. — Earthquake. — Nola. — The Seminary. — Bi- location. — The saint loses his dear son Rossi. — Miracle. — Missions to Calabria. 239
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
Reformation of the Royal Hospital of Gaeta. — New publication. — The Sicilian mission. — The true spouse of Christ —
The fisherman. — The Fathers wrecked. — The young Calabrian. — His tragic end a fulfilment of Father Liguori's prophecy 244
CHAPTER XXXJX.
Alphonsus as a superior. — Humility. — Health. — Preaching. — Father de Meo's Sybils and Argonauts. — Confessors. — Example of a rigorist. — Father Rizzi obliged to apologize for an indiscretion. — Poverty and obedience. — Instruction on various matter. — Rules for a superior 252
CHAPTER XL.
The Congregation thirty years after its foundation. — Saintly members. — The vacant see at St. Agatha. — Father Liguori selected to fill it. — He declines the honor. — His intense love for his Congregation. — A command from Rome. — "The voice of the Pope is the voice of God." — Terrible agitation of the saint. — His heroic obedience. — He prophesies that he will return to die among his brethren. — Touching meeting of the saint and F. Fatigati. — The episcopal ring and cross. — The saint at Rome 262
CHAPTER XLI.
Bishop Liguori leaves Rome. — In Naples again. — The priest of Arienzo. — The equipage of the saint. — His shoe-buckles. — At Nocera. — His intense grief. — His entrance into his diocese. — Green pears. — The new bishop will not give sumptuous repasts. — His rule of life. — His circumspectness regarding women of ill repute. — Meals 276
CHAPTER XLII.
The Lives of the Saints. Pious exercises. The prelate's household. The diocese in a lamentable condition. Extra-ordinary zeal of the saint His last tooth extracted. He officiates pontifically. — Sad events. — Mildness of the saint — His firmness. Funeral of an excommunicated man 283
CHAPTER XLIII.
Episcopal visitation. — The seminary. — Judicious regulations made by the saint. — His rigid discipline. — Examples. — His severe but just censures of Genovesi. — He prohibits the use of his work in the Seminary 290
CHAPTER XLIV.
Spiritual exercises of the Seminarists. — Mortifications. — Vigilance of the saint. — The Seminary becomes a model. — Liberality to poor students. — Solicitude of the saint with reference to penance and the Holy Eucharist — The elaborately-curled wig straightened out by the saint — Minute regulations. — Neatness of the churches. — Dangerous illness of the bishop. Cases of conscience. — Confraternities. — Mental prayer. — New books 295
CHAPTER XLV.
The saint's mode of progress through his diocese. — Apt rejoinder. — He refuses a carriage. — Compares himself to a vender of fowls. — Kindness to a servant. — Accident — Miraculous cure. — Magnificent hospitality of the Prince of Ricda. — "The saint that smooths our way to heaven." — The little monk. — The saint's kindness to children and young people. — His vigilance. — His charity to the poor 303
CHAPTER XLVI.
Count Hercules Liguori marries a second time, desiring to have heirs. — Letters. — The saint's present to the bride. — The bridegroom's indignation. — Preaching. — Sermons. — Ecstasy. — Periodical missions. — Rigor more hurtful than indulgence. — Style. — Extraordinary meekness of the saint — "Poor Jesus Christ" — The famine. — Heroic charity 319
CHAPTER XLVII.
Alphonsus presides at a General Chapter of his Congregation. — His old opponent Patuzzi again attacks him. — Alphonses dedicates his defence to the reigning Pontiff. — Want of courtesy in Patuzzi. — Apology. — Proposed synod. — Decrees issued. — New arrangement of parishes 324
CHAPTER XLVIII.
Dangerous illness of the saint. — Non recuso laborem. — Miracle. — The saint refuses to play on the harpsichord. — At Nocera. — Impatient to return to St Agatha. — Letter. — Bad books. — The saint's measures against their circulation. — His prophecy regarding the Free Masons. — Papal Infallibility. — The Assembly. — Society of Jesus. — Circular letter. — He endeavors to resign 332
CHAPTER XLIX.
