V

®Ijc Saints anO Servants of GoB.

THE LIFE
OF

S. ALPHONSO MARIA DE LIGUOPJ,
,/»*
BISHOP OF ST. AGATHA OF THE GOTHS.
AND FOUNDER OF THE CONGREGATION OF THE MOST HOLY
REDEEMER.

“ Gaude Maria Virgo, cunctas hæreses sola interemisti in
universo mundo."—Antiph. Ecdesiœ.

PERMISSU SUPERIORUM.

VOL. I.

LONDON:
THOMAS RICHARDSON

AND SON,

172, fleet st.; 9, capel st. Dublin; and derby.
M. D. CCC. XLV1II.

We hereby approve of this Series of
Lives of the Canonized Saints and Servants
of God, and recommend it to the faithful of
our District, as likely to promote the glory
of God, the increase of devotion, and the
spread of our holy Religion.
Given at Birmingham, this 29th day

of October, 1847.

f

το

THE REGULAR CLERGY
OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN ENGLAND,
THE CHILDREN
OF ST. BENEDICT AND ST. BERNARD,

ST. DOMINICK AND ST. FRANCIS,
AND THE SONS

OF THE HOLY IGNATIUS,

THE GREAT MASTER OF THE SPIRITUAL LIFE,

AND THE NURSING-FATHER OF SAINTS AND MARTYRS,

WHO,
IN THE STRAITNESS AND NEGLECT
OF THEIR UNHONOURED CLOISTERS,
OR THE CHEERLESS SOLITUDE

OF THEIR HIRED LODGING,

HAVE JOYFULLY EMBRACED THE POVERTY OF JESUS,

AND EARNED BY LOVING ZEAL

THE CROWN OF MARTYRDOM,
AND WHO,
THROUGH SCENES OF AWFUL SACRILEGE,

AND TIMES OF BITTER PERSECUTION,
THROUGH THE LONG AND WEARY VISITATION
OF ACTIVE MALICE OR OF COLD CONTEMPT,

HAVE PERPETUATED,
AMONGST THEIR UNWORTHY COUNTRYMEN,

THE BLESSED LINEAGE

OF THEIR HOLY FOUNDERS.
St. Wilfrid’s,
Feast or St. Bernard,
M. D. CCC. XLV1I.

/ *» M ?

PREFACE.

The next volume, containing the Life
of the Blessed Sebastian of Apparizio,
Franciscan Lay-brother, will appear on
the 25th of April. The public are re­
quested to excuse the want of punctu­
ality in the publication of this volume,
as the delay has been owing to circum­
stances which no one could control.
Since the Introductory Essay on Can­
onization was written and in the printer’s
hands the writer of it has joined the Or­
atory, and it therefore becomes a duty
to state expressly, that no one is respon­
sible for anything in it except the writer
himself, and that the Approbation at the
beginning of the volume, as will be seen
by the wording of it, does not include
any expressions of individual opinion
contained in notes or prefaces in any of
the volumes.
Ei W. Faber. ( /
St. Wilfrid's,
Feast of St. Benedict, 1848.

CONTENTS.

ON

BEATIFICATION, CANONIZATION, AND

THE

PAGE.
PROCESSES

OF THE CONGREGATION OF RITES

1

LIFE OF ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.
BOOK I.
CHAPTER.

I. Nobility of the family of the Liguoris—Great
piety of Alphonso’s parents—His birth
1
II. Alphonso’s education—His progress in sanctity - 4
III. Alphonso’s studies, and his education as a gen­
tleman -------- 9
IV. Alphonso’s success in the courts of law at Naples
—His conduct in regard to spiritual things—
His marriage negotiated about—Négociation
for his marriage not concluded - 14
V. Alphonso becomes cold in regard to piety—He
again becomes fervent ----- 25
VI. A fresh negotiation for Alphonso’s marriage—A
meeting which he has in President Caravita's
house—He becomes detached from the world
and gives up the bar
----- 31
VII. Stormy scene between Alphonso and his father—
Heavenly light which illuminates the Hospital
of the Incurables—He resolves to enter the
Congregation of St. Philip Neri
- 37
VIII. Contradictions which Alphonso meets with in his
project of entering the Congregation of St.
Philip Neri........................................... --4L
IX. Alphonso assumes the ecclesiastical dress—His
assiduity in church, and his fervent piety
- 45
X. Alphonso enters into holy orders—He joins the
Congregation of the Apostolical Missions, and
gives proof of the greatest zeal - 49
XI. Alphonso’s other apostolical labours—The me­
thods which he adopts for preserving recollec­
tion in the midst of so much activity - 54

Xll

CONTENTS.
PA OK.

CHAPTER.

XII. Alphonso is appointed to hear confessions—His
way of acting in this ministry
- 57
XIII. Alphonso’s difficulties in regard to his penitents 65
XIV. Alphonso gets the most zealous among his peni­
tents to give spiritual conferences, and the
great institution of the chapels is the result- 71
XV. Alphonso retires into the Congregation of the
Holy Family—His penitential life—The pro­
gress of his zeal for the good of souls - 76
XVI. Divers other fatigues endured by Alphonso in the
spring of the year 1731
-84
XVII. How Alphonso is led to form the plan of founding
his Congregation for destitute souls
- 89
XVIII. The contradictions and difficulties which Alphon­
so suffered at Naples in founding his Con­
gregation
-,............................... 94
XIX. Alphonso’s vocation is approved by the venerable
Father Fiorillo—He finds himself in fresh dif­
ficulties -------- 99
XX. Fathers Fiorillo and Pagano advise Alphonso to
place himself under Mgr. Falcoja’s direction—
Alphonso’s last labours at Naples, and his
great desire to begin the establishment of his
Congregation...................................................... 106
XXI. Who were Alphonso’s first companions, and how
God assisted him in beginning his undertaking 109

BOOK If.

I. Alphonso founds his Congregation at the town
of Scala—His poverty, fervour, and apostolic
labours -------II. and III. Fresh outrages raised up against Al­
phonso after he arrives at Scala—He has to
endure new outrages and persecutions at Na­
ples—His Eminence, Cardinal Pignatclli, takes
him under his protection
IV. How Alphonso is abandoned by his first compan­
ions, and on what occasion V. Alphonso experiences great trouble through the
departure of his companions—He is exposed
to fresh derision at Naples, but is encouraged
by Mgr. Falcoja and Cardinal Pignatclli
-

113

118
121

124

CONTENTS.
CHAPTKR.

xi i i
Ρλοε.

VI. Alphonso’s new companions—He gives missions
in the diocese of Cajazzo, and founds another
house in the Villa of the Slaves—Another is
appointed for Tosquez—Mandarini’s entreaties
to rejoin Alphonso
- 13o
VII. Alphonso gives missions in divers other places—
He goes to the territory of Ciorani
- 139
VIII. Success of Alphonso’s missions in the diocese of
Salerno—Buildings undertaken at Ciorani—
Establishment of the holy exercises—Persecu­
tion excited and appeased
- 144
IX. Alphonso goes through several other dioceses
giving missions—The persecutions he has to
suffer in the Villa of the Slaves—He abandons
this house
-........................................... -150
X. Alphonso continues to give missions—He lives in
the new house at Ciorani and leaves that of
Scala
-............................ 156
XI. Alphonso gives missions in the diocese of Salerno
and in other places round about - 160
XII. Cardinal Spinelli invites Alphonso to preach pen­
ance in the diocese of Naples
... 165
XIII. Alphonso continues to give missions in other
places in the kingdom—He refuses a founda­
tion at Barra, and goes on with his labours in
the diocese of Naples...................................... 169
XIV. Alphonso and his companions take the simple
vows of religion and the oath of perseverance
in the Congregation...................................... 172
XV. Alphonso quits the diocese of Naples—He founds
a house at Pagani, and gives missions in di­
vers places
------- 177
XVI. The king consents to the establishment of the
new Congregation at Pagani—Applause and
liberality of the people, who take part in the
building—Continuation of the apostolical la­
bours of Alphonso and of his companions - 182
XVII. Alphonso undertakes another building at Ciorani
—The contradiction he suffered in the house
at Pagani....................................... 186
XVIII. New attacks on the Congregation at Pagani—
The most distinguished persons interest them­
selves for us at Naples and Rome
- 198
XIX. The wicked at Pagani intrigue against us again,
both at Naples and at Rome—Cardinal Spi»

xiv
CHAPTER.

CONTENTS.
.

,A0E

nclli and Mgr. Rossi, Bishop of Salerno, under­
206
take to defend us "
XX. Alphonso preaches a mission in the territory of
Iliceto, in la Pouille—He founds a new house
and goes to the Madugno - 210
XXI. New troubles at Pagani during Alphonso’s stay
at Iliceto.................................................... 216
XXII. Installation of our missionaries in the new house
erected at Pagani—Alphonso s zeal for the
observance of the rules—Expedient by which
Father Sportelli obtains the opening of the
church............................................................ 220
XXIII. Cardinal Spinelli sends Alphonso to preach pen­
222
ance in divers places in la Pouille
XXIV. Alphonso returns to Foggia—He goes into the
diocese of Conza and accepts of a new foun­
226
dation in the territory of Caposeli
XXV. New snares are set for our fathers at Pagani—
Alphonso gives missions in the diocese of
Conza, and sends some of the fathers to preach
in the Pouille—Establishment of a noviciate
in the house at Ciorani
- 231
Alphonso prints his first work while he is at
Iliceto—Contradiction which he has to suffer,
and his great moderation
.... 236
XXVII. Alphonso tries to obtain a fresh sanction of his
work from the king—The grand almoner’s
sentiments on this subject—New attempts of
Father Mandarini to obtain a re-union
239
XXVIII. Alphonso’s apostolical labours during his sojourn
at Naples—The king causes him great uneasi­
ness by wishing to nominate him to the arch­
bishopric of Palermo...............................
247
Alphonso returns to Naples to settle the affairs
of the Congregation—Proofs of his zeal for
the salvation of his neigh bour-Peace is es­
tablished in the house at Pagani
253
Alphonso’s other labours at Naples and in divers
parts of the kingdom 259

THE LIFE
OF

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORL
BOOK

I.

CHAPTER I.
In all ages of tho world, the Almighty has
raised up extraordinary men to supply tho wants
of humanity ; and incessantly watching over the
welfare of Jlis Church, has, in every succeeding
century, provided chosen vessels to defend and
to edify it.
In tho 18th century, those two most danger­
ous extremes, impiety and over-strained rigidity,
had united to undermine tho edifice of the
church. Like ravenous wolves in sheep’s cloth­
ing, libertine philosophy and despairing rigour
had striven to penetrate into tho heart of the
church. A servile fear had expelled tho charity
of Cod ; tiro sacraments, those fountains of life,
were abandoned or turned into derision ; the
Divine Eucharist, tho life-spring of Catholic pi­
ety, had become an object of dread, and the
spirit of Christianity seemed passing away—but
the eye of an Omniscient Providence watched
1

2

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

over it : to confound impiety, to fight against
Jansenism, to awaken faith, and kindle love in
its source, the sacrament of the altar, God gave
to His Church and to the world, a man after
His own heart, Alphonso Liguori.
Joseph do Liguori, of an ancient patrician
family in Naples, and Anna Caterina Cavalière
do Brindes, were tho happy parents of Alphon­
so. Illustrious by birth, and also by his mili­
tary talents, and the public offices which he
filled with integrity and prudence, Don Joseph
was, moreover, a man of exemplary piety, and
by his devotion to the Passion of our Lord ho
obtained many signal graces. His wife was a
woman of singular virtue, and descended from
parents equally remarkable for their piety and
their rank. Devoted to prayer, loving the poor,
and denying herself, she practised mortifica­
tion, abstained from worldly amusements, and
was to be found most frequently in the house
of God.
Happy tho man who on his entrance into life
is animated by the watchful eye of a virtuous
and tender mother ; her very look has a magical
influence over tho soul of her child ; and St.
Alphonso had this unspeakable happiness. He
was born on the 27th of September, 1G96, in
the vicinity of Naples at Marianella, where his
parents had a country-house ; and two days after
he was taken to Naples, to bo baptised in tho
clrurch of Saint Mary of Virgins. Tho day on
which he was born, was the feast of tho martyrs
Saints Cosmas and Damian, and he received

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

3

their names, being called Alphonso Mary An­
tonio John Francis Cosmas Damian Michel-An­
gelo ; tho first names in memory of his ances­
tors, tho others in honour of those Saints, and
of the archangel on whose day ho was baptised.
From the hour of his birth, ho was placed in a
special manner under the protection of the Bless­
ed Virgin, that in all his necessities he might
find in her an advocate and mother.
If it be true, as St. Ambrose has said, that
at their birth the just bring joy and consolation,
what happiness must not Don Joseph and Donna
Anna have experienced on seeing their first­
born son ! It was with the most lively and ten­
der gratitude that they received him from tho
hand of God, and they testified this, by con­
secrating their infant in a special manner to his
Heavenly Father.
Their joy was increased
when Saint Francis Jerome of the Society of
Jesus foretold the future sanctity of the little
Alphonso.
This Jesuit foresaw with a pro­
phetic eye how dear to God, and how beneficial
to tho Church, tho infant would become. Ho
took him from the arms of his mother, and bless­
ing him he said, “ This little child will live to
a great age, even until ninety years ; he will
bo a bishop, and will perform great things for
Jesus Christ.” These words proceeding from the
lips of a man renowned for his sanctity, were
received as a prophecy, and Alphonso was hence­
forth regarded as a special gift from Heaven,
destined to procure the salvation of souls and
promote the glory of Jesus Christ.

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

CHAPTER II.

!

Contrary to the usual custom among the
nobles, the early education of Alphonso was not
confided to strangers, his mother superintended
it herself. This noble lady knew her duty, and
would allow no other to instruct her son in the
knowledge of religion. The brother of Alphonso,
Don Gaetano, has recorded, that every morning
after having blessed her children, she made
them pray to God, and every evening she as­
sembled them around her, and taught them the
elements of the Christian Faith, reciting the
rosary with them and other prayers in honour of
different saints. She was careful in preventing
them
H from associating with other children of their
ago; she wished that grace should anticipato in
them the malice of sin, and that they might
early be taught to hate it ; she therefore took
them every week to confess in tho Church of
the Oratorian Fathers of St. Jerome, to her own
director, Father D. Thomas Pagano. It was thus
she guided her dear Alphonso, and made him
truly holy. Above all she endeavoured to kindle
in his heart a tender love for Jesus Christ, and
a filial confidence in Mary ; and if the mother
was so careful to cultivate holiness in her son,
Providence was not less attentive to enrich him
with grace. He was born with a heart so ready
to receive the impressions of grace, that piety

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

and love of virtue seemed natural to him. One
might say, that in him virtue anticipated age,
so early did he show maturity in his devotions.
Even in childhood, he know not the ordinary
amusements of infancy, but placed all his delight
in erecting little altars, and celebrating in his
childish manner the feasts of different saints.
When he was more advanced in age, and had
tasted in the practice of piety the sweets of ce­
lestial communications, ho might be seen con­
tinually presenting himself before God, and put­
ting a holy effusion of heart into his intercourse
with Him. Thus he so early began to receive
those precious graces which God bestows on
souls destined to the highest degrees of sanctity.
At this time the Fathers of St. Jerome direct­
ed a fervent Congregation, having for its object
the spiritual welfare of the young nobility. The
parents of Alphonso did not neglect such an
opportunity, but placed him under their care,
when ho was only nine years old, and his exem­
plary conduct and great devotion wore the ad­
miration of these holy fathers.
lie came
early every Sunday morning to the Congrega­
tion ; and although so young, ho was docile and
submissive to the slightest command of the su­
periors, attentive and recollected during the de­
votional exercises, greedily swallowing the gen­
eral instructions, and even over-anxious in his
desire to profit by them. He regularly confess­
ed to Father Thomas Pagano, and when arrived
at the proper ago, received the Holy Communion
from his hands. It was a lovely spectacle to

ST. ALPHONSO I.IGUORI.

see this young child on his knees hearing mass
with singular devotion, and approaching tho
holy table with the greatest fervour. Ho pre­
pared himself always by tho aid of little books
of piety which ho devoutly held in his hands,
and never retired without kneeling long to make
acts of thanksgiving.
As Alphonso advanced in ago, his mother re­
doubled her solicitude; not content with all he
learned under these excellent fathers, she took
care to instruct him herself on the manner of
performing his devotions, and acquitting himself
of his other duties. She spoke to him of tho
enormity of sin, of tho hell which it merited, of
tho great displeasure tho slightest fault gave to
the heart of Jesus Christ. All this made much
impression on him, and D. Anna rejoiced to find
in her son a soul so docile and a mind so upright.
What was most admirable in this young child,
was his constancy in his devotional exercises.
When tho hour arrived for his joining his mother
in some devout practice, ho presented himself
before her, nor was ho loss punctual in other
pious exercises which he imposed upon himself.
When he had attained his twelfth year, his
aptitude for prayer was not only more than or­
dinary, it was sublime. Among many traits
which proved his wonderful piety, there is one
very remarkable, related by an eye-witness, Don
Anthony Villani, the relative of Peter Sersale,
brother to the cardinal of that name. Tho Fa­
thers of St. Jerome were in the habit every Sun­
day after Vespers, of taking the young gentle­

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUOIII.

