St. Alphonsus Liguori

Christ Blessing, Surrounded by a Donor Family by anonymous. 1573, oil and gold on oak, Metropolitan Museum of Art / Wikimedia Commons

The Name of Jesus

Saint Alphonsus reflects on the holy name of Jesus as light for our minds, strength for our hearts, and protection for our souls. This powerful

Madonna and Child with the Dead Christ, Saints Agnes and Catherine of Alexandria, and Two Angels by Sano di Pietro (1405-1481). 1470, tempera on wood, Metropolitan Museum of Art / Wikimedia Commons

The Infant Jesus Suffered for Our Sins

St. Alphonsus Liguori

Christ’s suffering began in the womb. Read this stirring Advent meditation from the great St. Alphonsus Liguori! Meditation Consider that all the sufferings and ignominy

Sermon on the Mount by Ivan Makarov (1822-1897). 1889. Wikimedia Commons

Jesus Enlightens the World and Glorifies God

St. Alphonsus Liguori

Before Christ’s coming, the world lay in darkness—ignorant of the true God and enslaved by sin. Jesus, the “new thing” foretold by the prophet, descends

On the Eve of the Birth of Christ by Michael Rieser (1828-1905). 1869, oil on canvas. Wikimedia Commons

Mary and Joseph Travel to Bethlehem

St. Alphonsus Liguori

Journey to Bethlehem this Advent season with St. Alphonsus Liguori! Read this stirring meditation and prayer from The Incarnation, Birth, and Infancy of Jesus Christ.

The Communion by Alphonse Legros (1837-1911). 1865, oil on canvas, William Morris Gallery / Wikimedia Commons

How to Make a Spiritual Communion

St. Alphonsus Liguori

The saints recommend making a spiritual communion frequently: when you’re unable to receive, when you visit the Blessed Sacrament, and even throughout Mass. How do

Cristo benedicente by Giovanni Bellini (1430-1516). 1500, oil on panel, Hans Galerie / Wikimedia Commons

3 Graces of the Name of Jesus

St. Alphonsus Liguori

Meditate on the graces and gifts of the Holy Name of Jesus with St. Alphonsus Liguori. Continue reading in the deluxe Liguori Set, only at

St. Peter Praying by Pier Francesco Mola (112-1666). 17th century, oil on canvas, Louvre Museum / Wikimedia Commons

How to Be Victorious Over Temptation

St. Alphonsus Liguori

St. Alphonsus reminds us that victory over temptation comes not from our own strength, but from trust in the merits and grace of Jesus Christ.

Beim Gebet by Ernst Oppler (1867-1929). 1900, oil on canvas, private collection / Wikimedia Commons

Faith: The Shield of the Soul

St. Alphonsus Liguori

St. Alphonsus Liguori teaches that faith is the soul’s shield against the assaults of the world, the flesh, and the devil. It strengthens virtue, sustains

Saint Thomas Aquinas by Carlo Crivelli (1435-1495). 1476, tempera on panel, National Gallery / Wikimedia Commons

Faith Not Opposed to Reason

St. Alphonsus Liguori

Saint Alphonsus Liguori teaches that faith and reason are not opposed but that faith humbly transcends reason’s limits. When tempted to doubt, believers should reject

Monk in a Cloister by unknown artist. 1830s, oil on canvas, Galerie Bassenge / Wikimedia Commons

A Greater Gift Than Sacrifice

St. Alphonsus Liguori

St. Alphonsus Liguori teaches that true perfection lies in conforming our will to God’s, and the surest way to do this is through obedience to

Some Priests in Procession in Town by Estanislao Suarez Inclan. 1892, Wikimedia Commons

How Poverty of Spirit Leads to Holiness

St. Alphonsus Liguori

St. Alphonsus teaches that true poverty of spirit is not mere lack of possessions but detachment from all earthly things, so that the heart is

The Seven Sorrows of Mary by unknown artist. 1800s, oil on canvas, Museo de Artes Universidad de los Andes / Wikimedia Common

Sermon on the Sorrows of Mary

St. Alphonsus Liguori

Why is Mary considered the greatest martyr? Read this stirring sermon from St. Alphonsus Liguori on the spiritual martyrdom of the Virgin Mary. First Point

The Monastery Door by George Cattermole (1800-1868). 1862, oil on canvas, Leicester Museum & Art Gallery / Wikimedia Commons