Nuns of the Most Holy Redeemer. — Remarks of Archdeacon Rainone. — The Church of St. Nobody. — Sister Mary Raphael of Charity. — Additions. — Grand reception. — Our saint's attention to the wants of the Sisters. — Success of the new foundation. — Alphonsus conducts the retreat of the novices. — Liberality of the saint. — His kindness to the Sisters. — His way with them 342
CHAPTER L.
Zeal for material temples. — New persecutions. — "The truth of Faith." — The saint goes to Naples. — His urbanity. — His episcopal hat. — Accident. — An easy victory. — Apostolic labors. — The Abbot at Regina Coeli. — Christening of the saint's nephew. — His labors among the lower classes. — In convents. — His sister Lady Marianna Liguori. — His marvellous eloquence 357
CHAPTER LI.
The saint leaves Naples. — His emotion. — Letter. — Unreasonable complaints. — Calumnies. — Letter to Father Villani. — Fault finding. — The meekest of bishops accused of rigor. — Incident. — Murmurs against his works. — His reply. — Illness. — He makes his will. — Sufferings. — His tedious convalescence. — The Most Zealous Doctor. — New literary labors. — Treatise for men. — He again appeals to the Pope to ease him of the burden of the episcopate 371
CHAPTER LII.
The new Pope, Cardinal Ganganelli. — The Congregation persecuted in Sicily. — Interesting letter of the saint — His Moral Theology again attacked. — Increased alarm of the saint regarding his house in Sicily. — Incident. — Letters. — The saint refuses to moderate his zeal. — Remarkable cure. — Accidents. — "An old carriage, an old coachman, old horses, and an old Bishop." — Recreations. — He resumes the daily celebration of mass. — Regularity and austerity of his life 383
CHAPTER LIII.
Ever increasing zeal of the saint — The Seminary. — The Visitation of 1769. — The saint does more than a hundred ordinary bishops. — He defends his Grand Vicar. — He is accused to the King. — Letter. — The saint defends his conduct. — Reply of the King. — The saint's conduct towards his calumniator. — Absurdity of the charges preferred against the bishop
CHAPTER LIV.
The Count and Countess Liguori visit Alphonsus. — Prophecy — The saint and his god-children. — Death of one of his nephews. — The bishop comforts the afflicted father. — Advice regarding the surviving children. — Their mother Lady Marianna loses her senses. — Circular letter. — Tannucci. — New troubles in Sicily. — Apology of Alphonsus. — Maffei's expedient for regaining popularity. — The Fathers leave Sicily. — Request of the people 397
CHAPTER LV.
Clement XIV refuses to accept the saint's resignation. — Prophecy. — Circular letter. — New literary labors. — Foundations. — Gratitude of the saints. — Letters.-* — Work on the Psalms. — Criticisms. — Persecutions. — Revolution. — His grief at the suppression of the Jesuits. — He regards it as temporary. — His sympathy for the Pope. — He assists at his death-bed. — Bilocation proved. — The saint requested to write the qualifications necessary in the future Pope. — He complies 406
CHAPTER LVI.
Calumnies against Alphonsus. — His Moral Theology censured and defended. — Violent persecutions. — He refuses to go to Naples. — He prescribes means of obtaining the Divine mercy. — He refuses to seek the mediation of a lady. — Some gleams of sunshine. — Good Bishop Lanza. — The saint's administration. — Examples. — Testimony of Tannoia. — Extraordinary sweetness of the saint. — His zeal to prevent the slightest faults in priests. — His surveillance extends beyond his own diocese. — The regulars. — Vigilance over the laity. — Anecdote 491
CHAPTER LVII.
The saint's zeal to convert women of irregular lives. — He establishes prisons for the incorrigible. — He exiles some. — An objection answered. — Examples. — He reproves his secretary's remissness. — He replenishes the wardrobe of one of his protegees. — One of the "ninety-nine just" reproaches him. — Marriages. — His care to reserve the innocence of his lambs. — The gold necklace. — The Most Zealous Doctor. —
The office of a bishop. — The saint and the amateur actors. — He will not allow women to be instructed in the priest's house. — Letter to the king against duelling. — Burthen of the episcopate. — Brother Welcome. — The saint's strictness regarding the Paschal 433
CHAPTER LVIII.