7

men of their Congregation to some country-house
to amuse themselves. It happened on one oc­
casion that they went to the house of the Prince
do la Riccia, situated on the mountain of Miradoïs. The young people began to amuse them­
selves with a game called the game of oranges.
Alphonso was asked to join, but excused himself
on tho plea of not knowing tho game ; his com­
panions, however, urged him so much, that at
length ho consented. Fortune favoured him,
and he gained thirty times running. This suc­
cess made his companions jealous, and one, older
than him, exclaimed in a rage, “ It was you who
did not know the game, was it ! ” adding in his
fury a very indecent expression. Alphonso red­
dened when he heard it, and with9 an air of severity turned towards his companions and said,
“ How is this, shall God bo offended for tho
sake of a few miserable pence ? take back your
money
and throwing on the ground what ho
had won, he turned his back on his companions
with a holy indignation, and secreted himself in
another part of tho garden. But this was not
all, for when evening camo, and the young
people were about to return, ho was nowhere
to bo found. They called him, but they called
in vain, and as night was approaching every
one went to seek him. What was their surprise
when they discovered him on his knees, before
a picturo of the Blessed Virgin which ho had
with him, and had placed upon a laurel branch.
He was quite absorbed, and so ravished in God,

8

s
\ ■

ST. ALHIONSO LIGÜORI.

that it was some time before ho came to himself
notwithstanding the noise his companions made.
Anthony Villani, who was present at this
scene, being once on a visit at Ciorani, (ono of
tho houses belonging to tho Order of Rcdcmptorists, founded by St. Alphonse,) and talking of
his virtues, said, while his eyes filled with tears,
“lie was a saint ovon in his childhood,” and
then told tho anecdote above related.
To tho latest period of his life Alphonse
continued to acknowledge his obligations to his
mother, for tho great care sho had taken of
him during his childhood; ho regarded tho hap­
piness of having had such a mother, as ono of
tho greatest blessings ho had ever received from
God, and was wont to say, “If I must admit
that there was anything good in me as a child,
and if I wore kept from wickedness, I owe it
n
entirely to tho tender solicitude of my mother.
”
His father being often obliged to make excur­
sions with tho galleys, could not apply himself
as ho would have wished to the education of
his children, and consequently this fell upon
his mother ; ho once said, “ At tho death of
my father, I refused to go to Naples, offering
to God tho sacrifico of a duty which nature
claimed from mo ; but when my mother is dy­
ing, if I am not otherwise prevented, I shall
not havo tho courage to refuse assisting her.”

I

ST. ALPIIONSO LIQUORI.

9

CHAPTER III.
The education of tho young Alphonso was
not conducted in a public school, as is usual
with tho nobility, but excellent private mas­
ters were procured for him to teach him belleslettres; for D. Joseph and D. Anna, fearing that
in a college tho innocence of their son would
run some danger, and that intercourse with
other young men might tarnish its lustre,
would have him continually under their own
eyes, and sheltered from every occasion of sin.
His grammar master was tho learned Dominic
Buonaccio, a native of Calabria, and a man of
piety and irreproachable morals. Although ho
was chiefly appointed to teach him belles-let­
tres, ho did not neglect to inculcato upon him
tho importance of living as a good Christian,
and to show him how much vice defiled and dis­
honoured a man. Certainly his master found lit­
tle difficulty in conducting his education ; his
naturally happy disposition and inclination to­
wards virtue, much abridged the lessons of this
good priest, as well in reference to science as to
spiritual matters. It may bo said, that nature
and grace rivalled each other in enriching
with their gifts this noble young man. His
mind was quick and penetrating, his memory
faithful and retentive, and he combined great
docility with an ardent desire for instruction.
These excellent qualities produced rapid pro-

10

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

gross in his studios, and gave great satisfac­
tion both to master and parents.
As the father and mother of Alphonso would
not only make their son a man of letters and a
good Christian, but also an accomplished gen­
tleman, they took care to adorn his mind with
every other species of knowledge necessary to
form a distinguished education. He was yet
a child when they gave him masters in draw­
ing, painting, and architecture. He succeeded
admirably in all these arts; even in his old ago
ho sketched pictures sometimes of tho infant
Jesus, or of Jesus crucified, or of tho Blessed
Virgin, and engraved several copies for the use
of his Congregation. At the house of Ciorani,
wishing to make them understand in a palpable
manner what a mass of abomination man is in
himself, he designed with smoko the corpse of
Alexander tho Great, surrounded by vermin and
all disfigured, with this inscription underneath,
“Such is tho end of all human grandeur.”
Verses were afterwards found which ho had
made on tho subject. In tho refectory of tho
House of Iliceto, is another skeleton designed
by him, of a large size and surrounded by filth
and vermin. They preserve also in tho church
of this house an ancient portrait of tho Blessed
Virgin, which had been retouched by tho pencil
of Alphonso, and restored to its original lustre.
There also is a beautiful landscape of his in
oil on the draperies which ornament tho grand
altar. It represents the mystery of the Nati­
vity, tho infant Jesus adored by the shepherds,

ST* ALPHONSO LIGUOIu.

the holy Virgin and St. Joseph. Our Saint
was not less skilled in architecture; if he did
not sketch tho plans for the new houses of his
Congregation, tho architects had always to sub­
mit to his criticisms. His father, who was ex­
ceedingly fond of music, wished him also to
excel in that art. Ho gave orders that he
should apply himself three hours daily to study
music with a master, and so much importance
did ho attach to this, that if ho could not him­
self assist at the lesson, he locked tho door
upon master and pupil while ho went about his
own affairs. Before Alphonso had attained his
twelfth year, ho touched the harpsichord with
tho hand of a master.
In his later years ho regretted tho time ho
had spent in acquiring this accomplishment.
“ Fool that I have been,” said ho one day, look­
ing at the harpsichord, “to have lost so much
time on that ! but it was right to obey my fa­
ther, and ho would have it so.” Ho excelled
so much both in music and poetry, that oven in
his old ago ho wrote and composed wonderfully
well. Among others there is a little duct between
tho soul and Jesus suffering, which he caused to
bo sung between tho catechising and tho sermon,
in ono of tho churches of Naples, while they
gave spiritual exercises there. This talent for
Latin and Italian poetry would have taken a
higher flight had ho not had in view that which
would encourage tho devotion of tho people, ra­
ther than that which would gratify the taste.
We may see this in tho numerous hymns he

12

J

I

ST. ALPnONSO LIQUORI.

composed, among which aro many that excel,
forcing us to recognise in them the hand of a
master.
Having finished the study of belles-lettres,
and learned the Greek and the French languages,
lie applied himself to the study of philosophy
and mathematics. We need not inquire whether
ho succeeded ; the proof may be found in the
different theological and metaphysical works
which ho afterwards published against the mo­
dern infidels. Ho succeeded equally in geogra­
phy and cosmography, and know these sciences
so well, that ho taught them to the students in
the principal establishment of the order which
he founded.
D. Joseph, ambitious of seeing his son dis­
tinguish himself in the magistracy, from tho
talents with which ho was adorned, wished him,
when his philosophy and other studies wore
finished, to apply himself to civil and canonical
law. He gave him two learned masters, who en­
joyed a great reputation in Naples. Alphonse
was no less successful in this new career. His
progress excited general admiration, and all
prognosticated that tho young Liguori would one
day fill the most brilliant offices in tho Neapolitan
magistracy.
He who in his infancy knew how to disem­
barrass himself from tho amusements of his ago,
did not change in his youth ; he was never eager
to pursue even the lawful pleasures his parents
wore willing to procure for him : on tho con­
trary, he gave himself up with ardour to labour

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

13

and study, as if he had been born in an inferior
rank. Everything served for food to his appli­
cation ; and if his fondness for science made him
delight in study, D. Joseph, on his part, spared
nothing to encourage these happy dispositions,
putting every thing in operation to second and
promote them. Among these numerous occu­
pations, all the recreation ho was permitted to
take, was with D. Charles Cito, at whose house
ho was allowed to pass an hour in the evening,
to play at cards with other young people of ir­
reproachable character who visited there. The
Π
favourite games
of tho young mon were terzillio,
ombre, and such like, then usual in good society,
in which tho mind found recreation and exer­
cise, while tho morals received no damage.
Those amusements had very strict bounds,
D. Joseph wishing that they might be rather a
means of advancing than retarding him in his
studios, and that tho short relaxation might
enable him to resumo thorn again with renewed
vigour. Ho was always displeased when his son
stayed beyond the appointed time ; for it some­
times happened that Alphonso was rather late.
On one of these occasions, wishing to mortify
him, he removed all his books from the table,
and substituted for them packs of cards. Al­
phonso on his return was stupified and amazed,
but his father looked at him and said, “ Behold
your studies, these aro tho authors who render
you so very exact in returning at the appointed
hour.” This mortification was felt most sensi­
bly, and nothing else was necessary to make

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

him blush and strive more punctually than ever
to obey his father’s injunctions.
In his old ago he mentioned, that at the same
time ho had been very fond of hunting, but never
indulged in it except on days when he was dis­
pensed from study, adding, that the birds wore
fortunate that had to do with him, for notwith­
standing all his endeavours, he rarely killed one.
He would then seem to regret having spoken of
such things, and say, “ I abandoned the chase of
birds, to hunt for souls,” making all who heard
him feel how agreeable this was to God, and
how full of consolation for apostolic men.
Such were the useful and interesting occupa­
tions of the young Alphonso ; and wo believe
his parents were wise enough to interdict other
accomplishments usually taught, and regarded
by worldly persons as indispensable. They
looked upon dancing as a dangerous amuse­
ment for the soul, and on fencing, as exposing
both soul and body to many dangers.

CHAPTER IV.
Alphonso devoted himself so successfully to
the study of jurisprudence, that before his six­
teenth year he was master of it. According to
the register deposited in the hands of D.
Caracciola d’ Avcllino, who had the charge of
conferring on the young candidates the grado of
Doctor, ho received his degree on the 21st of

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

January, 1713, amidst general applause. He
had previously obtained a dispensation of three
years and nine months, being little more than
sixteen years old.
Although so young, he might from that time
be seen constantly before the tribunals of Naples,
listening with an ardent avidity for instruction
to the numerous decisions of council, so much
respected in that town.
At first his father
placed him with a celebrated advocate called
Pcronni ; but after the death of this man, he
was placed with another jurisconsult, not less
esteemed, of the name of Jovcue. It was about
this period that our Saint began to deny himself
all kinds of amusement, and even to renounce
the agreeable soirees in the house of D. Cito.
lie associated only with the president, Dominic
Caravita, a man as pious as he was learned,
inferior to none in the science of civil and
canon laws.
His house was then a species of academy for
studious young men. The most virtuous and
learned in legal matters used to meet there.
The president took great pleasure in seeing
himself surrounded by so many young candi­
dates for fame, and ho did all in his power to
render them skilful in discussing points of law,
and in the choice of proper words. Every
evening ho held conferences, in which they
treated the most difficult questions, each arm­
ing himself with the point of law he judged
most favourable to his opinion, while the presi­
dent adopted or rejected their conclusions.

16

L

>»4

·'

ST. ALPIION’SO LIGUORI.

Alphonso had not yet attained his 20th year,
when ho saw himself surrounded by numerous
clients, and seated before the tribunals side by
side with the most distinguished advocates. His
father’s family at that time included many
friends and relations among the principal sena­
tors. D. James Salerno, uncle of Alphonso, and
husband of Antoinette de Liguori, his father’s
sister ; D. Joseph Cavalieri, the brother of his
mother ; the regent do Miro, who loved him
with paternal tenderness ; tho governor D. Muzio
do Majo was strongly attached to his family,
and many others besides. These men of quali­
ty, knowing his talents, his good conduct, and
desiro of advancement, united all their endea­
vours to procure him distinguished clients. He
himself knew so well how to gain public esteem,
that in a short time the most important causes
were confided to him. Those who knew him
in those days bear witness to the remarkable
talent ho exhibited as advocate. They admired
his general information, his clear views, his pre­
cision in expressing himself, and his great pro­
bity and detestation of all chicanery. The
rules by which he regulated his conduct as a
lawyer, cannot bo too generally known ; for if
they were imitated, the whole face of society
would bo renovated. They consisted of twelve—
1st. Never to accept unjust causes, for they
are pernicious to the conscience, and hurtful
to honour.
2nd. Never to defend a cause by illicit and
unjust means.

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

17

3rd. Never to burden clients with superfluous
expenses.
4th. To defend the cause of our clients with
tho same care as wo would our own.
5th. To study carefully the details of a pro­
cess, in order to draw arguments from them
that may effectually help the defence.
6th. As the dilatorincss and negligence of
lawyers arc often prejudicial to clients, it is ne­
cessary to reimburse the loss caused in this
way, otherwise we sin against justice.
7th. To implore tho assistance of God that
we may succeed, because God is the protector
of justice.
8th. A lawyer must not load himself with mat­
ters which surpass his talents or his strength,
or if ho foresee that ho will not have leisure to
prepare his defence.
9th. Justice and probity should be the char­
acteristics of a lawyer, and he ought to pre­
II
serve them
as tho apple of his eye.
10th. A lawyer who loses a cause by negli­
gence, contracts the obligation of making up all
tho losses of his client.
11th. In the defence of a cause it is necessary to be true, sincere, respectful, and reasonable.
12th. The qualities requisite for a lawyer,
are knowledge, diligence, truth, fidelity, and
justice.
Guided by such rules, is it to bo wondered
that he gained an ascendency over all hearts,
and so enchanted his audience when he spoke,
2

18

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Μ,
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ST. ALPHONSO LIGUOlil.

that not only tho judges, but oven his adversa­
ries, often ranged themselves on his side : such
must ever bo the ultimate effects of truth and
honour ! Adorned with virtues, and endowed
with talents, all desired to confide their interests
to his care, and sought to have him for a de­
fender.
If Alphonso desired to strike out a brilliant
path for himself as a lawyer, he was no less
anxious to increase in virtue and render himself
dear to God. Two years after receiving tho
gown, ho advanced from the Congregation of
young nobles to that of Doctors, established in
the house of the Fathers of St. Jerome, that is,
the Fathers of the Oratory, lie was admitted
on the 15th August, 1715, being then nineteen
years old. This Congregation was, as it is now,
tho edification of tho town of Naples, because of
tho great good done by its members. These
priests, animated by the spirit of St. Philip their
founder, omitted nothing that could inspire their
pupils with tho spirit of Jesus Christ, and render
them as dear to God, as they were useful to the
state. Alphonso responded to all the care they
had lavished on him ; in his infancy he had
tasted the milk of piety among these fathers,
and there he would also in his young manhood
fortify himself with more solid nourishment.
Besides frequenting the Congregation, Alphonso
often visited F. Thomas Pagano, his spiritual
director, whom he regarded as his Guardian
Angel. To him he exposed all his doubts and
fears, and never deviated from his counsels. It