Acts of Charity Toward Your Neighbor

St. Alphonsus Liguori

True charity is more than sentiment—it is expressed in action toward the poor, the dying, and even our enemies. St. Alphonsus reminds us that almsgiving,

Klosteransicht by unknown artist. 19th century, oil on canvas, Düsseldorfer Auktionshaus / Wikimedia Commons

God’s Will: The Surest Way to Sainthood

St. Alphonsus Liguori

Everyone suffers in our fallen world. Suffer with merit by uniting your will to God’s and surrendering your life to Him! The Pains of Resisting

Martyrdom of Saint Stephen by Jacopo and Domenico Tintoretto. Wikimedia Commons

Self-Conquest: The Heart of Christian Perfection

St. Alphonsus Liguori

In The School of Christian Perfection, St. Alphonsus Liguori teaches that true holiness depends on daily self-conquest. Prayer alone is not enough if we do

Inspiration by William-Adolphe Bouguereau (1825-1905). 1898, oil on canvas / Wikimedia Commons

Interior Mortification: Restraining Self-Love

St. Alphonsus Liguori

In this excerpt from School of Christian Perfection, St. Alphonsus Liguori explains that the greatest obstacle to holiness is not the world or the devil

Innocence by William-Adolphe Bouguereau (1825-1905). 1893, oil on canvas / Wikimedia Commons

The Favorite Virtues of Our Lord: Meekness and Humility

St. Alphonsus Liguori

In The School of Christian Perfection, St. Alphonsus Liguori draws our hearts to the meekness of Christ — the Lamb of God — and calls

Three Angels (Faith, Hope, and Love) by Frantisek Tkadlik (1786-1840). 1830, Oil on Panel / Wikimedia Commons

The Soul’s Greatest Hope

St. Alphonsus Liguori

In this excerpt from The School of Christian Perfection, St. Alphonsus Liguori explores the supernatural virtue of hope—its purpose, its objects, and the profound longing

The Angelus by Jean-Francois Millet (1814-1875). 1859, oil on canvas, Musee d'Orsay / Wikimedia Commons

Recollection: The Path to Union with God

St. Alphonsus Liguori

In this excerpt, St. Alphonsus Liguori teaches that the soul remains united to God through three things: solitude, silence, and the constant awareness of His

Judas by Edward Okun (1872-1945). 1901, oil on cardboard, National Museum in Warsaw / Wikimedia Commons

Self-Will: The Devil’s Most Powerful Weapon

St. Alphonsus Liguori

In this stirring reflection, St. Alphonsus Liguori reveals self-will as the devil’s most dangerous weapon, especially against souls striving for holiness. Drawing on the wisdom

Allegory of Faith by Johann Michael Rottmayr. 1714, fresco, Karlskirche, Vienna / Wikimedia Commons

Faith: A Treasure of Unspeakable Value

St. Alphonsus Liguori

Faith is a divine light that guides us to Heaven, shields us from the snares of the devil, and sustains us in virtue. As St.

Five Dancing Angels by Giovanni di Paolo. 1430s, oil on wood, Conde Museum / Wikimedia Commons

The Soul’s Longing: Understanding the Virtue of Christian Hope

St. Alphonsus Liguori

Christian hope is a supernatural virtue by which the soul confidently expects eternal life and the means to attain it, grounded in God’s promises. Far

Olga Boznanska (1865-1940). 1890, oil on canvas / Wikimedia Commons.

Two Ways to Advance in God’s Love

St. Alphonsus Liguori

Discover how to advance in God’s love with Saint Alphonsus Liguori as your guide. The following excerpt was taken from The School of Christian Perfection.

Assumption of the Virgin by Francesco Botticini. 1475, tempera, National Gallery / Wikimedia Commons.

The Soul That Leaves This Life in the State of Grace

St. Alphonsus Liguori

How blessed is the soul that leaves this life in the state of grace! Meditation upon the day of our entry into eternity should encourage

Descent from the Cross by Nicolas Tournier (1590-1639). 1632, oil on canvas, Musee des Augustins / Wikimedia Commons.

Mary Present on Calvary

St. Alphonsus Liguori

As Jesus hung upon the Cross, Mary stood near, silently sharing in His agony. Reflect with Saint Alphonsus Liguori on the Queen of Martyrs, and

The Crucifixion by Jacopo Tintoretto (1519-1594). Oil on canvas, Gallerie dell'Accademia / Wikimedia Commons.

