Podcast Summary: Catholic Saints – Episode on St. Alphonsus Liguori
Released on August 1, 2025 by Augustine Institute
Introduction to St. Alphonsus Liguori
In this episode of Catholic Saints, hosted by Dr. Ben Akers and featuring Dr. Sean Enris from the Augustine Institute Graduate School of Theology, the life and legacy of Saint Alphonsus Liguori are explored in depth. Referred to by Pope St. John Paul II as a "master of wisdom, a father in faith, teacher of the Christian life, and a great friend of the people" (00:45), St. Alphonsus emerges as a pivotal figure in Catholic moral theology and pastoral practice.
Historical Context
Saint Alphonsus was born in 1696 and lived until 1787, reaching the venerable age of 91—a considerable lifespan for the 17th century (01:23). His life spanned a critical period in Church history, coinciding with the waning days of the Enlightenment and the lingering influence of Jansenism. Despite Jansenism's official condemnation forty years prior to his birth, its rigorous approach to moral theology continued to permeate Catholic piety, necessitating St. Alphonsus's extensive "cleanup work" within the Church (01:50).
Contributions to Moral Theology
St. Alphonsus is celebrated as the "prince of moral theologians" (04:18)—a title conferred shortly after his death by a pope in 1831. His seminal work, the Summa Theologica in Moral Theology, spans nine volumes and remains a cornerstone in the field (08:16). Despite the evolution of theological discourse, his writings continue to serve as a foundational reference for both theologians and confessors, providing balanced and accessible guidance without descending into legalism or laxity (03:36; 05:49).
Notable among his contributions are his manuals for confessors and his accessible devotional texts, such as Glories of Mary and Life of Prayer (08:16; 09:28). His approach emphasizes both moral rectitude and deep spiritual engagement, ensuring that individuals are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of confession and spiritual growth.
Personal Life and Struggles
Despite his noble lineage and academic prowess, St. Alphonsus grappled with personal struggles, notably scrupulosity—a heightened sensitivity to sin (06:54). This internal battle fostered his commitment to avoiding extreme rigorism while maintaining moral integrity. His disciplined nature, coupled with his personal experiences of suffering, made him a compassionate and balanced confessor (07:00).
St. Alphonsus's life was also marked by physical and spiritual trials. His initial desire to join the Oratorians was opposed by his family, leading him to pursue a diocesan priesthood. Even upon being appointed a bishop, he felt unworthy and eventually resigned, exemplifying his humility and dedication to his spiritual convictions (13:12; 15:00).
Founding the Redemptorist Order
Driven by his profound commitment to serve the poor and preach missions, St. Alphonsus founded the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, commonly known as the Redemptorists (12:10). The Redemptorists continue to uphold his legacy today, focusing on missionary work and serving impoverished communities globally. Their devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and Marian veneration, particularly under the title of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, reflects St. Alphonsus's spiritual priorities (22:13; 23:00).
The Connection Between Moral and Spiritual Life
A central theme of the discussion revolves around St. Alphonsus's perspective on the interplay between moral and spiritual life. He posits that the moral life serves as the foundation for spiritual growth, emphasizing that obedience to God's commandments is integral to deepening one's relationship with Him (16:13). This synergy ensures that moral integrity and a vibrant spiritual life reinforce each other, preventing ethical lapses and fostering continual spiritual advancement (17:58).
Notable Quotes and Their Interpretation
One poignant quote attributed to St. Alphonsus, also echoed by St. Teresa of Avila, states: "Those who pray are certainly saved. Those who do not pray are certainly damned" (18:19). While seemingly harsh, Dr. Sean Enris interprets this as a reflection of the indispensable role of prayer in maintaining one's covenant with God. He elaborates that neglecting prayer leads to spiritual decay and moral failure, underscoring the necessity of a robust prayer life for salvation (19:02; 21:51).
Relevance Today
St. Alphonsus's teachings remain profoundly relevant in contemporary Catholic practice. In an era marked by moral controversies and a need for clear theological guidance, his balanced approach to moral theology offers a blueprint for navigating ethical dilemmas without falling into the extremes of laxity or rigidity (24:23). Additionally, his emphasis on frequent reception of the Eucharist and regular confession aligns with current movements toward Eucharistic revival and deeper sacramental engagement within the Church (22:12; 26:16).
Dr. Enris concludes that St. Alphonsus is an apt patron for today's faithful, advocating for a holistic integration of moral and spiritual disciplines to foster a life of holiness and effective service (24:27).
Conclusion
This episode of Catholic Saints offers a comprehensive exploration of St. Alphonsus Liguori's enduring impact on Catholic moral theology and pastoral practice. Through historical context, personal anecdotes, and theological insights, Dr. Akers and Dr. Enris illuminate why St. Alphonsus remains a vital figure for both clergy and laity seeking to deepen their faith and live out the Gospel with wisdom and compassion.
Timestamps:
- 00:45: Introduction of St. Alphonsus by Dr. Ben Akers
- 01:23: Historical lifespan and context
- 01:50: Influence of Jansenism
- 03:36: Recognition as "prince of moral theologians"
- 04:18: Canonization and sum of moral theology
- 05:49: Continued relevance in theological surveys
- 06:54: Discussion on scrupulosity
- 08:16: Overview of writings
- 09:28: Scope of Summa Theologica
- 12:10: Founding of the Redemptorist Order
- 13:12: Personal struggles and resignation as bishop
- 15:00: Humility in ecclesiastical roles
- 16:13: Moral and spiritual life connection
- 17:58: Unity of moral and spiritual growth
- 18:19: Examination of notable quote on prayer
- 19:02: Interpretation of prayer's role in salvation
- 21:51: Impact of prayer on salvation
- 22:12: Eucharistic revival and Marian devotion
- 23:00: Description of devotional practices
- 24:23: Relevance of St. Alphonsus today
- 26:16: Final exhortation and episode conclusion