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

19

is certain that as a young man and a lawyer,
far from relaxing in his piety and devotion, he
only mado moro and more progress. He fre­
quented tho sacraments, ho visited the sick in
the hospitals, ho loved prayer, to which he joined
tho mortification of his passions and his senses.
Ho never went to tho law courts before ho had
heard mass and finished in the church his
other devotional exercises.
Every eight days he went to tho Congregation,
acquitting himself with diligence of all the
duties prescribed to tho members. D. Deodat
de Scnlis, a gentleman of tho town of Vitri, has
recorded, that at this time he remembered him
devoting himself with the other brethren to tho
service of the sick in the Hospital of Incurables,
and though clothed in his lawyer’s gown, making
their beds, and giving them food with exemplary
devotion and charity.
In this Congregation every one admired him
for the modesty and profound recollection with
which ho acquitted himself of his functions. He
ever after retained a great attachment to these
Oratorian Fathers, and never failed to visit them
when ho camo to Naples, going there even du­
ring tho few days he was in that town after
being made Bishop.
If Alphonso gave himself to piety with so
much assiduity, his father was no less anxious
to confirm him in these dispositions, lie wished
his son annually to make with him the spiritual
exercises in tho house called Conocchia, kept
for this purpose by the Jesuits, or in the house

4

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1

20

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il!'■i
1)

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

directed by the Missionaries of St. Vincent of
Paul ; and if sometimes ho was prevented by ex­
cursions he was obliged to take in the galleys,
ho wished Alphonso to make the retreat alone,
to regulate the affairs of his conscience. Al­
phonso afterwards spoke of these retreats as
having made a great impression upon him, and
of having drawn from them tho most salutary
fruits.
It was at this -time also that he began to
have a most especial love for the holy virtue
of purity, regarding it as the most precious
ornament of his soul. During the whole pe­
riod of his youth no one ever remarked in
his conversations with young companions a sign
or a word that could indicato a shadow of im­
propriety. Everything about him proclaimed
his modesty, and at all times he practised the
most perfect personal respect.
A life so exemplary could not fail to produce
the most abundant fruits ; and although all the
good resulting from it in the edification of
others will only bo known in heaven, yet it has
pleased Providence that one instance should be
upon record—the conversion of a slave in his
father’s house. D. Joseph, as commander of tho
galleys, had several slaves in his service ; one of
them, whose dispositions were good, was select­
ed to Avait upon Alphonso. He soon after man­
ifested an inclination to become Christian, and
when asked what had made him think of such a
thing, ho replied, “Tho example of my young
master has made a great impression on me ; for

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

21

it is impossible that that religion can be false,
which makes him lead a life so pure and holy.”
Father Mastrilla, of tho Congregation of St. Je­
rome, and a relation of Alphonso, undertook
to instruct him ; but soon after he became
sick and was sent to the hospital. One even­
ing he seemed very uneasy, and expressed a
great desire to see his master immediately, who
came to him as soon as he was told, Father
Mastrilla being also sent for. Immediately on
their arrival he requested to be baptised, say­
ing, “I have seen the Madonna, St. Joseph, and
St. Joachim, and they have told mo I must be
baptised now, because they would have me in
Paradiso.” Tho priest replied that his illness
was not dangerous, and besides ho was not suf­
ficiently instructed to receive baptism. “ Let
your Reverence interrogate mo,” replied the
slave, “ for I am prepared to answer all your
questions.” In fact, ho replied with tho ut­
most precision and accuracy to every question.
Ho was baptised, and then bid to repose a lit­
tle after the fatigue. “This is not a time to
rest,” ho said, “for 1 must go immediately to
Paradiso.” They all laughed at his reply, for
his sickness was not a dangerous one ; but in
about half an hour this poor slave, his counte­
nance radiant with joy, surrendered his pure soul
into the hands of his Creator. lie was tho only
one among many Mahomedan slaves who had
ever become Christian, notwithstanding the nu­
merous attempts that were made to convert
them.

22

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

Alphonso was now approaching his twentieth
year, and seeing the progress ho daily made in
the career of the law, every one prognosticated,
that with such distinguished talents, and such
powerful family interest, he would, ere long,
attain the highest magisterial dignities, and oc­
cupy one of the most important places in the
Neapolitan senate.
These rare prerogatives
were still more enhanced by all the qualities
that could bo wished for in a young noble­
man. A great soul, a noble love of glory,
amiable and engaging manners, joined to irre­
proachable conduct, made the first families in
Naples anxious for him to form a matrimonial
alliance with their daughters. Among all the
parties who presented themselves, the choice
of D. Joseph fell upon D. Theresa, the only
daughter of D. Francis do Liguori, Prince of
Prcsiccio, a rich heiress, who was also nearly
allied to the family. Every ono believed that
the Princo D. Francis would have no more
children, and D. Joseph expected to acquiro for
Alphonso a considerable fortune.
lie spoko to the princo and princess, through
the medium of another relation, D. Vcspasea do
Liguori. The princo entered warmly into tho
arrangement, regarding it as an honour for his
daughter to become the wife of such a young
man. The affair was considered as arranged.
The two families continually interchanged visits,
and if the betrothal was delayed, it was only
until Alphonso had advanced further in tho
law, and the princess had attained a more ma■» ** ·"

o

·

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

turc ago ; as for Alphonso, ho took no part in
tho matter, and showed not tho least intention
of marrying.
While this affair was in progress, tho princess,
contrary to all expectation, became pregnant,
and this incident changed immediately tho de­
signs of D. Joseph, who no longer found in tho
marriage tho advantages ho had originally con­
templated for his house. His ardour cooled,
and when the princess was brought to bed of a
son ho withdrew himself entirely. This cool­
ness caused great displeasure to D. Theresa, and
still more to her parents.
At tho end of a few months the infant died,
and tho father of Alphonso began again to fre­
quent the house, and to speak of his original pro­
posals. Although they felt themselves aggrieved,
tho prince and princess were willing to renew
tho négociations ; but Theresa, who had seen her­
self despised because of the birth of her infant
brother, would not listen to those new proposals.
“ When my brother was alive,” said she, “ I was
not considered a suitable match for Alphonso
do Liguori ; but now he is dead they think it
advisable—it is my fortune, and not myself,
whom they seek. I know enough of tho world,
and now I wish to have nothing more to do with
it.
I desire to take Jesus Christ for my
Spouse.” She put her resolution into practice,
and entered into a convent of tho Holy Sacra­
ment, or of St. Mary Magdaleno do Pazzi : her
vocation being evident, she took tho veil on tho
8th of March, 1719.

ST. ALPHONSO LIQUORI.

This rupture between Alphonso and Theresa
was an arrangement of Providence, to withdraw
both of them from tho dangers of the world.
God blessed tho step taken by Theresa, and she
became an eminent Saint. From the moment
she entered the convent she gave herself entire­
ly to Jesus Christ, and spared no sacrifice in
order to please Him. Her life was short, but
full of merits, and she died in the odour of
sanctity the 30th of October, 1724. Soon after
her death, Alphonso, at the request of tho supe­
rior of the convent, wrote tho edifying Life of
her who had been intended for his wife.
A circumstance occurred about this time
which shows tho perfect submission of Alphonso
to his father, and tho strictness with which D.
Joseph required this virtue from his son. Ono
evening there was at tho house a party of la­
dies and gentlemen, and it happened that one
of the domestics showed stupidity in attending
to tho guests as they arrived. His negligence
displeased D. Joseph, who scolded tho servant,
and reproached him with his inattention ; it
was an involuntary fault, yet D. Joseph did not
ceaso to grumble at him as ho wont and camo.
Alphonso was sorry for tho man, and said to
his father, “ What a noiso you make about it,
my father ; when once you begin, you can never
end.” This speech displeased D. Joseph, who
being in bad humour with tho servant, was
angry that Alphonso should take his part, and
so far forgot himself as to give his son a blow in
the face. Alphonso was confused, but said not

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

25

a word, and, deeply humiliated, withdrew imme­
diately to his room. The hour of supper came,
and as he did not appear his mother went to
call him, and found him bathed in tears, deplo­
ring the want of respect he had shown towards
his father. Ho confessed how wrong he had
been, and begged she would intercede for him
and obtain forgiveness ; accompanied by his mo­
ther, ho went to his father and asked him to
forgive him. D. Joseph, affected by his submis­
sion and repentance, embraced him and blessed
him, and if the fault of his son had wounded
him, he was more touched and consoled by
seeing him so sincerely humble. This single an­
ecdote shows how respectful Alphonso contin­
ued to bo towards his father, although he was
then old enough to be one of the first advo­
cates at tho Neapolitan bar.

CHAPTER V.
Alphonso had never ceased to distinguish
himself in tho practice of virtue ; but man has
nothing more to fear than his own inconstancy.
Tho passions are born with us, they grow with
our growth, and however much they may be
deadened by education and grace, they arc
nevertheless alive and ready to be reanimated
by the first occasion that awakens them, and
delivers us up to the combat. Alphonso con­
fessed in his old age, that at this period of his

26

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

life his piety became cold, and that he was in
danger of losing his soul, of losing his God.
His father obliged him to accompany him into
society ; he frequented tho theatres, and often,
although always by obedience, ho took part in
a private play, These wore, it is true, innocent
amusements, yet his mind was dissipated little
by little, and at length he no longer exhibited
groat ardour in tho pursuit of virtue, and no
longer tasted that divino manna which had
onco formed the delight of his heart. Added
to this, were tho applauses he received on all
sides, tho proposals of marriage, the flattering
II messages
brought by valets, the compliments
which were showered upon him by ladies and
their relations ; in short, everything flattered
his passions, his heart was tainted, and he lost
his first fervour. In this state of spiritual cold­
ness, the slightest cause was sufficient to make
him omit some one of his pious practices : ho
has said himself, that if ho had remained much
longer in this dangerous position, ho could not
have avoided soon falling into some great sin;
but the watchful eye of that Providence which
guided him, failed not to send him timely aid,
and with a peculiar and paternal care made
him enter into himself.
Alphonso was on terms of the most intimate
friendship with I). F. Cape-Celatro, Duke of
Casabona, a young man of his own age, whose
morals were unexceptionable. Alarmed at seeing
his friend beginning to bo negligent in tho ser­
vice of God, or perhaps wishing to kindle his

ST. ALPIIOXSO LIGUORI.

27

own fervour, ho proposed that lie should join
him in making a retreat during Lent in the
house of tho Missionaries of St. Vincent of Paul,
which was then, as it is now, one of those in­
stitutions, where by means of spiritual exercises
tho heart is animated and purified, and in the
furnace of Divine Love tho dross contracted in
tho world is separated from tho gold. Alphonso
with his friend and some others went there tho
2Gth of March, 1722. Tho retreat was conducted
by F. Vincent Cutica, who was then superior.
This holy missionary, so justly celebrated for
the unction that flowed from his heart and his
lips, made his hearers weigh well tho compara­
tivo value of time and eternity ; he showed them
so clearly tho loathsomeness of sin, and the
beauty of virtue, that those exorcises produced
a rich harvest to tho Divine Father of tho Chris­
tian family.
Alphonso was among those who profited most.
Grace, which followed and pursued him inces­
santly, struck at the door of his heart, making
him feel how ho had fallen from his first fer­
vour ; ho saw that in following tho world, ho
was pasturing on its vanities, that ho was loving
God but in a secondary manner, and taking his
placo at tho table of the Lamb rather as a guest
already satiated, than as one burning with de­
sire. The retreat passed in meditation was for
him as dew falling on a parched soil ; it made
tho seeds of piety revive and fructify, where tho
thorns of passion had begun to choak them.
The Divine Light penetrated his soul at a pro-

28

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUOKI.

pitious moment, lie deplored his tepidity, and
mado a solemn promise to God to quit that
modo of life which ho had so inconsiderately
engaged in, and over which ho lamented and
wept. Even in old ago ho remembered this
period of his life with horror ; never ceasing to
regret and repent it. How much he deplored
his wanderings, may bo seen in his “Visits to
the Blessed Sacrament,” where he says, “Be­
lieve me, all is folly ; festivals, spectacles, com­
pany, games, these are the joys of the world,
but joys full of gall and bitterness.” “Believe
me,” he adds, “for I have mado tho experiment,
and bitterly deplore it ! ”
A lamentable and recent event completed his
spiritual restoration. Tho Fathers of the Mission
of St. Vincent had been giving a retreat in their
house at Florence, to a gentleman who had lived
in criminal intercourse with a lady who died
before making her peace with God. While this
gentleman, in the bitterness of his repentance,
was imploring tho Divine Mercy for the com­
panion of his guilt, she appeared to him and
said, “Pray not for me, for I am damned;”
after which, to convince him of tho reality of
her reappearance, she placed her hand on the
table before which he knelt in prayer, and the
part which she touched was burned.* This event
caused Alphonso to reflect very deeply, and ho
was so much touched by it, that he resolved to
■ This table is still preserved in Naples, being brought from
Florence by one of the Fathers.

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUOHI.

29

detach himself from tho world, and, above all,
to think no more of marriage, nor of the van­
ities of tho age. Prostrate before the crucifix
he formed the resolution always to preserve his
chastity, and resolutely apply himself to the
salvation of his soul. Heaven granted him all
tho graces for which he asked on this occasion,
and if he had asked more ho would have obtain­
ed them. But tho Lord delayed to another op­
portunity tho benedictions He had designed for
him in His eternal decrees. Alphonso always
acknowledged that these holy exercises had been
for him ono of tho greatest blessings he ever
received from the Divine Mercy, and often said,
that under God, ho owed it to his friend, CapeCelatro, that ho had not been the slave of the
world and a prey to his own passions.
From tho manner in which he sometimes
spoke of this period of his life, we might be led
at tho first glance to imagine ho had lost his
innocence,7 but it was not so. Tho saints
always
er
speak in exaggerated terms of their faults ; and
besides, wo have the testimony of many who
directed his conscience, that ho had never com­
mitted a mortal sin. On one occasion, speaking
of himself, he said, “ I have frequented the the­
atres, but thanks bo to God, I never committed
even a venial sin there, for I went to hear the
music, which absorbed all my attention, and
hindered mo from thinking of any other thing.”
Even at the time when he lived carelessly, every
ono regarded him as a holy young man ot pure
and irreproachable manners. And his intimate

30

MU

Ή

in

ST. ALPHONSO LIGÜORI.

friend, D. Balthazar Cito, on being asked if ho
ever perceived any lightness in his conduct, re­
plied, bowing his head respectfully, “ No ; ho was
always a most virtuous young man ; I should
blaspheme if I said otherwise.”
Among many other fruits which Alphonso
gathered in this retreat, was an especial and
tender confidence towards Jesus present in the
Blessed Sacrament. Besides approaching tho
Holy Table several times a-week, ho went every
day to visit the Holy Sacrament in tho Church
where the forty-hours’ adoration was made, and
there ho remained, not a few minutes, as devo­
tees ordinarily do, but for hours in contemplation,
edifying every one around him, while he filled
his own heart with tho sweetest consolation.
It was a beautiful sight to see him at tho
foot of the altar, decorated with tho insignia of
his rank. lie often purchased flowers to adorn
tho altar of his parish church ; and during his
whole life ho had a particular devotion for
ornamenting altars, procuring the rarest seeds,
and cultivating them himself to embellish tho
altars of the churches of his Congregation. Ho
envied those innocent creatures, (he says in one
of the hymns lie composed,) for being destined
to rest night and day near their Creator. Ho
recommended this practice to the rectors of tho
houses of his Congregation, for he loved to see
the altars adorned with the most odoriferous
flowers. As a recompense for the homage ho
paid to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, it be­
came tho source of all the graces bestowed upon

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

31

him through life. If he disengaged himself from
the world and conquered his own nature, he con­
fessed lie owed it entirely to Jesus in the Holy
Sacrament.
The following year, in March, 1723, his father
being in Naples, they withdrew together to the
house of tho same Missionary Fathers to make
another retreat. And as abundant rain renders
the earth fruitful, ho received still more grace,
and was confirmed in his resolution of observing
celibacy, and consecrating himself more than
ever to God ; ho determined to yield up his
birthright to his brother Hercules, although ho
had not yet decided to abandon the law. It
was thus that grace gently prepared him for
the designs God had upon him ; and without
seeing the consequences, he disentangled himself
from everything that could obstruct the bene­
dictions of Heaven.

CHAPTER VI.
The treaty of marriage with Theresa do
Liguori having been broken, 1). Joseph pro­
jected another with tho daughter of Dominic
del Balzo, Duko of Prosenzano, an amiable and
noble lady, and, without consulting his son, he
made proposals to tho prince, who at once
agreed to them. After the first overtures, the
two families began to visit ; but all this dis­
pleased Alphonso, who had other objects than

k

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32
L

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!