Jesus Upon the Cross

St. Alphonsus Liguori

We can find no higher proof of God’s love than the Incarnate Word hanging upon the cross. Meditate on Jesus upon the cross and allow

Simon of Cyrene Carries the Cross by Theophile Marie Francois Lybaert (1848-1927). 1886, oil on panel, Our Lady of Grace Church / Wikimedia Commons.

Jesus Carries the Cross to Calvary

St. Alphonsus Liguori

When the cross is pressed upon the shoulders of Our Lord, He does not refuse it but embraces it with love. Follow St. Alphonsus Liguori

The Adoration of the Lamb by Jan van Eyck (1390-1441), 1432, oil on panel. St. Bavo's Cathedral / Wikimedia Commons.

Loving Aspirations to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament

St. Alphonsus Liguori

The writings of Saint Alphonsus Liguori have inspired countless souls to conversion. His impassioned, yet gentle words evoke in readers a deeper love for God.

The Agony in the Garden, Frans Schwartz (1850–1917), 1898, Brigham Young University. Wikimedia Commons.

Jesus’s Three Sufferings in the Garden

St. Alphonsus Liguori

As Jesus prayed in the Garden, He experienced three great spiritual sufferings. Read this stirring excerpt from St. Alphonsus Liguori. Jesus’s Three Sufferings in the

The Thankful Poor, Henry Ossawa Tanner (1859–1937), 1894, oil on canvas. Art Bridges, Texas. Wikimedia Commons.

What Is Poverty of Spirit?

St. Alphonsus Liguori

Jesus taught that if we wish to enter the kingdom of Heaven we must become poor in spirit. But what does this mean and how

St. John the Baptist, El Greco (1541-1614), c. 1600, oil on canvs. Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Museum Purchase, Funds from Various Donors / Wikimedia Commons.

What Is Mortification & How to Practice It

St. Alphonsus Liguori

Mortification is a virtue that many souls cower away from. But this twofold virtue is necessary for any soul striving after perfection. Learn from Saint

The Savior's Transfiguration, c. 1403, Tretyakov Gallery / Wikimedia Commons.

The Principal End of the Passion

St. Alphonsus Liguori

Jesus did not need to suffer to save us from our sins but he chose to in order to impart to us His infinite love

The Mocking of Christ, Gerard Seghers (1591-1651), between 1610 and 1651, oil on canvas. Wikimedia Commons.

Jesus Is Mocked and Spat Upon

St. Alphonsus Liguori

Saint Augustine says that one tear shed at the remembrance of Christ’s Passion is worth more than a pilgrimage to Jerusalem and a year of

The Flagellation of Our Lord Jesus Christ, William-Adolphe Bouguereau (1825-1905), 1880, oil. Musée des Beaux-Arts de La Rochelle / Wikimedia Commons.

Jesus Chose to Suffer

St. Alphonsus Liguori

It was not necessary that the Son of Man suffer to attain our salvation. Yet, in His abundance of love for souls, Our Lord took

Christ on the Road to Emmaus, Jan Wildens (1584/1586-1653), 1640s, oil on canvas. Hermitage Museum / Wikimedia Commons.

How to Walk in God’s Presence

St. Alphonsus Liguori

At every moment we ought to strive to walk in the presence of God. But how? Allow St. Alphonsus Liguori to teach you how to

Rest on the Flight into Egypt, Giambattista Pittoni (1687-1767), between 1725 and 1726, oil on canvas. Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection Foundation. Web Gallery of Art / Wikimedia Commons.

The Holy Names: Jesus, Mary, and Joseph

St. Alphonsus Liguori

The following excerpt was taken from St. Alphonsus Liguori’s, The School of Christian Perfection. Here, the saint demonstrates the power of the names: Jesus, Mary,

Confession, Guiseppe Maria Crespi (1665-1747), 1712, oil on canvas. Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister, Web Gallery of Art / Wikimedia Commons.

Obedience to Our Spiritual Director

St. Alphonsus Liguori

The greatest saints have proclaimed the benefit of having a spiritual director for progress in holiness. Learn more from Saint Alphonsus Liguori why it is

Christ in the Garden of Olives, Théodore Chassériau (1819-1856), 1840, oil on canvas. ©Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon, photographed by Alain Basset / Wikimedia Commons.

