Saint Alphonsus Liguori Bishop Moral Theologian

A rich and authoritative portrayal of Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696–1787), the Neapolitan bishop, moral theologian, and founder of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer. According to Vatican News, he was born on 27 September 1696 in Marianella, the eldest son of a noble Neapolitan family, and displayed exceptional intellectual gifts from childhood. Wikipedia IT notes that he earned a doctorate in law at age 16, becoming a brilliant lawyer before abandoning his career after a profound spiritual crisis. He was ordained a priest in 1726, dedicating himself to preaching, spiritual direction, and ministry among the poor. Vatican State highlights his mission “to the most abandoned and spiritually neglected,” which led him to found the Redemptorists in 1732, a congregation devoted to evangelization and pastoral care. Wikipedia EN emphasizes his monumental contribution to moral theology, especially his balanced approach between rigorism and laxism, which earned him the title Doctor of the Church in 1871. He served as Bishop of Sant’Agata de’ Goti (1762–1775), wrote over 100 works on spirituality, and composed the beloved Italian Christmas hymn Tu scendi dalle stelle. He died on 1 August 1787 in Pagani at the age of 90. Ideal for sacred art prints, educational materials, theological publications, and devotional designs.