&

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

tho world and its pleasures to occupy his mind.
I Io had not tho courage, however, to speak open­
ly to his father, who he know would be very
indignant at his resolutions; and with the view
of temporising, he frequented tho house of Presenzauo, although very unwillingly, and often
said afterwards, that in the midst of amusements
there he felt upon thorns, and thought only of
the moment when his martyrdom would end.
When D. Joseph saw tho indifference of his
son, ho did all in his power to overcome it,
by placing before him the singular good quali­
ties of tho lady, her superior education, her
cultivated mind and manners, all which render­
ed her a desirable match ; but Alphonso not
daring to refuse decidedly, excused himself by
saying, that weakness in his chest, and ten­
dency to asthma, warned him not to think of
marriage. Ilis father attributed all these ex­
cuses to bashfulness, and continued to take
him often with him to the house of the duke ;
and not to displease his father, ho accompanied
him thither, but occupied himself with anything
but striving to please the lady, taking part in
the conversation with so much modesty and re­
serve, that no one could suspect what was pass­
ing between the families. On every occasion
he behaved with tho greatest circumspection ;*
• It happened one evening at the Duke’s house that he was
invited to touch the harpsichord ·, he willingly consented, when
the young lady proposed to accompany him in a song ; she rose and
stood near him, turning her face towards him ; he immediately
turned his head to the other side, and she thinking it accidental

ST. ALPHONSO LIQUORI.

33

yet D. Joseph did all he could to hasten the
marriage, while Alphonso continued to excuse
himself on the plea of bad health.
Seeing
at length that his excuses were unavailing,
he opened his mind to his mother, and de­
clared to her that nothing would induce him
to connect himself with the world, begging her
to persuade his father to cease his importunities.
I). Anna was vexed at her son’s determina­
tion, for she was as anxious for his marriage
as her husband could be, and tried to persuade
him of the advantages he would derive from
his father’s arrangements, and the displeasure
his refusal would cause—but to to no purpose ;
lie expressed his resolution to throw all possi­
ble difficulties in tho way of his father negociating any marriage for him, and the young lady
herself, seeing his coldness, declared her unwil­
lingness to marry a young man who would hard­
ly look at her.
Things were in this state, when God, who
had other designs upon Alphonso, changed the
aspect of affairs, and demolished at one blow
all the worldly hopes of D. Joseph for his son.
Tho tribunals of Naples were at this time oc­
cupied with a feudal process of great impor­
tance, between the Grand Duke of Tuscany.
moved round ; no sooner had she done so, than he again turned
from her. The young princess perceiving the truth, was offended,
thinking his indifference proceeded from contempt ; and turning to
the company, she said, “ It would seem the young gentleman has
suddenly become moon-struck," and so saying she withdrew, lie
was much mortified, but the others were editied by his admirable
modesty.

3

34

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

and one of the most powerful nobles of the
realm : about six hundred thousand ducats de­
pended on the decision. Alphonso undertook
the cause of the nobleman, and after an entire
month passed in the most careful study of
the case, he believed ho had discovered facts so
evident, and reasons so strong, that they could
not fail to gain a decision in favour of his client.
Tho day at length arrived. Dominic Caravita
occupied tho president’s chair. Alphonso ad­
vanced with an air of triumph, which announced
his certainty of victory. He began his speech,
gave his reasons, quoted tho laws and arrets, and,
in short, did all that could bo done to defend
tho cause he advocated. Tho lawyers were
filled with admiration of his eloquence, and tho
solidity of his arguments, and no one doubted
the young advocate’s success ; even the President
Caravita could not help showing in his counte­
nance tho decision he was about to pronounce
in his favour. But amidst tho general admi­
ration and certainty of success, all at once ho
lost his process, and lost it with dishonour !
Notwithstanding ho had carefully examined
over and over the details of tho process, ho
was completely mistaken regarding the sense of
one document, which constituted tho right of
the adverse party. The advocate of the Grand
Duke perceived the mistake, but ho allowed
Alphonso to continue his eloquent address to
the end without interruption ; as soon, however,
as ho had finished, he rose, and said with cut­
ting coolness, “ Sir, the case is not exactly

r

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

35

what you suppose it to be ; if you will review
tho process, and examine this paper attentively,
you will find there precisely the contrary of all
you have advanced.” “Willingly,” replied Al­
phonso, without hesitating, “ the decision de­
pends on this question—whether the fief were
granted under the law of Lombardy, or under
the French law.” The paper being examined,
it was found that the Grand Duke’s advocate
was in the right. “Yes,” said Alphonso, hold­
ing the paper in his hand, “I am wrong, I
have boon mistaken.” A discovery so unex­
pected, and the fear of being accused of unfair
dealing, filled him with consternation, and cover­
ed him with confusion, so much so, that every
one saw his emotion. It was in vain that the
President Caravita, who loved him, and knew
his integrity, tried to console him, by telling
him that such mistakes were not uncommon,
even among the first men at tho bar. Alphonso
would listen to nothing, but, overwhelmed with
confusion, his head sunk on his breast, ho said
to himself, “ World, I know you now ; courts of
law, never shall you see mo again.” And turn­
ing his back on the assembly, he withdrew to
his own house, incessantly repeating to himself,
“ World, I know you now.” What annoyed
him most was, that having studied and restudied the process during a whole month,
without having discovered this important flaw,
he could not understand how it had escaped his
observation.
lie entered the house unconscious of the way

3G

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II

II

ST. ALPIIONSO LIGUORI.

ho had come, ascended to his chamber and
shut the door. His father was absent, and his
mother did not notice his distress. When the
dinner hour came, they called him in vain ;
they knocked at his door, lie said ho would cat
nothing ; they insisted, but he would not reply.
Tho hour of supper passed in the same manner.
This was something so now that all tho house­
hold were alarmed; neither his mother nor any
one else could imagine the cause, and their un­
easiness was excessive.
Next day when D.
Joseph returned, his wife recounted to him her
vexation ; he immediately went to his son’s
room, but was refused admittance ; his mother
wept, and his father was not less annoyed, but
vexed by his obstinacy he began to get angry.
It λvas not until the third day that, overcome
by his mother’s tears, ho consented to open his
door. They pressed him to cat, and with diffi­
culty persuaded him to take a slice of melon,
which ho afterwards declared seemed to him
more bitter than gall.
After this tempest, tho Divine Light began to
dawn on his soul ; he looked at tho world with
the eyes of faith, and seeing its vanity, deter­
mined to break with it for over. He surrender­
ed himself to the impulse of grace, but not
unreservedly, and God (who possessed part of
his heart) delayed to a future day taking com­
plete possession.

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

37

CHAPTER VII.
God, in the accomplishment of His designs on
the hearts of Ilis elect, usually leads them gent­
ly towards the desired end ; but it was not thus
with Alphonso ; the Almighty would master him
by means trying to human nature. When resthad calmed his spirit, and when he had recon
ciled himself to God by repenting the transport
of grief and indignation in which he had indulg­
ed, he took leave of his clients, renounced his
intimacies, and lived in the house of his father
the life of a hermit. Grace daily gained more
empire over his soul, and his greatest pleasure
was to spend his days partly in the church and
partly in the Hospital of Incurables, or if he did
remain at home, it was to meditate on the Lives
of the Saints, and converse with God in read­
ing books of devotion. These occupations daily
gave a new charm to his soul ; but it was, above
all, in the presence of his Divine Saviour, in the
church where they made tho forty-hours’ adora­
tion, that ho enjoyed a foretaste of Paradiso ;
and often ho was so absorbed, as to bo uncon­
scious of all around. Ho thus drew on himself
the observation of those who wore present, par­
ticularly certain priests, who, like himself, had
a great devotion towards the Blessed Sacra­
ment.
This behaviour of Alphonso, so conformable
to tho designs of Providence, was for D. Joseph,

38

n»»h.
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il

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

a subject of the greatest affliction ; he imagined
his son was out of his mind and had become
good for nothing. “ What project can ho bo
meditating?” said ho to his mother; and D.
Anna, sharing his uneasiness, could throw no
light on tho subject. They suspected some­
thing ; they guessed his designs, but knew not
how to put a stop to them. D. Joseph had
tho happiness of his son sincerely at heart ;
nevertheless, he deviated from his duty in re­
gard of him. Such is tho effect of passion,
even in tho well-intentioned, when they do not
timely submit themselves to reason. Tho Lord,
who destined Alphonso to become a corner-stone
in His church, would polish and prepare him
by blows of tho hammer, to render him more
agreeable in His eyes. Tho father and tho son
were both to suffer, although their views were
very different from each other.
A few days after tho ovents we have related,
D. Joseph brought to his son a process, which
interested tho family, desiring him to examine it
the next day. “ Give it to some other person,”
replied Alphonso ; “ tho tribunal is no longer
a place for mo ; henceforward I will occupy my­
self only with tho salvation of my soul.” This
reply, which D. Joseph hardly expected, although
ho had some presentiment of tho truth, fell on
him like a thunder-bolt, and he burst into tears.
Ho could not bear to contemplate a resolution
which ho believed would give a mortal blow
to tho glory of his house. His wife tried to
consolo him, and to persuado him that after

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

39

tho crisis was past their son would return
to his formor occupations ; but he would not
believe it; “No,” ho said, “Alphonso is too ob­
stinate, he will not change his resolution.” Yet
ho continued balancing between hope and fear ;
while Alphonso, looking only upon God and
his own soul, persisted in his determination,
caring nothing for tho temporal interests either
of himself or his family.
But God, who wished to withdraw him entirely
from tho world, and take complete possession of
his heart, prepared another trial for him. It
was on tho 28th day of August, a day ever
memorable in the annals of Alphonso, that the
birth-day of the Empress Isabella, the wife of
Charles VI., was celebrated. Thoro was a grand
feto at tho Court, and D. Joseph would assist at
the ceremony of kissing hands, and ordered his
son to prepare to accompany him. Ho coldly
excused himself, but his father continuing to in­
sist, ho abruptly replied, “ What would yon
have me do there—all that is but vanity.” Irri­
tated by this answer, I). Joseph said in a trans­
port of rage, “Do what you will, and go where
you will ! ” Alphonso, seeing his refusal had pro­
voked his father, felt some scruple, and replied,
“ Do not be annoyed, my father, I am ready to
go with you.” D. Joseph, however, was too
angry to liston to him, and only continued to
repeat, “Go where you will—do what you will!”
and turning his back left tho room, and stepping
into his carriage drove straight to his country­
house overwhelmed with chagrin.
Alphonso,

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

overcome with distress at witnessing the vex­
ation of his father, exclaimed, “My God, if I
resist I do wrong, and if I consent I do worse;
I know not how to act ! ” In great affliction
ho left the house, and went straight to the
Hospital of tho Incurables, in tho hope of find­
ing some consolation. Ho sought a solace for
his anguish, and in beholding tho miseries of
others ho learned to support his own. He saw
this world in its true light, a place of probation
and suffering, and not of enjoyment and repose.
He saw it as it is, a battlefield, where the Chris­
tian must fight, to gain the victory and the
crown. Almost overpowered with his own sor­
rows, ho was striving to assuage tho miseries of
others, of the poor and needy, when in a moment
a light shone around him, the building in which
ho was standing seemed to bo overthrown, and
ho heard a loud voice saying to him, “Forsake
Awed and astonished by what had occurred, ho
nevertheless continued assisting tho sick ; but
when ho was about to leave tho Hospital, and
had reached the staircase, the house again
seemed falling around him, and he heard the
same voice, not the less powerful that it was
interfor, saying, “ Forsake the world and give
thyself entirely to Me.” He stood still, and
then, like another St. Paul, gave himself up to
tho Divino Call. Weeping, he exclaimed, “ Lord,
I have too long resisted Thy grace ; hero I am,
do with me what Thou pleasest.” Confounded
and overpowered, he quitted tho Hospital, and

ST. ALPHONSO LIGU0K1.

41

proceeded straight to the church of the Redemp­
tion of Captives, dedicated to the blessed Virgin,
a favourite resort of his, because of a magni­
ficent statue of the Virgin which was there. He
cast himself at tho foot of the altar, imploring
tho assistance of his Divine Mother—and who
ever implored her assistance in vain ? Strength­
ened by her aid, he renounced the world, he
renounced his birthright, he gave himself a per­
fect sacrifice to his Saviour and his Divine Mo­
ther, vowing to enter into the Congregation of
the Oratory of St. Philip Neri. While his lips
pronounced the vow, his heart confirmed it, and
his hand sealed it. Drawing his sword from its
scabbard, he laid it on the altar of our Lady
of Mercy, as a pledge of his fidelity ; and from
henceforth this memorable day was ever present
to his mind ; he never ceased to call it the
day of his conversion, nor ever visited Naples
without going to this church to return thanks
to his Divine Benefactress.

■· I

CHAPTER VIII.

On the evening of this memorable day, Al­
phonso went to his confessor, Father Thos. Paga­
no, and confided to him what had happened,
declaring his resolution immediately to join the
Fathers of tho Oratory. “ This is not a thing
to bo decided hastily,” said his reverend direc­
tor ; “1 must think it over during a year before

I

42

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUOIII.

I give you a reply.” “ A year ! ” cried Alphonso ;
“I will not wait another day.” Pleased with
his fervour, Pagano arranged with him that
they both should recommend tho important af­
fairs to Jesus and Mary. Tho young man return­
ed to his father’s house in body, but his heart
and soul were in tho house of the Oratory.
For three days after these remarkable events
he tasted no food ; he Avould do penance for not
having sooner obeyed the call of grace : but if
his body languished for lack of sustenance, his
soul was filled to overflowing with tho manna of
heaven. Πο excused himself from eating under
various pretences, and was not at first observed ;

r
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7

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

much provoked at the thought of his son’s
splendid talents being lost in inaction, at what
ho considered tho inutility of his present mode
of life, could not refrain from saying to him in
the bitterness of his heart, “ Would to God that
I were removed from this world, or that you were
withdrawn from it ; for I have no longer the
courage to look at you!” Tho expression of
such feelings quickened tho resolution of Al­
said he to himself, “an obphonso.
joct of such horror to my father ! then God is
my only Friend ; from henceforth I must be
satisfied with Him alone.” Ho then renewed
his vows, ottering himself without reserve as a
living sacrifice to the Lord. Ho had not yet
declared his intentions, but summoning up cou­
rage ho said to him soon after, “My father, I
see how much you griove on my account, and
yet I must assure you I am no longer for tho
world.
Inspired by God, I have formed tho
resolution of entering the Congregation of the
Fathers of tho Oratory; I beseech you not to bo
offended, but to give mo your benediction. ” At
these words his father stood motionless with
consternation, and then bursting into groans
and lamentations, ho withdrew to his chamber
plunged in profound grief.
Tho devil, finding himself vanquished by tho
resistance of Alphonso to tho storm, determined
to undermine his resolution by the more dan­
gerous temptations of tho heart ; and from this
time his father employed tho most tender en­
treaties, tho tears and mediation of friends.

44

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ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

He engaged on his side Father do Miro, who
supposing Alphonso was merely influenced by a
melancholy humour, strove to make him change
his purpose, urging on him tho propriety of em­
ploying his talents for the honour of his family,
of considering the interest they possessed with
the Austrian court, and the brilliant prospects
of his brothers, which would be so entirely over­
cast if he persisted in his present plan ; the Fa­
ther finished by affirming it was no divine inspirati on which guided him, but an illusion of
the devil. In spite of all these attacks he re­
mained firm, and when de Miro persisted, he
replied, “ Rev. Sir, be assured, I am convinced
God calls me out of the world. lie wishes me
to embrace the ecclesiastic state ; I ought, and I
will respond to the call of God, and not to the
wishes of my father.” I). Joseph then employ­
ed other friends to intercede with him, but
without success, his constant reply being, “ God
has called me, I cannot resist Him.” So per­
suaded was he of his vocation, that his uncle
Mgr. Cavalieri being then in Naples, he appli­
ed to him for protection and support. When
his parents endeavoured to engage this learned
prelate on their side of the question, ho replied,
“ Have not I renounced the world and my
right of primogeniture to secure my salvation ;
how then could I advise your son and my
nephew to do the contrary, without risking his
salvation and my own ?”
In the midst of these trials Alphonso had
many defenders of his cause : his uncle, the

i

;
;
|
|

ST. /kLPIIONSO LIGUORI.