The Interior Agony of Jesus

St. Alphonsus Liguori

Jesus took on greater suffering than all the martyrs combined, and His agony was not just physical. Meditate with St. Alphonsus Liguori on the interior

Apostles Peter and John Blessing the People of Samaria, Giorgio Vasari (1511-1574), 16th Century. Wikimedia Commons.

Faith Without Works Is Dead

St. Alphonsus Liguori

Many Christians believe in God, yet they find themselves ensnared in an endless struggle with sin. In this excerpt, St. Alphonsus Liguori addresses those Christians

Socrates Looking in a Mirrow, Bernard Vailiant (1632-1698) and Jusepe de Ribera (1591-1652), 17th Century, Mezzotint. A. Hyatt Mayor Purchase Fund, Marjore Phelps Starr Bequest, 1982. Met Museum / Wikimedia Commons.

Standing Before A Mirror of the Soul

St. Alphonsus Liguori

Saint Bernard likens the practice of meditation to standing before a mirror of the soul. The practice of meditation, or interior prayer, is necessary for

The Temptation of Christ, Juan de Flades (1450-1519), c. 1500, oil on panel. National Gallery of Art / Wikimedia Commons.

Do I Need to Confess Temptations?

St. Alphonsus Liguori

For those earnestly striving to enrich their spiritual lives, The School of Christian Perfection serves as an invaluable resource charting a course to Heaven. In

Jesus in the House of Annas, José de Madrazo y Agudo (1781-1859), 1803, oil on canvas. Museo del Prado / Wikimedia Commons.

The Abasement of Jesus

St. Alphonsus Liguori

The Son of God humbled Himself and took the form of a servant. Although Christ was is true God, He became true man to save

Figure of Christ, Heinrich Hoffman (1824-1911), 1884, oil on canvas. Wikimedia Commons.

A Name Where Salvation Is Found

St. Alphonsus Liguori

To quote Saint Bernard, the “name of Jesus is light to the mind, food to the heart, and medicine to the soul.” It is a

The Nativity, John Singleton Copley (1738–1815), c.1776, oil on canvas. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston / Wikimedia Commons.

The Solitude of Jesus in the Stable

St. Alphonsus Liguori

Ponder the solitude of Our Lord in the stable as Saint Alphonsus Liguori leads you through an impassioned meditation upon the place of Jesus’s birth.

The Christ Child, Andreas Müller (1811–1890), 1849, oil on panel. Walters Art Museum / Wikimedia Commons.

Jesus Became a Child to Win Our Love

St. Alphonsus Liguori

When God promised a Messiah to the people of Israel, they expected a mighty king to come in power. Yet, Jesus, desiring to win the

Nativity, Giotto (1266–1337), 1310s, fresco. Lower Basilica of San Francesco / Wikimedia Commons.

Jesus Lying on the Straw

St. Alphonsus Liguori

Follow Saint Alphonsus Liguori to the manger with The Road to Bethlehem. Today, contemplate Jesus’s poor conditions in the manger and His holy suffering even

The Nativity of Christ, Francesco Francia (1447–1517), 1490, oil on panel. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum / Wikimedia Commons.

The Birth of Jesus

St. Alphonsus Liguori

After many long-awaited years, the Savior of the world was born into the world to save a people ensnared in the darkness. Allow your soul

On the Eve of the Birth of Christ, Michael Rieser (1828–1905), 1869, oil on canvas. Dorotheum / Wikimedia Commons.

Joseph Goes to Bethlehem with His Holy Spouse

St. Alphonsus Liguori

Follow Saint Alphonsus Liguori to the manger with The Road to Bethlehem. Today, contemplate Joseph’s role in Christmas as the most chaste spouse of Mary

Adoration of the Shepherds, Caravaggio (1571–1610), 1609, oil on canvas. Museo Regionale, Messina / Wikimedia Commons.

Grandeur of the Mystery of the Incarnation

St. Alphonsus Liguori

The Incarnation is one of the greatest mysteries in the Church. Contemplate the grandeur of this mystery with Saint Alphonsus Liguori as your guide. “And

Saint Francis Preaching to the Animals, Johannes Siberechts (1627–c.1703), 1666, oil on canvas. Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp / Wikimedia Commons.

Man’s Ingratitude at Christmas

St. Alphonsus Liguori

Follow Saint Alphonsus Liguori to the manger with The Road to Bethlehem. Today, contemplate the sorrow that it causes Christ when man neglects Him at

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