Supernatural lights of the saint. — Example. — Testimony of one of his officials. — Incident. — Persecutions. — The saint's goodness towards his enemies. — His patience. — His exquisite tenderness of heart. — The doctor. — Trouble in the episcopal kitchen. — The saint a hero to his valet. — His extraordinary meekness and humility. — Instances. — The saint a thorough gentleman. — His deference and politeness towards his priests. — He refuses his likeness to his publisher. — Alexis obtains it. — The device of the Congregation. — Episcopal immunities not claimed by the saint's household. — His deference to members of his own Congregation. — Father Majone refuses to live at St Agatha 444
CHAPTER LIX.
Wonderful charity towards the poor. — The saint's present to his sister-in-law. — He does not wish her to remain too long at his palace. — His preference for the poor. — The Cair at Maddalon. — Alphonsus's care of the bashful poor. — Instances. — The poor noble. — How a bishop should act with regard to giving charity. — How the saint acted when poverty was an occasion of sin. — His privileged poor. — His charity to pilgrims and strangers. — To members of his household. — Testimony of an eye-witness. — Prisoners. — St Misery. — Mario. — All misfortune appeals to the saint — Letters. — Indignation of the saint at the imprisonment of one of his servants. — The smuggler. — The Albanian soldiers 455
CHAPTER LX.
The saint's hospitality. — The archpriest and his companions. — The bishop's coachman. — The saint's disinterestedness. — Instances. — His advice to Bishop Rossi. — His care of the episcopal property. — His dislike of lawsuits. — Letter. — His elegant courtesy towards the Duke of Maddalon. — His efforts to improve his lands, &c. — His interest in the culture of olives, mulberry trees, &c. — The raising of silk-worms. — He beautifies the episcopal gardens 465
CHAPTER LXI.
How the saint practised holy poverty. — He wears out the old clothes of Bishop Danza. — He replenishes his wardrobe from an old clothes shop. — Putting in new sleeves. — "Old things suit an old bishop." — Letter of Don Spota. — Why the saint practised economy. — Details. — Opinion of the Bishop of Caserto. — The saint's episcopal ring. — He will use only the produce of his own diocese. — His mortification. — Incident — He takes vinegar for wine. — Fruit sent to him does not stop at its destination. — Why he did not keep caged birds. — The harpsichord. — Rubini's testimony 470
CHAPTER LXII.
Doubts and fears of the saint as to his resignation of the bishopric. — Regret of the people. — A general mission. — Wonderful vigilance of the saint. — His resignation accepted. — Letter. — Grief of the clergy. — Sentiments of the retiring bishop. — Of the citizens of Naples. — The weight of Mount Taburao removed from the saint's shoulders. — The vacant see. — Monsignote Rossi. — The pension . — Characteristic disinterestedness 498
CHAPTER LXIII.
The saint's last visitation. — Touching scene. — The art of arts. — Anecdote. — He visits his religions communities. — His present. — Mother Raphael. — An alms. — The church. — Miracle. — The saint's departure from St. Agatha. — His constant residence during his administration. — A melancholy ovation. — Reception in Nola. — Miracle. — Enthusiastic reception in Nocera. — Eased of one burden to assume another. — Touching letter. — New persecutions. — Discipline relaxed. — The saint endeavors to restore perfect observance. — His labors among the people. — The Carminello. — His apartments 487
CHAPTER LXIV.
New work. — Opinion of Bishop Cervone. — Other works. — Letters from Pius VI. — Persecutions. — Prophecy. — Gratuitous counsels. — Tanucci retires from office. — De Leon's animosity. — His ironical prediction fulfilled. — "Time is a courteous gentleman." — Honor done to the missionaries. — Letters. — Circular. — Untimely death of two of the saint's persecutors. — The Baron of Ciorani ceases to afflict God's servants. — Alphonsus victorious over all his enemies 498
CHAPTER LXV.