45

Bishop, another uncle, the Canon Peter Gizzio,
and several ecclesiastics, who succeeded at length
in obtaining a reluctant consent from his father
that he should enter the Congregation of the
Oratory. After this forced acquiescence, he
could not avoid presenting his son to the Arch­
bishop of Naples, Cardinal Pignatelli : his Em­
inence was struck by the resolution of Alphonso :
“What,” said ho, “is it your son who wishes to
become a priest?” “It has pleased God it should
be so,” replied his father, while the tears stood
in his eyes ; “ it is but too true he has taken
this resolution.” Even after this decisive step
he continued to throw difficulties in tho way.
lie would not supply him with money to furnish
his ecclesiastical dress : Alphonso however found
means to get what was necessary, and suddenly
appeared one day clad in ecclesiastical costume.
At this sight D. Joseph uttered a piercing cry,
and threw himself on his bed overcome with
grief. For a whole year after this occurrence
ho never once spoke to his son.

CHAPTER IX.
If the heart of his father repudiated his son. it
was not thus with his mother. She recognized
the will of God, and in recognizing she cheer­
fully submitted to it, doing all in her power
to soften tho feelings of her husband, and justify
the conduct her son had pursued. Tho world

46

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

in general condemned him ; for when lias it
acted otherwise than as our Saviour foretold ?
Tho lawyers and senators who were formerly
his friends, now accused him of egregious
folly ; the President de Maio in particular
passed him as a person unworthy of notice, but
a day came when this man judged differently.
On his death-bed, that awful moment when
we begin to see the world in the light of God’s
countenance, Alphonso went to visit him, and
when ho entered, tho President exclaimed, “ 0
Alphonso, you have found happiness in tho part
Ο

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ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

47

edified by his devotion when ho saw him prostra­
ted for hours before the Blessed Sacrament, but
without knowing him. At length ho saw him
dressed as an ecclesiastic, and soon discovered
who he was. lie wished to mako his acquain­
tance, but was restrained by a fooling of human
respect. Ono day however on leaving tho Church,
seeing him joined by an intimate friend, the
Rev. John Mazzini, he felt such an ardent desire
to share his friendship, that ho could no longer
restrain himself, and darting suddenly forward
exclaimed, “And I also, I wish to belong to
you !” Ho then embraced and congratulated
him, foretelling the blessings Heaven had in store
for him, and desiring from henceforth to bo his
friend and companion ; from that moment they
seemed to have but one heart and one soul,
every day they mot together before tho Blessed.
Sacrament, and mutually excited each other to
advance in tho path of perfection.
After Cardinal Pignatelli had given Alphonso
the ecclesiastical habit, ho attached him to the
parish of St. Angelo. Ho immediately went to
offer his services to the curate of tho church,
and every day afterwards he might be seen serv­
ing at mass, and on feast days assisting at every
ceremony. This was to him a foretaste of Para­
dise. His devotion and modesty at length turn­
ed tho tide of public opinion, and those who had
proclaimed him a fool, now spoke loudly in
praise of his generosity in sacrificing such bril­
liant prospects for the love of God.
But that which excited the greatest admira-

r·—TJ

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

4

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tion, was to see him on the Sundays perambula­
ting the parish, singing hymns, and carrying
the crucifix, to assemble the children together,
and lead them to tho church to be catechised ;
nothing contrasted so strongly with the remem­
brance of the advocate who so lately had elec­
trified tho tribunals by his eloquence. Tlbove
all, he was most indefatigable in instructing
and preparing them for their first communion,
to dispose them to receive with benefit the
Broad of Angels. If ho had been a model of
Christian virtue in tho world, he was no less a
model of ecclesiastical virtue in tho church.
Tho glory of God, tho salvation of souls, his
own salvation ; these were the motives which
actuated him, without any mixture of ambition
or human interest.
But virtue only is not
sufficient for a minister of the gospel, he must
also have learning ; he therefore applied himself
with ardour to the studies befitting his new po­
sition ; and if in his worldly career ho fre­
quented the houses of tho most eminent men
of the law to gain knowledge in his profession,
he now frequented tho company of the most
learned ecclesiastics, receiving daily lessons from
I). Julius Torni, one of the most learned theolo­
gical professors, who was afterwards elevated to
tho episcopacy. The elegant accomplishments
of which he was already master, he would also
consecrate to the glory of God: his musical and
poetical talents he employed in composing sa­
cred pieces for the use of the people, and soon

E

ST. ALI’IIONSO LIGUORI.

49

had the satisfaction of seeing them replacing
dangerous and loose songs.
From tho time he assumed the clerical cos­
tume, his modo of living became stricter than
ever. Prayer and study occupied him alter­
nately; ho mortified his senses, refusing them
every species of indulgence.
In accordance
with tho practice of St. Paul, he mortified his
body, keeping it under subjection ; fasting, dis­
cipline, hair-shirts, all kinds of penitential ex­
ercises ho practised, in order to follow more
closely the steps of his Divine Master, His
abstinence and simplicity were remarkable ;
every Saturday ho fasted on bread and water
in honour of tho Blessed Virgin ; his clothes
were as plain as possible ; for some little time
to please his father, ho allowed himself to be
followed by a footman, but soon disembarrassed
himself of this encumbrance, and perambulated
the streets of Naples alone, like tho poorest of
the priesthood.
And thus bidding adieu to
the vanities of time, and enriching his soul
with treasures for eternity, he became the edifi­
cation of the whole city.

CHAPTER X.
A year after Alphonso had assumed the ec­
clesiastical habit, ho received tho tonsure from
tho hands of Mgr. Mirabelle, Archbishop of
Nazareth, on tho 23rd of December, 1724. On
4

50

ff"·
0
jsP>l

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUOHI.

tho 23rd of September following, ho was pro­
moted to minor orders, with a dispensation
from Cardinal Pignatelli, and in December sueceeding was mado sub-deacon by Mgr. Javitti,
Bishop of Satriano. Ho then entered as novice
in tho Congregation of tho Missions, which
counted among its members tho olito of tho
clergy, and clerical nobility. Ho was not a
person to perform superficially tho duties of his
state; ho applied himself with remarkable dili­
gence to tho observance of all tho rules and
practices of piety it prescribed; he accompanied
tho missionaries into the country, catechising tho
children ; and such was tho effect even of the
small part ho took in the missions, that all eyes
were turned on him alono, and at tho moment
of departure, it was he whom all regretted. But
ho did not confine his assistance to this Congre­
gation ; he frequented the house of tho Fathers
of St. Vincent of Paul; ho associated himself to
a congregation called the Congregation of White
Monks, proving his zeal in endeavouring to pro­
cure the aids of religion for condemned criminals.
As we have formerly given the rules he laid
down for himself as a lawyer, it is fitting wo
should give here the rules which guided him as
a candidate for the priesthood.
1. The clerk, in order to sanctify himself,
ought to frequent the society of holy priests, to
bo edified by their good example.
2. He ought to spend at least ono hour daily
in mental prayer, in order to live in fervour
and recollection.

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

51

3. lie ought to visit frequently the holy Sacrament, particularly where it is solemnly exposed.
4. He ought to read the Lives of holy priests,
to furnish him with rules for his conduct, and
excite him to imitate them.
5. He ought to honour the most holy Virgin
Mary, the Mother and Queen of the Church,
and consecrate himself particularly to her ser­
vice.
G. He ought to take tho greatest care of his
reputation in all things, sustaining the honour
of tho ecclesiastical state.
7. Ho ought to fly worldly conversation, to
avoid familiarity with laymen, and particularly
with females.
8. He ought to be obedient to his superiors,
fulfilling their commands, because it is the will
of God.
9. Ho ought to wear the cassock and the tonsure, to be modest without affectation, fastidi­
ousness, or severity.
10. I Io ought to bo quiet and gentle in tho
house, exemplary in tho class, and edifying in
the church, particularly during divine service.
11. Ho ought to confess every eight days, and
communicate still oftener.
12. In short, he ought to have negativo sanc­
tity, that is to say, to live free from sin, and ho
ought to have positivo sanctity, namely, to prac­
tise every virtue.
Edified by his sanctity, the Cardinal Arch­
bishop, by dispensation, gave him deacon’s orders

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

»
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on tho 6th of April, 1726 ; and satisfied with his
zeal and talents, gavo him permission to preach
in all the churches of Naples.
It was in tho church of St. John at tho Latin
Gate that he preached his first sermon from
these words of Isaiah; UO that Thou wouldst
bend tho heavens and como down....... tho waters
would burn with fire.” (Ixiv. 1, 2.) And tho firo
of his eloquence was directed to show tho amaz­
ing love of Jesus Christ towards us, and our mon­
strous ingratitudo towards God. Such was tho
effect of this sermon, that invitations to preach
poured in upon him from all quarters ; his usual
subject was the dogma of tho Eucharist, and it
rarely happened that ho did not preach in tho
church where tho Blessed Sacrament was so­
lemnly exposed. He taught so forcibly tho
enormity of sin, and the injury it does to God,
that he electrified his audience, and drew such
crowds to hear him that other churches were
deserted. Although he was only in deacon’s
orders, the Fathers of the Mission sent him into
different parts of the kingdom, where he at­
tacked vice with such eloquence that he did
much to promote the glory of God in tho salva­
tion of souls.
The vexation of D. Joseph because of his son’s
forsaking tho law, was much increased by his
foar that his multiplied fatigues and austerities
would shorten his days. His mother shared this
anxiety, although she rejoiced in tho life ho
had embraced ; nor were their fears vain : over­
come by constant exertion, his body sunk under

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

53

it, and ho bocamo so ill that the physicians lost
hope, and ono night sent in haste for some one
to administer tho last Sacraments. In this ex­
tremity ho placed all his confidence in the
Blessed Virgin, and eagerly asked them to bring
tho largo statue of our Lady of Mercy, from
the church where, at the foot of this statue, ho
had renounced the world and consecrated him­
self to God. They brought the miraculous im­
age without delay, and placed it before his bed :
his prayers were heard ; our Mother is so ready
to hear ! Ho immediately felt himself better,
and was pronounced out of danger.
On the 21st of December in the same year,
ho was elevated to the priesthood, and if he
before burned with zeal to promote the glory of
God, from henceforth this fire seemed to con­
sume him ; descending from the altar he might
be seen rushing like a lion on his prey, to
attack tho strongholds of Satan. Tho Cardinal,
struck by tho prodigies of grace which ho ope­
rated, appointed him to give spiritual exercises
to the clergy of Naples. Some one in authority
severely criticised tho Cardinal for this, saying,
“ There arc people who Avould build in any case,
without troubling themselves to inquiro whether
or not there bo cement to build with;” but his
Eminence had good reason to congratulate him­
self on his choice, because of tho numbers who
attended, and the benediction poured out on
his labours, so that all Naples spoke of tho vir­
tues of Alphonso, and tho apostolical spirit
which animated him.

54

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

CHAPTER XL

1J'

1 7i

a \

w«i:
4

iM

The labours of Alphonso as a priest were, if
possible, greater than while ho was only deacon.
Everywhere ho was sought after, curates de­
sired him to preach in their churches, congre­
gations besought him to give spiritual exercises,
and many monasteries desired with avidity to
participato in tho fruits of his powerful elo­
quence. Animated only by the Spirit of God,
ho preached Christ crucified, and far from
studying fine phrases and eloquent expressions,
he avoided with the utmost care the vain osten­
tation of a superfluous erudition. To a style
simple and popular, he know how to add all
that was solid and energetic ; besides, every
thing concurred to give effect to his mission:
his noble birth, his rare talents, and superna­
tural gifts confounded the proud. What render­
ed his eloquence most persuasive was his mo­
desty, his recollection, his profound humility,
and contempt for tho world. His sermons had
nothing of a florid or pompous stylo, ho sought
only to make himself well understood by tho
people, and yet they were attended by tho high­
est, tho noblest, tho most learned and talented
of the city of Naples, who might bo seen leav­
ing tho church where ho had preached, with
their heads bowed down on their breasts, show­
ing every mark of compunction. Nicolas Capasso, a man celebrated for his learning and

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

00

talent for satire, used to attend these sermons;
on one occasion Alphonso met him, and said
laughing, “ I see you always at my sermons,
you are probably about to publish some satire
against me.” “No,” replied the other, “when
I go to hear you preach, I listen with pleasure,
because I see that you forget yourself in order
to preach Christ crucified.” How powerful is
the gospel in tho mouth of a man who an­
nounces it in all its purity !
His time was fully occupied cither in tho
city of Naples or tho adjoining districts, where
ho was frequently sent on mission with the
Fathers of the Congregation, and he was never
known to excuse himself from want of time, or
negligently to fulfil any duty to which ho was
appointed. Tho Congregation enjoyed a bene­
fico attached to a chapel, for which the testator
had made it a rule, that it should bo served by
a single individual, and that tho person ap­
pointed should bo tho most indefatigable of all
tho Instituto ; and although Alphonso was tho
last who had boon admitted, ho was chosen by
universal consent to undertake tho charge. It
was about this time, that while giving spiri­
tual exorcises to an immenso crowd assem­
bled in tho Church of tho Holy Spirit, his
father happened to pass as ho was returning
from tho royal palaeo ; hearing tho voice of
his son, an irresistible fooling of curiosity constrained him to enter and liston ; before long
ho was moved to tears, and touched to the
heart at the recollection of his violent and

Vi

56

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ST. ALrnONSO LIGUORI.

harsh conduct towards him ; full of such
thoughts ho returned homo, and scarcely had
Alphonso entered tho house, when he ran to
his room, and embracing him tenderly, said, “ 0
my son, what do I not owo you ; it is you who
have to-day taught mo to know God ! I bless
you—I bless you a thousand times for having
embraced a stato so holy and so agreeable to
God!”
Notwithstanding his incessant labour to pro­
mote tho salvation of others, ho did not neglect
his own ; every day ho consecrated some hours
to meditation, without including tho timo spent
in reading tho Lives of tho Saints, which ho
used to call tho Gospel in practice.
Every
morning ho said mass with so much devotion
that it occupied a considerable timo, besides
long preparation, and returning thanks after­
wards. Not a day passed without his visiting
Jesus Christ in tho Blessed Sacrament, in tho
church where tho “Quarante ore,” or fortyhours’ adoration was made. And these visits
were not short ones, as they too frequently aro
with others, but sometimes for hours ho might
bo seen contemplating with love unutterable his
Divine Redeemer ; never forgetting tho “ Quies­
cite pusillum,” tho repose which Jesus Christ
recommended to His apostles, ho from time to
timo suspended his apostolic labours to “ enter
into his chamber, shut the door, and commune
with his God.”
Ho had, as wo have already seen, contracted
an intimacy with several priests whoso views

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

and feelings were in accordance with his own :
Don Joseph Porpora, Jean Mazzini, Michel de
Alteriis, and Janvier Sarnclli, son of tho baron
of Ciorani, and others. In order to tighten tho
bonds of charity more and more, one of them,
Don de Alteriis, hired a country-house, removed
from the tumult of the city, where they ar­
ranged an Oratory, in which was placed a beau­
tiful statue of tho Virgin. Once a month they
retired thither to spend three or four days in
penitential exercises. Their repasts were simple,
and a little statue of tho Infaut Jesus was placed
as if presiding at the table, to Whom each one
made an offering of part of the food he was
eating. Father Mazzini (afterwards a Rcdemptorist), who was present, has said that these
repasts were more spiritual than temporal, so
abundant were tho ejaculatory prayers, Their
recreation was singing hymns, before they again
resumed their holy meditations.
They afterwards occupied a house still more
retired and solitary, where they employed them­
selves with unceasing satisfaction in tho care of
their souls, and hero Alphonso almost uncon­
sciously conceived tho plan of tho Institution,
which in after years ho gave to the Church.
z

G

CHAPTER XII.

Alphonso had been one year a priest, when ho
received from Cardinal Pignatclli faculties for
hearing confessions, a moment ardently desired

58

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

by thousands who wished to placo themselves
under his direction. No sooner was ho seated in
tho confessional than ho saw himself surround­
ed by persons of every rank and condition : he
received all with unexampled charity ; he was
tho first to take his placo in tho confessional, and
the last to leave it.
It was his invariable opinion that the office
of confessor was more profitable to souls in gen­
eral, and less apt to produco vain glory in tho
priest, than any other priestly duty. For by
confession, more than by any other means, sin­
ners are immediately reconciled in God, and the
grace of Jesus Christ applied to them superabun­
dantly. He did not receive his penitents with a
supercilious and repulsive air, as some do, send­
ing them away with disdain, as if they wore un­
worthy or incapable of receiving Divine mercy.
Severe towards himself only, ho treated the great­
est sinners with inexpressible meekness, and with­
out excusing tho sin, was full of compassion for
the sinner, when sincerely repenting ho wished
to make his peace with God. In his sermons
also, ho never separated tho Justice of God from
His Mercy, that ho might lead souls to peni­
tence, never forgetting that if he were the judge
of the souls he directed, ho was also their father.
He condemned the rigour, so contrary to tho
gospel, which animated some ecclesiastics, who
acted in a spirit opposed to Christian charity.
It was his opinion, that tho more a soul was sunk
in vice, the more compassionate tho manner of
the confessor ought to bo, in order to drag it

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

59

from tho fangs of Satan, and throw it into the
arms of Jesus Christ. In his old age he said,
that ho never remembered having sent away a
single sinner without having succeeded in recon­
ciling him to God, much less of ever having
treated any one with harshness and rigour. Ho
received all sinners with kindness, instilling into
them a great confidence in the blood of Christ
shed for them, and pointing out to them the
tho
way of withdrawing from their sins,
sinner is repulsed,” ho used to say, “ he will
never resolve to abandon his sin.” He was
always most careful to prevent the sinner percciving that ho despaired of him, and he knew
so well how to gain all hearts, that he drew
them to Jesus Christ, almost in spite of them­
selves.
Ho was still more indulgent in the imposition
of Sacramental penanco. “ Let us give to peni­
tents,” said he, “tho penance they will perform
willingly ; but let us beware of loading them with
obligations they would accept -with repugnance,
or abandon voluntarily. The penance ought to
bo such as will inspiro horror for the sin, but not
for tho penance.” Thus he frequently enjoined
the penanco of returning to confess, of frequent­
ing the Sacraments, of hearing mass daily, of
meditating on tho Passion of Christ, or some
eternal truth. For this purpose he composed
a small collection of meditations, and gave them
often to his penitents. Ho also imposed as
penances of obligation to visit daily tho Blessed
Sacrament, or some image of the Virgin Mary,

GO

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

to recito tho Rosary in her honour, and ho per­
suaded tho heads of houses to recito it regularly
with their family. As to fasting, discipline,
and penances of this kind, ho might counsel
such occasionally, but never commanded them.
“If the penitent bo contrite,” he said, “ho will
do these things of himself, otherwise, he will
leave tho penance, and relapse into sin, if it be
made obligatory.” This conduct, full of wisdom
and gentleness, had the desired effect. Ho daily
gained a multitude of criminals who had long
lived in disorder and sin. He often went to
preach in tho market-places and at tho Lavinaro, where the dregs of tho people are to bo
found.
Tie delighted in seeing himself sur-

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

scholars corrupted their will. Fortunately for
him he attended a sermon preached by Alphon­
so, which moved him to contrition ; entering in­
to himself, and full of repentance, he threw him­
self at his feet. Received with charity, ho
attached himself to tho service of God, forsook
sin, and embraced a life of penitence. Former­
ly he had taught his pupils to do evil ; but now,
regenerated by grace, all his endeavours were
directed to fill them with tho Spirit of God, and
inspire them with tho greatest horror of sin.
lie met his scholars at an early hour every
morning, and conducted them to church to hear
mass, after which ho made them meditate on
some eternal truth, taking occasion to suggest
to them holy resolutions, and finished by reciting acts of faith, hope, and charity. Again
in the evening he took tho children to visit tho
Holy Sacrament and tho Blessed Virgin, choos­
ing tho least frequented churches to avoid all
display, being penetrated with repentance and
humility for tho scandal ho had formerly given,
lie would also that his scholars should go week­
ly to confession, and prepared the elder ones
for making their first communion.
lie was
careful in instructing them to make acts of
faith previously, and thanksgivings afterwards,
and began a practice still in uso in Naples, of
the more advanced instructing and attending
to the others on such occasions.
The other remarkable conversion was that of
Lucas Nardone ; this man had led an irregular life
as a soldier, having often deserted, and at length

G2

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I

ST. ALPHONSO LIGÜORI.

was about to bo condemned to die, when some
one obtained his pardon. lie was however cha­
sed from tho army with infamy, and lived cov­
ered with shame and loaded with sin. It hap­
pened one day that he heard Alphonso preach,
and touched by grace ho sought an audience,
hardly daring to hope his crimes could bo for­
given. He was received with open arms, encou­
raged, consoled, and led to the right way, and
soon this man, once condemned to death, dispised and abandoned for his wickedness, became
a furnace of Divine love, gaining many souls to
Christ byw dragging
O O CJ them from the toils of Satan.
Alphonso needed not to seek for studied phra­
ses in order to dispose sinners to repentance ;
his simplest words had an unction in them
which powerfully moved all hearts ; a remark­
able instance of this occurred in the case of a
gentleman who went to him for confession, and
detailed the greatest crimes with the utmost
apparent indifference. When he had finished,
Alphonso asked if he had nothing more to say.
“Nothing but what I have already said,” he
coldly replied. “What!” answered the confessor,
“ and that is all ; now do you not see that the
only thing wanting to complete your career,
is to put on the turban and become Turk ;
what more could you have done than the crimes
you have just confessed ? Tell me now, my
child, what evil has Jesus Christ done to you?”
These words pronounced with the force of ardent
zeal went directly to his heart. “Have 1 then,”

ST. ALPHONSO LIGÜORI.

said ho to himself, “ committed such sins that I
cannot commit greater ? ” and penetrated with
the deepest contrition he bewailed his past disor­
ders, placed himself in tho hands of Alphonso,
and was directed by him during his whole life,
which was ever afterwards most exemplary and
devout.
The means he employed to lead his penitents
to perfection, may bo reduced to two, medita­
tion or prayer, and mortification.
Ho pro­
posed meditation as tho mirror in which each
one must see his deformities, and mortification
as a knife with which to prune and cut off
all the excrescences of nature. Ho affirmed
there could bo no true prayer without mortifi­
cation, and to practise mortification the spirit
of prayer was indispensable. After the penitent
had discovered by meditation tho stains that
sullied tho soul, ho prescribed prayer, saying,
“lie who prays will certainly bo saved, and he
who neglects prayer will as certainly be dam­
ned.” “Those who are saved, are saved by
prayer, and those who are damned, are lost
because they would not pray.”
But above all remedies, he prescribed frequent
communion, and daily visits to tho Blessed Sa­
crament. In his little work of “ Visits to tho
Blessed Sacrament,” he acknowledges that all
the graces ho received while living in the
world, flowed from this source. “ 0 what ex­
quisite happiness,” ho exclaims, “to bend be­
fore the altar and converse familiarly with Je­
sus in tho Blessed Sacrament, asking pardon

64

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II

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

for tho faults we have committed, exposing our
necessities as a friend does to a friend, and asking
His love with its abundant graces’” AVliile ho
was in Naples, he always advised his penitents to
pay their court to Jesus in the church where the
Blessed Sacrament was exposed during the fortyhours’ adoration. Ho might be seen there him­
self almost ravished in ecstasy before his adora­
ble Redeemer, while around him knelt a circlo
of his penitents.
He exacted besides a filial confidence in the
Divine Mother Mary. “As,” said ho, “all good
comes to us from the celestial Father, through
tho mediation of Jesus Christ; so all good
comes to us from Jesus Christ, through tho
medium of Mary.” Ho would that all should
daily recite tho Rosary in her honour, visit
some church where her image was placed, and
have a picturo of her at the head of their bed.
lie exacted of all his penitents to communicate
at each of her feasts, and was careful to propose
some devotional practice for each of her Nove­
nas, that by good dispositions they might be
prepared to receive her favours ; ho practised
himself and recommended to others to fast every
Saturday in her honour, and on tho eves of all
her feasts.
Although he preferred to devote himself to
the service of tho poor, and the lower class of
people, ho did not refuse to direct those of
higher rank, considering the great influence they
possessed over others, for evil or for good.
Around his confessional might be seen persons

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

of all conditions, and though they knew lie re­
ceived all equally, the highest did not disdain
to await his turn with the very lowest, submit­
ting willingly to any inconvenience, rather than
not have him for their director. In after times
he was not loss interested in directing holy
women who had consecrated themselves to God.
In Naples there was scarcely to be found any
convent of nuns not under his direction, and
many of these died in the odour of sanctity.
In every field of the church he cultivated flow­
ers to adorn the celestial Paradise, which pro­
duced fruit for the marriage-supper of the Lamb.

CHAPTER XIII.
It was not to be supposed that the powers
of hell would look calmly on while Alphonso
wielded the spear of his patron, the Archangel
Michael with such wonderful effect. Crowds
camo from every quarter to obtain the benefit
of his direction, and not having time to give
many fervent souls the instructions ho judged
necessary, to advance them in tho way of per­
fection, he thought of assembling them for in­
struction in some solitary placo during tho sum­
mer evenings, and ho first chose a spot near
the convent of the Bare-footed Carmelites, after­
wards beyond tho convent of St. Angelo, and
at last fixed on a site before tho Church of tho
Star, which belongs to the Minims, as being

66

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ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

least frequented. The assembly consisted not
of tho noble, but of tho poor, who camo from
different quarters of tho city, some a consider­
able distance. Lazzaroni, scavengers, masons,
barbers, carpenters, and other artisans were
there, and tho lower their condition, tho more
friendly was their reception. Other priests took
part in the good work, among whom were D. D.
Porpora, do Alteriis, Mazzini, Sarnclli, &c. In
this assembly, composed of persons low in the
eyes of tho world, but great in tho sight of
God, Alphonso daily preached tho truths of re­
ligion, showing them tho horrible naturo of vice,
and tho sublime beauty of Christian virtue. Tho
other priests, his companions, spoko alternately
to tho people, pointing out to them tho different
degrees of lovo to God, and love towards our
neighbour, showing them tho necessity of self­
denial, if they would advance in perfection, and
the misery produced by unrepressed passion.
At other times they would talk of mortifying
tho flesh, and imitating Christ crucified, propo­
sing to their example the life of some Saint,
and thus exciting them to virtue.
There wore some individuals residing in tho
neighbourhood to whom these meetings seemed
not a little strango, and because they were new
they took it for granted they must be evil. In
tho hope of confirming their suspicions, they con­
cealed themselves behind their windows to hear
what was going on. Now some of those poor
people were so anxious to do penance that they
fasted rigorously, and one evening a poor arti-

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

67

san was pointed out to Alphonso, who oat noth­
ing but raw vegetables and roots, though obli­
ged to work hard to support his family. He
began to reprove him for this excess, when D.
Joseph Porpora took up the word and said,
“ God wills that wo should cat in order to
live,” and added laughing “if any one gives
you four cutlets, you will do well to take advantage of it.” The multitude were amused
at this and began to laugh, each one passing
the joke to his neighbour. Tho listeners, hear­
ing the words, “cutlets, eating” took advantage
of it, put an evil interpretation on tho words,
and thought the people were an assemblage of
libertines ; and going still further, came to the
conclusion that they must be a club of Molinists, and a band of heretics.
Coolly taking all their conjectures for facts,
they reported the matter to Cardinal Pignatelli.
As the accusation referred to a nocturnal assem­
bly, and the circumstances seemed equivocal,
his Eminence at first supposed they must be
dissolute evil-disposed persons, and he was con­
firmed in this opinion in consequence of several
small bands of Lutheran soldiers having formed
themselves in different parts of the town, some
of whom had already been seized. Information
was conveyed to tho Governor of Naples, who
immediately ordered a captain of the guard to
disguise himself and go to one of tho meetings.
They were then in the middle of the Novena
of the Nativity of our Lady, and Alphcnso in
proposing some pious practices in honour of tho

s

68

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

infant Mary, made uso of certain expressions
which seemed mysterious and suspicious to tho
captain, and as ho could not catch the mean­
ing of the words, ho reported to tho governor
that ho had heard a melange of things good
and bad, which he could not exactly compre­
hend. In consequence tho governor and tho
cardinal were persuaded it could bo nothing
good, and ordered both priests and laymen to
bo arrested. Next morning Alphonso happen­
ing to be at tho palace of tho Cardinal, heard of
tho affair and tho proposed arrest, and not
doubting it was his own meeting, ho hastened
to warn his penitents not to assemble at tho
usual placo. It was impossible, however, to warn
every one, and those who lived at a distance
camo as usual, among whom were tho two for­
merly mentioned, Peter Barbcreso and Lucas
Nardone. Tho poor people had scarcely arri­
ved when they were surrounded by archers and
sergeants, and carried off to tho guard-house,
from whence these two prisoners escorted each
by an archer and a sergeant were conducted
before the procurator of the court. Tho good
penitents took tho matter calmly : “ Comrade,”
said Nardone to tho other, “ this picco of po­
liteness is perhaps not much to your taste.”
“On tho contrary,” replied Barberese ; “I am
well satisfied ; Jesus Christ was bound with
ropes, and we are treated much more civilly,
only a simple cord on the arm.” The Procura­
tor having ordered them to declare what they
did at the place of the Star, they replied that

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

69

they were poor ignorant people, who came to
receive instruction from D. Alphonso de Liguori
and other priests on the subject of religion.
When tho Procurator hoard the name of Liguori,
ho exclaimed, “ God forgive you, you have
alarmed tho two courts, the ecclesiastical and
civil!” They were then conducted to the house
of tho governor, where the mention of the name
of Liguori was at once sufficient to establish
their innocence. Tho magistrate took pleasure
in questioning them about the pious practices
which they wore taught, when all of a sudden
they heard tho noise of bells announcing that
tho holy Asiaticum was carrying through the
street ; in a moment the two turned their backs
on tho governor and ran to prostrate themselves
at the balcony, crying out, “ It is our Lord, it
is our Lord!” Tho governor asked no more
questions, but dismissed them with tears of ten­
derness and consolation.
Alphonso was rather uneasy at this adven­
ture, and when ho heard what had happened,
went next day to tho Cardinal, acknowledging
himself as the author of tho mischief, and
alone deserving of punishment. Ilis Eminence
soon quieted him by expressing his satisfaction
at the good he had done, but notwithstanding
advised him to discontinue the assembly. “ The
times,” said he, “are too critical; wo must be
careful that wolves do not cover themselves with
sheep’s clothing to do mischief under tho sha­
dow of your name.”
The terror of a now sect which held secret

70

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ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

mootings was spread over all Naples, every one
spoko of it, and Alphonso and his companions
were constantly asked to offer their prayers to
God for tho conversion of these new heretics!
Ono day Father Mazzini was saying mass at
tho convent of tho Camaidales, when one of the
fathers asked him if anything now had been
discovered of that sect of heretics which had
lately appeared. “ What sect ? ” asked Maz­
zini. “The sect of tho Cutlets,” ho replied; and
tho vicar added, “ Wo have heard that certain
priests meet with tho people every evening, and
hold a species of club in the placo of tho Star.
They are supposed to bo a sect of Molinists.”
Mazzini assured them they need not bo uneasy,
for there was no great evil to bo apprehended
from the new sectaries. Alphonso continued
to do great good in Naples by his conferences,
and many of those who attended them ever
after led the lives of saints. Some entered into
religion, while others remained in tho world to
embalm it by tho odour of their virtue. Per­
haps tho two most remarkable were Anthony
Pennini, who sold eggs through tho town, and
found means while pursuing his avocation to
drag many souls from perdition. After his death
ho reappeared to several persons and converted
them. The other, Leonard Cristano, went through
tho streets with his ass and sold chesnuts ; both
of them performed miracles during their lives
and after their death.