The saint's zeal for the houses outside the kingdom. — He insists upon each religious having a cell to himself. — Letter. — Favors granted by Pius VI. — The saint's solicitude for the health of his sons. — His great love for them. — His endeavors to promote perfect charity. — He wished superiors to show great gentleness towards them. — His work on "Fidelity of Subjects to their King." — Extract — His zeal for the great. — He destroys letters received from sovereigns. — He stirs up the zeal of his literary friends. — Correspondence with Abbe Nonnote. — Voltaire. — Conversion of Metastasio 509
CHAPTER LXVI.
The greatest evils done the Congregation. — Efforts of the founder. — " Edify or go." — Family matters. — Little Joseph. — Interesting letter. — Death of Count Hercules Liguori. — Resignation of the saint. — Cure of Don Gavotti. — The Lady Teresa Liguori. — Letter. — The Lady Antonia Liguori. — His anxiety about his niece's vocation. — His usual advice to noble spinsters. — Teresa becomes a nun. — Her visit to her uncle. Her profession. — The young Count Joseph 521
CHAPTER LXVII.
The severest trials of Alphonsus. — The protection afforded the Church by the mighty ones of earth. — Treachery. — The saint refuses to be convinced. — Letters. — Father Villani conceals from Alphonsus the treachery of Majone. — How the saint suffered from his friends. — Terrible scene. — Profound dejection of the holy Founder. — Letter. — Important document — Letter to Majone. — Astonishing meekness of the saint — Obstinacy of Majone. — Unavailing efforts of the saint to restore concord. — Indignation of his subjects. — Alphonsus had foreseen all 535
CHAPTER LXVIII.
Alphonsus takes a bold step. — He proves that his intellect is as sound as ever. — Testa begins to relent. — A turbulent member. — A new conspiracy. — Stormy scene. — The founder invited to resign. — His re-election. — He is calumniated at Rome. — Consequences. — Action of the Pope. — Ingratitude of some of the saint's children. — F. de Paul coolly accepts the office of general. — Hypocrisy of Leggio. — Resignation of the saint — His fearful temptations. — His charming frankness. 547
CHAPTER LXIX.
Alphonsus unconsciously justifies himself. — The last touches given to his sanctity. — The saint displays his most noble qualities. — His submission to the new rector-major. — His meekness towards Majone. — "Servant of the Church till death." — The Pope's words absolute. — He reads the Life of St. Joseph Calasansa. — He will not allow his sons to appeal to the king. — The respect and obedience he compels them to evince towards the Pope 569
CHAPTER LXX.
Incessant efforts of the saint to bring about a reunion. — He appeals to the king, who grants his request.- -The protection accorded by kings. — Letter to Leggio. — New trials. — Arrogance of Leggio. — Scruple. — Division. — The Pope calls Alphonsus a saint — He does him full justice only after death 570
CHAPTER LXXI.
Prosperity of the Congregation. — Touching letter. — Alphonsus utters no reproach. — Paroxysms of grief. — Heroic confidence in God. — He is universally regarded as a saint — Petition. — Audacity of Leggio. — The missionaries acquitted by the royal council after nineteen years' litigation. — Gratitude of the saint. — The most diabolical of all works. — The Sicilian subjects choose a general for themselves. — The Neapolitan Fathers elect a coadjutor for Alphonsus, with right of succession. — Change of sentiments. — The last drop. — Perfect submission. — The German house. — Last days and deeds of Leggio
CHAPTER LXXII.
The saint's marvellous gift of eloquence. — His continued interest in the missions. — In the Church in general. — His gratitude for being a child of the Church. — Gratitude for the hospitality shown the Jesuits by Catherine of Russia and Frederick of Prussia. — His conviction that the suppression would not continue long. — He defends them. — His hatred of the Jansenists. — Amauld. — The Blessed Eucharist. — "Mercy to sinners." — How to deal with sinners who come to confession badly disposed. — His perpetual sermon, avoid sin. — His last visit to the nuns of Nocera. — Obedience. — His occupations. — His politeness. — Accident — He sells his horses. — Temptations 588
CHAPTER LXXIII.
Diabolical phantoms. — The Neapolitan missionary. — The phantom-priest — Another temptation. — Heavenly favors. — Supernatural instinct — The feast of the Blood of Jesus. — The mental power of the saint not impaired. — The act of love. — Saintly coachmen. — God glorifies the sanctity of His servant — The burning mountain. — The little children. — The saint's testimony to Father de Meo's sanctity. — Gift of prophecy. — Humility of the saint — His heroic obedience. — His gentlemanly demeanor among his brethren. — "Always crooked." — Advice to a young cleric. — Pious practices. — Vacant sees 601
CHAPTER LXXIV.
God alone. — Incorrect conclusion. — Vigor of the saint's intellect — His fear of God's judgments. — His exalted idea of the sacerdotal dignity. — His consummate tact — Celebration of his ninetieth birthday. — Young men of ninety. — Foreshadowing. — Interesting details. — The saint is visited by his absent children. — "By thy words thou shalt be justified." — Visit of Count Joseph Liguori. — "Save your soul." — Parting benedictions. — Brother Gerard. — Delicate attentions of the Neapolitan bishops. — Universal grief for the hopeless condition of the saint — Miracles 613
CHAPTER LXXV.
Details. — "Give me the Madonna." — The saint can no longer articulate. — He is visited by our Lady herself. — Answer to his prayers. — The crucifix. — His prayer to die among his beloved brethren. — It is beautifully answered. — He dies in an ecstasy of love. — His soul among the seraphim. — His personal appearance. — Character. — Obsequies. — Veneration of all classes, especially the clergy. — Funeral honors, devised by the Bishop of Nocera, dispensed with. — Masses celebrated without intermission. — The funeral. — Miracles 623
CHAPTER LXXVI.
Honors shown to the saint's memory. — Testimony of the Archbishop of Palermo. — Of Cardinal Benediti. — Of the Archbishop of Amalfi. — Letter of Monsignore Lopes. — Magnificent obsequies. — Letter from the Bishop of Nusco. — The Superior-General of the pious workmen. — Mother Raphael. — The modem Francis de Sales. — Cardinal Spinelli. — The Archbishop of Salerno. — Other distinguished testimony. — Alphonsus a model for all orders of the clergy. -rHis extraordinary sweetness towards sinners. — His life-long propensity to magnify the mercy and goodness of God 636
CHAPTER LXXVII.
Alphonses as a child. — His three great sins. — Early sympathy with the humbler classes. — As a priest. — "Keep your rules." — As superior. — Remarkable instances of his kindness and compassion. — A model for bishops. — His excessive clemency. — His love for his subjects. — His unbounded confidence in them. — Instance. — Alphonsus as a theologian. — His attachment to Ins clergy. — Their love for him. — Instances. — Accused of laxity. — Characteristic defence 64a
CHAPTER LXXVIII.
Miracles attest the sanctity of Alphonsus. — Magdalen de Nundo. — Francis de Octajana. — Antoinette Tarsia. — The nun of Salerno. — The saint's countrywoman, Doha Giordani. — Miracle wrought on the Lady Louisa Palatella. — Two processes. The saint declared Venerable. — Proceedings suspended. — Alphonsus is beatified. — Canonization. — Indulgences granted. — The city of Naples chooses him for patron. — Respect paid to him by the Royal family and people of Naples. — High esteem of several popes for Alphonsus, especially Pius IX. — Raised to the Doctorate. — Conditions. — The excellence of all the Doctors reunited in our saint — Extraordinary pomp and splendor of the saint's beatification and canonization. — Decree - 658
CHAPTER LXXIX.
The undying characteristic of St. Alphonsus. — The work most cherished by Alphonsus. — Sketch of the early days of the order in Northern Europe. — A prophecy and its fulfilment — Vocation of F. Hoffbauer. — Hiibl. — Various persecutions. — Splendid testimony. — Prisons and death. — Death of the second General. — His successors. — Jealousies of the Neapolitan government — Present state of the Congregation. — Father Passerat — His holy death. — Prayers and prophecies 696

ID Numbers

Open Library
OL25909635M
Internet Archive
TheLifeOfStAlphonsusLiguori
OCLC/WorldCat
806276147, 6832467

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