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

71

CHAPTER XIV.
The triumph of tho devil seemed complete
when these meetings were put down ; but here
as elsewhere ho found himself defeated. His
machinations only produced greater glory to
God by causing still more good to bo done.
Convinced by experience how useful these as­
semblages had been, Alphonso suggested to
Peter Barbercso and a few others of his more
fervent penitents, that they should give instruc­
tions to tho lazzaroni and other people of the
same class, not in tho market, but in suitable
places removed from public observation.
Peter thus encouraged, began to instruct the
little porters or errand boys, in tho shop of a
barber. Ho exhorted them frequently to visit
tho Blessed Sacrament, and to have a great
devotion towards tho Blessed Virgin ; ho also
mado practical meditations with thorn on tho
Passion of Christ. A priest who saw the good
he was doing, advised him to moot his littlo
flock in a neighbouring chapel ; he accordingly
did so, and every evening about sixty young
people attended, without counting those of a
more advanced ago.
Lucas Nardono, and several others, pursued
tho same course, so that in different quarters of
tho town tho penitents of Alphonso were busy
in drawing souls fro: •1 destruction and winning

72

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ST. ALPHONSO UOUORI.

them to Christ, lie on his part was careful to
visit and superintend those meetings, anima­
ting them to pursue tho great work of their sal­
vation, and leading them to the lovo of tho
cross.
Ono evening tho Canon Romano was taking
a walk in tho neighbourhood where Peter Barberese taught the most numerous of all these
assemblages, when a friend met him and said,
“Como with me, I wish to give you an agree­
able surprise ; ” ho accordingly led him to where
Peter was instructing his hearers. On seeing
tho canon, ho rose, and offered him a scat, ex­
plaining to him tho object of tho meeting, and
then at his request continued his instruction.
Delighted with what he saw, Romano could
not resist detailing tho whole to Cardinal Pignatelli, who was so pleased at tho good that
was done, that he suggested to tho canon that
ho should instruct tho people himself. Peter
willingly resigned his place, and immediately
commenced assembling in another house more
lazzaroni and porters. Tho meetings began to
multiply, and at length in almost every quar­
ter of Naples tho fervent penitents of Alphonso
might be found instructing and catechising tho
ignorant. In after times, and even when he
had founded his own Congregation, ho never
camo to Naples without visiting those favourite
meetings, exhorting them to persevero in tho
service of God, and in gaining conquests to
Christ. Above all he was consoled by tho
thought, that the overthrow of one good undcr-

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

73

taking had boon the very means of producing
another much more extensive, and still more
agreeable to God.
Tho work continued to increase, and before
long these meetings, protected by the Cardinal
himself, ceased to be held in shops and private
houses, but were transferred to public oratories
and churches. Every evening -when tho clock
struck six, the well-disposed occupied themselves
for an hour and a half with their devotions, and
this practice is still continued. They recited
tho Rosary with acts of faith, hope, and charity,
after which they listened to a half hour's in­
struction on Christian duties, and were then
taught tho manner of practising mental prayer.
Every Saturday zealous priests, appointed for
that purpose, heard their confessions. On the
Sunday morning, after half an hour’s medita­
tion on tho Passion of Christ, mass was said,
with tho exposition of tho Blessed Sacrament,
followed by tho Holy Communion, a priest pro­
nouncing tho affections and thanksgivings ; then
followed several masses, and all ended with
Benediction.
During tho day they went together to some
church to visit tho Blessed Sacrament, and some
altar of the Blessed Virgin, and when each had
performed his own particular devotions, they
took a walk to a retired spot in tho country, and
if time permitted, met in some inclosuro quietly
to amuso themselves. When evening came, they
sung hymns and returned again to tho chapel
for tho usual evening devotions. Each of these

I

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

societies included from a hundred to a hundred
and fifty persons.
Afterwards they adopted tho regulation of
visiting the sick in the hospitals ; on Sunday
after Vespers they went to the Hospital of tho
Incurables, and on Thursday to that of tho An­
nunciation ; some mado tho beds, others swept
the floors, or performed any office useful or ne­
cessary for the sick ; but, above all, they attended
to their spiritual wants, exhorting them to pa­
tience, and preparing them to receive the sacra­
ments by giving instructions to those who were
ignorant. When tho confessors found any more
ignorant than tho others, they pointed them out
to tho associates that they might take a more
special care of them. After tho sick had been
attended to, they exposed tho Blessed Sacrament
at tho end of tho galleries, while tho zealous
priests spoke on tho sad consequences of sin,
recalling to their minds those who had died du­
ring the previous week. They afterwards carried
tho Blessed Sacrament through all tho sick
wards, giving benediction to consolo tho suffer­
ers. When these charitable works were ended,
they went, as we have said, to recreate themselves
in tho country.
It was to tho pious efforts of Alphonso and
his penitents alone, that Naples was indebted for
tho establishment of Chapels, so called from
tho first of these meetings having been hold in
tho Chapel of tho Bonnettieri. Latterly, in 1834,
they amounted to a hundred, containing each
about three hundred persons, and tho good they

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

75

produced among the working classes was incal­
culable. Tho most zealous priests are attached
to them, and the Archbishops of Naples find
them invaluable. In these societies they acknowlodge neither rank nor riches, tho door is open
to all, and nothing delights them more than to
be joined by some poor outcast who wishes to
reform his life. Alphonso occupied himself also
in establishing schools for women ; a well-educa­
ted lady was placed at tho head of them to di­
rect tho others, and ho himself visited them from
time to time; but this good work did not last
long.
Barbereso lived to an advanced age, and so
did Nardone, persevering to the end in their
pious labours. Tho only time Alphonso was in
Naples during his episcopate, Barbereso was
present at his sermons. lie saw him at the Hos­
pital of tho Annunciation : “ What are you doing
here ? ” said Alphonso, laughing. “ Como to hear
the Holy Spirit,” replied Barbereso. This wor­
thy disciple died on Saturday, tho 19th of Sep­
tember, tho eve of tho Sorrows of the Blessed
Virgin. Tho Jesuits buried him in tho Church
of tho Little Carmel, among the members of tho
Confraternity of our Lady of Sorrows. After his
death his body retained such an appearance of
life, that for some time they hesitated to bury
him. He left behind him a great reputation for
sanctity, as also did his fellow labourer, Nardone,
who was buried in the Church of St. Matthew.

76

RT. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

CHAPTER XV.

li·'

It was against his will that Alphonso con­
tinued to live in tho houso of his father ; ho
longed for a solitary coll, where, retired from
the world, he could enjoy that calm and deli­
cious peace to be found only in solitude. lie ex­
perienced a foretaste of this peace in the month­
ly retreats ho made with his companions in tho
country-house already mentioned, and God, who
always favoured him in his holy undertakings,
soon furnished him with tho means. Tho cele­
brated Missionary, D. Matthew Ripa, had lately
returned from China. A true model of apos­
tolic men in this vast empire, ho had become
tho support of religion there by tho favour he
enjoyed with tho emperor. Being resolved to
propagate, defend, and perpetuate the faith
among the idolaters of China, ho had brought
with him a Chinese doctor and four young men
full of fervour, with the intention of founding at
Naples a College for the Chinese. Ripa had re­
solved on this, from tho persuasion that because
of the continual intercourse they could easily in­
duce young Chinese to como to Naples, where,
after being educated for tho priesthood, they
might return to their own country, and in case
of persecution succour tho faithful with less cause
for suspicion than foreigners could do. God bless­
ed the enterprise, and on the 14th April, 1729,

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

//

they opened tho House of the Chinese Mission,
not without many difficulties and labours on the
part of the pious founder, but with the consent
and authority of Pope Benedict XIII., and tho
king Charles VI.
Alphonso considering tho excellence of this
institution, the rare merits of its founder, and
tho great fervour which reigned there, with tho
poverty and privations which they endured for
love of God, formed tho resolution of joining
F. Ripa, and sharing as a pensioner of tho
house in tho fervour which animated this new­
born society. Father Ripa, who was well ac­
quainted with him, knew how to value the acqui­
sition of a subject so worthy and so zealous. Ho
eagerly received him, and about tho middle of
Juno, 1729, ho entered tho college. A resolution
so unforseen vexed his father extremely, who
deeply regretted tho society of one whom ho
considered loss as a son than as au angel sent
him by God. Painful as the separation was, he
had not tho courage to oppose so laudable a
design.
No sooner did Alphonso find himself in the
college, delivered from the surveillance of his
parents, than lie gave himself up to the practice
of mortification with more freedom and ardour
than ever. Ho was clothed in sackcloth, and
wore chains of iron ; several times a-day ho
took tho discipline until tho blood flowed. Tho
wretched food which ho ate was not sufficient
for his love of mortification, but ho added to it
bitter ingredients, such as myrrh, aloes, and

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ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

wormwood, lie ate but little of the fruits of
which the others partook, and fasted every Sa­
turday on bread and water in honour of our
Lady, and generally ate in a kneeling position,
or lying on tho floor. But all this would not
yet satisfy him ; in his chamber ho would not
allow himself a chair, but stood while he studied,
holding his book in his hands, and keeping little
stones in his shoes. Monsigne ur Cappola, Bishop
of Cassano, has said that his penances surpassed
even those of St. Peter of Alcantara.
Besides all these voluntary penances, ho never
exempted himself from tho privations imposed
upon all the members of tho community, and
indeed the new-born Congregation wanted not
opportunities to practise poverty.
Although
their rule limited them to tho uso of vegetables
and a little boiled meat, they frequently had no
meat at all, and often tho scraps which appear­
ed on their table were stale ; in such circumstan­
ces they ordinarily had a salad of mushrooms.
Sometimes they could only afford to buy bones,
from which they strove to extract a miserable
soup. During Lent they scarcely ever had fish,
a pilchard with their vegetables was a feast to
them, and when they did buy fish, it was always
tho cheapest that could be found. They sowed
radishes in a little plot of ground attached to
the house, and for months they lived on these
roots varied occasionally with a few pears, As
for their evening repast it usually consisted of
the remnants of dinner boiled with a few coarse
and hard biscuits ; their bread in general was

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

of the coarsest kind. And so far from ever
showing the slightest repugnance to all this,
Alphonso on the contrary rejoiced in it, and
encouraged the others to suffer with pleasure, to
love to suffer that they might become more
holy and agreeable to God.
In tho midst of this ho continued to draw new
strength from prayer, and the examples of the
Saints. By reading their Lives, he taught himself
in their school, and animated himself to follow
their examples. Ho burned with an increasing
desire to love God, and to give proofs of his love.
Besides tho meditation of the Communitv, he
daily spent an hour and a half at least before
the Blessed Sacrament in tho Church where the
Quarante oro was held. His mass, with its ac­
companying prayers and thanksgivings, occupied
a long time, but all this could not satisfy his de­
votion. He spent whole nights in watching,
sometimes in his room, sometimes in the Church
before tho Blessed Sacrament. And the little
rest he granted to nature was given grudgingly,
and not without many contrivances to render
it as little agreeable as possible ; ho often lay on
the bare ground or on a hard table.
It might naturally bo supposed that amidst
these bodily austerities undertaken and endured
from the pure love of God, his mind would be
enjoying that interior Paradise, that foretaste of
heaven, which nothing worldly can give, nor
tho absence of every worldly comfort diminish
or take away ; but it was not thus with our
Saint, he desired to carry his cross, he wished

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

to drink of the chalice from which his Saviour
had drunk, and therefore God permitted him to
feel the nature of our Saviour’s anguish when
he exclaimed, “My God! my God! why hast
thou forsaken me ? ”
His heart enjoyed no consolation. J le was de­
prived of all the favours which render every trial
light and easy. His days dragged along in dry­
ness and desolation ; he believed ho had lost all
devotion for mass, his prayer was arid ; he sought
God, but he found Him not. Ho struggled like
a man rowing against a strong current. “I go
to Jesus,” he said, “and He repulses me. I
have recourse to tho Blessed Virgin, and she
will not listen to me.” All he did at this timo
was done by the mere light of faith, which made
him resolute to seek to please God in all things,
without being impelled either by tho hope of
heaven or the fear of hell.
During the time ho remained in tho college
of the Chinese he gave the greatest proofs of his
zeal to gain souls. Λ heart which burns with
the love of God, cannot fail to be kindled with
the love of its neighbour. Crowds came to the
church to confess to him and hear him
preach ; every Friday he discoursed on tho
glories of Mary, and recited with the people tho
chaplet of her sorrows. He celebrated several
novenas in the course of the year, during which
he preached in honour of the Blessed Virgin, or
the holy family, the titular patrons of the col­
lege. Every year he gave retreats to the great
benefit of those who took part in them, and each

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

81

day during the holy exercises the church was
crowded as on feast-days. Devoted to his peni­
tents, ho scarcely took time to eat ; and often
before his meal was over, numbers were waiting
to go to confession, even from the most remote
quarters of tho city. In the evenings after the
exercises of the Quarante ore, he used to
enter tho church accompanied with a train of
penitents, whoso confessions he heard until late.
Father Ripa, in his Memoirs of this Congrega­
tion, writes thus of Alphonso : “ We have for
pensioner the noble D. Alphonso do Liguori, a
priest eminent not for his birth only, but for
his excellent conduct and general qualifications
as a missionary. He has lived in this house
as pensioner almost from its first establishment,
and although not aggregated to tho mission, he
has nevertheless the desire, and holds himself
ready to go to China to preach the Gospel, as
ho has more than once declared to his director.
Assured of his zeal and his talents, I have given
him tho entire care of the Church, and in all
that regards the pulpit and the confessional, he
has acquitted himself to the great advantage
of souls.”
Although ho was bowed down with labours,
he redoubled his ardour when ho saw the good
resulting to poor souls. It would be impossible
to enumerate the number whom he reclaimed
of obstinate sinners, old in crime, kindling with­
in their obdurate hearts a tender love towards
their Saviour. It has boon said that he pos­
sessed a peculiar gift in the confessional for in6

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUOIII.

spiring his penitents with compunction, and that
scarcely had they knelt at his feet when they
felt their hearts touched with sorrow for their
sins. From this wo can understand how ho was
able to say at a lato period of his life, that ho
had never sent away one penitent unabsolved,
lie converted a celebrated courtesan who was
afterwards eminent for her sanctity, and many
who had lived ordinarily good lives, became un­
der his direction models of perfection. Ho also
induced a number who were occupied in mere
worldly pursuits, to renounce tho world and con­
secrate themselves to God.
Tho first sermon
he preached when giving a retreat inspired fif­
teen young persons with tho resolution of giving
themselves to tho service of God. Ho under­
stood so well tho beauty and dignity of virgini­
ty, that those who heard him speak were in
spite of themselves forced to love and admire
this virtue, and many instances are on record
of tho gay, tho beautiful, and tho talented re­
nouncing tho fading, tho unsatisfying pleasures
of tho world, to devoto themselves under his
direction to amassing tho imperishable riches of
Heaven.
We will mention one instance only of a very
remarkable conversion of this kind. A young
lady, called Mary, was a source of great anxiety
to her pious mother, as her heart and mind
were filled by tho world to tho exclusion of
everything serious. She besought Alphonso to
pray for the conversion of her daughter ; ho did
so, and the young girl seemed to be reformed,

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

83
-

but before long she became more giddy and
thoughtless than ever. Again tho poor mother
had recourse to Alphonso, who at her earnest
entreaty spoke seriously to the girl, represent­
ing strongly the danger of her position. It
was in the church he spoke to her, and she,
touched to the quick, retired to a corner and
began bitterly to bewail lier sins. Alphonso see­
ing this, before ho quitted the confessional call­
ed her back : “Mary,” said he, “will you sincere­
ly give yourself to God ? ” “ Yes,” she instantly
replied. “ But without reserve, and with your
whole heart?” ho continued. “Without the
slightest reserve, with my whole heart,” said
the poor girl with much energy. “Then,” said
he, “go instantly, cut off your hair, and make
yourself a Carmelite.” She obeyed, took the
religious habit, persevered, and became a Saint.
To produce this result, God sent her many se­
vere and bitter trials ; for several years she was
sensibly tormented by devils. After her death
she was invoked by many, and worked several
miracles.
At this period of his life his labours were so
incessant and multifarious, that we can scarcely
conceive the possibility of one individual accom­
plishing tho half he performed. Preaching in
various churches in Naples, giving retreats, hear­
ing confessions, and going on mission to the
neighbouring towns ; yet he found time for all,
without encroaching either on his studies or de­
votions.
In the year 1729 a frightful epidemic rava-

84

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUOHI.

god the city of Naples ; he profited by this occa­
sion to sacrifice himself more and more ; and
among the brothers of the Congregation of Apos­
tolic Missions ho was over tho first in assisting
the sick. Tho poor were as usual the objects
of his most ardent charity. He opened a mis­
sion in the large Church of tho Holy Spirit, and
took advantage of the time to withdraw souls
from the power of Satan. In consequence of
his great fatigues, ho was seized tho following
year with a pulmonary complaint, which brought
him to the gates of death, but again his Blessed
Mother performed a miracle in his favour.
On one occasion about this period, he was
sitting with the other Fathers during recreation,
when a tremendous thunder-storm came on, and
a bolt fell in tho midst of them. Father Ripa
was wounded in the throat, while Alphonso and
others fell down senseless ; they soon recovered,
however, to thank God for their escape, and de­
vote themselves with renewed zeal to His ser­
vice. They were saved by an evident interposi­
tion of Providence.

CHAPTER XVI.

<

In the spring of the year 1731, the Puglia and
the neighbouring provinces suffered exceedingly
from an earthquake, which happened on the eve
of the 19th of March, a few days before Easter.
The bishops exerted themselves to obtain mission-

ST. ALPHONSO LIQUORI.

85

aries, that the opportunity might not be lost
for calling tho people to repentance, and the
Brothers of the Propaganda were invited. On
this occasion Alphonso as usual produced a mi­
raculous effect, and many were reclaimed and
converted.
The nuns of St. Clara hearing every one speak
of the young missionary, entreated their superior
to have him invited, were it only to preach one
sermon : he came, and some of them said that
in listening to him it seemed as if a seraph were
speaking, and not a man, his words went so
directly to the heart.
The town of Foggia had suffered from the earth­
quake more than any other in the Puglia, being
almost reduced to a mass of ruins ; but tho God
who smote them would also comfort them in the
midst of their affliction, by giving them a mirac­
ulous proof of His love. They venerated in this
town a very old and miraculous picture of tho
Virgin, tho colours of which being almost ob­
literated by age, it was glazed and covered with
a curtain. The place where it was first kept
being nearly destroyed, it was removed to tho
Church of tho Capuchins, where tho people, terri­
fied by repeated shocks of an earthquake, camo
in crowds to placo themselves under tho protec­
tion of the Mother of Mercy. On the morning
of tho 22nd of March, while tho multitudo wero
kneeling before this picturo, tho Blossod Virgin
showed horsolf to them undor tho appearance of
a young woman, and this miraculous manifesta­
tion was repeated for several days, and seen by

86

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ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

crowds who camo to look on tho picture and
venerato it.
This apparition mado a great
noiso throughout tho kingdom, and when their
mission was finished Alphonso and his com­
panions wont to visit tho miraculous picture.
Tho inhabitants remembering ho was tho ne­
phew of their lato Bishop, Mgr. Cavallicri, re­
ceived him in tho most honourable manner;
all tho gentlemen of tho placo paid their
respects to him, and tho Bishop, Mgr. Faccola,
with other distinguished ecclesiastics, insisted
ho should give a Novena in honour of the
Blessed Virgin ; at first ho refused, having no
permission from his superiors to prolong his stay,
but at length ho yielded to tho circumstances
of tho time and thoir urgent entreaties. To
celebrate tho Novena they choso tho Church
of St. John, and tho picturo was conveyed there
from tho Church of tho Capuchins. Tho con­
course of people was such that tho greater
part could not enter tho church, they there­
fore erected a pulpit at tho door, at tho side
of which was exposed tho miraculous picture.
Tho extraordinary effects were beyond dis­
cription ; great as was tho number of priests,
they were not sufficient to hoar tho confessions
of crowds, who, touched to tho quick by the
discourses of Alphonso, turned from thoir wick­
edness and ever after walked in the way of the
Lord. Almost tho entire population of tho town
were converted, and the bishop never ceased
returning thanks to God for tho wonders that
wore then accomplished.

ST. ALPHONSO LIOUORT.

87

About six miles from Foggia was a celebrated
sanctuary, situated in a wood, and dedicated
to tho Virgin Mary under tho title of tho Virgin
Crowned. They solemnized tho feast every year
on tho last Saturday of April and during tho
Octavo which followed, and crowds from all the
neighbouring provinces flocked thither. This
great assemblage of men and women from dif­
ferent quarters caused many disorders, above
all on tho two last days of the feast, when they
carried their amusements to a scandalous excess.
Alphonso determined to oppose this, and know­
ing tho people intended going there on tho Sun­
day which ended tho Novena, beforo giving the
benediction ho said, “ I will bless all, with the
exception of those who aro going to tho feast
of tho Virgin Crowned, This feast has caused
sins without number to bo committed, and far
from being honourable to God, it is most insult­
ing to Jesus Christ and Ilis Virgin Mother.”
Ho finished by recommending them to perfor H
this devotion at another time, and in a spirit
of penitence.
There happened to him during this Novena
a very remarkable event. Ilis delight was to
remain near tho miraculous image, from which
ho could hardly drag himself away. Ono day
when tho people had withdrawn, and tho image
was replaced in tho church, ho got up on tho
altar to examine it more nearly ; but scarcely
had ho placed himself in front of it, when ho
fell into an ecstasy, which lasted nearly an hour.
The Blessed Virgin would fully satisfy his de-

88

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ST. ALl’lIOKSO LIGUORI.

votion, crowning his happiness by showing to
him her face radiant with celestial beauty. When
the vision disappeared, he descended from the
altar inebriated with joy, entoning the “Ave
Maris Stella,” in which he was joined by about
thirty persons who had been witness to the oc­
currence. Ho afterwards attested having seen
the Virgin Mother under tho appearance of a
young girl of thirteen or fourteen years of ago,
wearing a white veil which undulated from side
to side. Tho next morning ho described his
vision to a painter, detailing tho appearance as
accurately as possible, and tho picturo drawn
at tho time is still preserved at Ciorani.
On quitting Foggia, desiring to render his ho­
mage to tho Archangel Michael, ho passed
by Mount Gargano. At Manfredonia tho Arch­
bishop, M. do Mario, camo to moot him with his
chapter, accompanied by tho most distinguished
inhabitants of tho town. They besought him
to preach to the people, but he excused himself,
as he had no permission from his superiors, and
was by no means sure of escaping censure for
having remained at Foggia. Next morning ho
visited tho Altar of tho Archangel, and cele­
brated mass with such extraordinary devotion
that all eyes were fixed upon him ; when they
found out who he was, and his intention in vis­
iting Gargano, the chapter came to wait on him,
and to request ho would preach to tho people,
but again he declined.
On returning to Naples in the middle of tho
month of May, he found his fears not vain.
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ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

89

The Canon I). Julius Torni, whether he really
blamed him for making a Novena at Foggia, or
whether he would only prove his humility, repri­
manded him strongly in the presence of all the
congregation. He did not attempt to excuse
himself, he did not speak ; but on the contrary
rejoiced to see himself mortified before such a
respectable assembly.

CHAPTER XVII,
Exhausted and worn out by his labours in
tho provinces, his friends began to have serious
apprehensions for his health, and accordingly it
was determined he should retire to the country
for a time until he recovered strength. The
place fixed upon was a hermitage in the neigh­
bourhood of Amalfi, situated on a hill near tho
sea. Ho was accompanied by Joseph Jorio,
John Mazzini, Panza, and two others; and after
a rough voyage they arrived safe. They imme­
diately went to pay their respects to tho arch­
bishop, M. Scorza, and meeting tho Vicar Gen­
eral, ho strongly urged them to change their
plan, and go to a convenient hermitage near
Scala, where they could at tho same time bo
useful to tho poor goatherds of tho neighbour­
hood, who were destitute of spiritual aid. “Only
go,” said he, “and I will give you all tho power
of my jurisdiction.” The proposal was willingly

90

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

agreed to, and they soon established themselves
at St. Mary of the Mount, tho namo of tho her­
mitage.
They had obtained permission to
keep tho Blessed Sacrament in the hermitage,
and while Alphonso was recovering strength
of body, ho gained now strength to his soul
in tho presence of his beloved Saviour.
As soon as tho arrival of tho missionaries
was known, tho shepherds and goatherds, with
tho other inhabitants of tho country, camo to
seek them, and tho visits of these poor people
were a subject of indescribable consolation. They
began to catechise them and hear their confes­
sions, and this sojourn in the country became
an uninterrupted mission, which produced abun­
dant fruits. It was now Alphonso became ac­
quainted with tho extreme destitution of tho
people scattered over the country, who often
lived without tho knowledge necessary for
salvation ; being without tho Sacraments of
tho word of life, many had to bo instructed
in tho first rudiments of faith before they
could make their confession. The inhabitants
of tho town of Scala hearing what was doing
in their neighbourhood by tho celebrated mis­
sionary Alphonso Liguori, were very anxious
to hear him preach. Tho bishop, equally anx­
ious to hear more of him, sent a pressing
request that ho would agree to their desires.
He accepted the invitation, and preached one
sermon, which produced all tho effect of a reg­
ular mission. It was on the Sunday following
the Octavo of tho Blessed Sacrament; he press-

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

91

cd upon thorn such strong motives for loving
Jesus in J lis Sacrament, and for detesting sin,
that tho whole Congregation were dissolved in
tears, and their sobs and groans resounded
through tho neighbourhood. Tho superior of
tlio Convent of St. Saviour besought him to
preach in their church, which ho did with his
usual success, and tho bishop was so delighted
that ho engaged him for a Novena, to bo cele­
brated in the Cathedral for tho Feast of tho Holy
Redeemer in tho month of September.
lie did not however forget tho good shepherds
of St. Mary of tho Mount ; and ho besought
God, even with tears, to choose some ono to
labour with efficacy among these abandoned
people, lie know not that ho himself was cho­
sen by God to bo tho instrument of gathering
these precious souls into tho fold of Christ, but
before long tho purposes of God were revealed
to him. IIo continued to labour among them
until September, when ho returned to Scala,
according to agreement, accompanied by John
Mazzini. IIo preached tho Novena in tho Ca­
thedral with Ilia usual success, and to tho nuns
of St. Saviour ho gave a retreat. This was tho
moment in which God would make known His
will. There was in tho convent a mm of great
sanctity, possessed of supernatural gifts. Sho
knew nothing of what was passing in his mind,
but on tho 13th of October sho saw in a vision
a now Congregation of priests who wore employed
in tho caro of thousands living in villages and
scattered hamlets destitute of spiritual aid ; she

92

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

saw Alphonso at tho head of this Congregation,
and heard a voice which said, “ This is tho soul
I have chosen to be tho instrument of My glory
in this great work.” A few days after, this nun,
while kneeling before Alphonso in tho confes­
sional, told him of tho vision sho had had, and
tho designs God had upon him. Struck with
tho remarkable conformity between her vision
and his own thoughts, ho at first believed it to
be a Divine inspiration, but afterwards fearing
it was but a vain illusion, ho reproved tho nun,
and treated her as a visionary. Sho humbled
herself before him, but persisted, and tho more
ho repulsed her, tho more sho assured him that
God had chosen him to bo tho instrument of
His mercy towards tho inhabitants of tho coun­
try.
On his return to the house, Father Mazzini
seeing his trouble and agitation, asked tho cause.
Ho hesitated to tell him, when Father M. said,
“ I know you have bad a disputo with ono of
the nuns, for I overheard you speaking loud.”
Yielding to his friend’s desire, ho told him what
tho nun had said ; and far from treating it light­
ly, Mazzini did all in his power to persuade
him of its truth. The sanctity of the nun was
undoubted. “Besides,” argued his friend, “an
institution of the kind is much wanted in this
kingdom, and who knows what designs God may
have upon you.” Grace was operating in tho
heart of Alphonso, but always doubting his own
fitness, ho could not resolve upon taking any ac­
tive measures. “ I approve much of such an insti­

f 'H

'A Ô

ST· ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

93

tution,” said he, “and I foresee the glorious fruits
of it, but what can I do by myself? where are
my companions?” “Here am I for one,” answer­
ed Mazzini, “and I am sure other priests will be
found willing to consecrate themselves to a work
which must contribute so much to the glory of
God.” AVhilc his mind was balancing in this
uncertainty, M. Falcoja, Bishop of Castcllamare,
arrived at Scala ; ho was a prelate of eminent
sanctity, and skilled in the science of spirituality,
and tho Bishop of Scala was not inferior to him ;
the presence of those two saints, raised Maz­
zini’s hopes, and ho urged Alphonso to consult
with them. He was tho more willing to do this,
because M. Falcoja was known in the Chinese
College at Naples. He accordingly told them,
and after several days spent in narrowly exam­
ining tho subject, they both agreed that the
inspiration camo from God, and that tho vision
of the nun strengthened their confidence, she be­
ing a person peculiarly favoured by God, whoso
sincerity and truth were undoubted.* M. Fal­
coja in particular, saw in this event a special
mark of Providence, for over since his elevation
to the episcopal dignity, he had particularly de-

* This nun, Sister Mary Celeste Castarosa, suffered many per­
secutions because of the favours God bestowed upou her. Ban­
ished from her convent at Scala, she reformed a convent at Noura,
and afterwards founded the Convent of St. Saviour at Foggia,
for the education of the daughters of the nobility, which convent
became the edification of the town. She died the 14th September,
1745; her body is still entire and unconsumed. The nuns open
the collln and clothe the body anew every time any of the sister­
hood die.

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

sired tho establishment of some such institution,
seeing with pain tho extremo destitution of tho
country people in regard to spiritual help. He
felt tho greatest consolation in tho movement
which graco operated in tho heart of Alphonso,
urging him with all his power to hasten tho
execution of his project.

CHAPTER XVIII.

1

RH'H

r<

IkiilA

IT

hm

Although peace and tranquillity usually accompany tho operations of graco, yot in this in­
stance Alphonso found himself surrounded by
obstacles and tribulations. Tho interior lights
which ho received, and the advice of experienced
and holy individuals, gave him great encourage­
ment ; while on tho other hand, he looked on
himself as devoid of strength and talent to un­
dertake such an enterprise. At ono moment,
fearing to resist the graco that operated within
him, ho determined to do what God seemed to
require of him ; but he soon relapsed again in
tho fear, that he was presumptuous and rash.
In this state of agitation ho returned to Naples,
and immediately opened his whole heart to his
own spiritual director, Father Pagano. This
sage director, after a careful consideration of
some days, hesitated not to declaro his opinion,
that such an undertaking could not fail to pro­
mote the glory of God and the salvation of
souls ; but doubting his own judgment he advised
Alphonso to consult with more enlightened per-

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

95

sons. He accordingly spoko with Father Vincent
Cuti co, Superior of tho Mission of St. Vincent
of Paul, and Father Manulius, a Jesuit, both
of whom were much venerated in Naples. Their
opinion coincided with Pagano’s ; they were all
persuaded that it was tho will of God, and urged
him to respond to tho call of Heaven. Still
unconvinced ho consulted others, eminent for
their sanctity and wisdom, and finding all of
tho same mind, ho could no longer doubt, but
taking courage he gave himself unreservedly to
God, sacrificing his love for his nativo city, and
ottering to spend his life in villages and remoto
hamlets among the poor shepherds and goatherds.
We might suppose that now his mind would
bo at rest, and all would go well ; but it was
far otherwise. A work which was intended by
God to promote the salvation of souls, not in
Italy only, but in all other kingdoms of Europe,
in Asia, and in America, could not fail to stir up
all the powers of hell, to accomplish, if possible,
its overthrow. As soon as his determination
was known, all Naples seemed to be in arms
against him. Some said ho was mad, and that
his brain must bo affected ; others treated him
as a fanatic and a visionary ; some affirmed
that tho high opinion ho had of himself made
him attempt extraordinary things, and that he
had been spoiled by too much praise. It was
in tho Collego of the Chinese ho found his great­
est adversaries ; his companions there loaded
him with blame and ridicule. Father Ripa was

96

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

then at Romo, but on his return lie also was
vexed beyond measure, having calculated on
his assistance
in the establishment of his own
«
Congregation ; he did all in his power to con­
vince him that his plans were impossible, and
useless even if they succeeded. Seeing, however,
that his endeavours to dissuade him were vain,
ho chose to believe with tho others that his
head was affected, and that ho was the victim
of some delusion, and reproached him both pri­
vately and publicly with what he called his ex­
travagance. Others went still further, appa­
rently instigated by the devil, who would em­
ploy every means to bring the measure into
disgrace, and demolish a work destined in future
ages to drag millions from his tyranny.
Tho Fathers of the Propaganda also ranged
themselves against him ; ashamed to see ono of
their brethren fall into what they considered
such a weakness, ono whom all had thought so
wise and such a credit to their society. Having
heard of tho vision seen by the nun, they im­
agined it was the sole basis of his enterprise,
and were shocked that he would allow himself
to bo led away by the reveries of a young nun.
But what afflicted Alphonso most of all, was,
that these opinions were taken up by his uncle
Matthew Gizzio, Rector of the Seminary, and by
the Superior of the Propaganda, Julius Torni.
Ho grieved at being obliged to resist them ; the
rector was his uncle, to whom he had always
looked up ; and the Superior had always loved
him with a father’s love, and had taught him

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

ο;

dogmatic and moral theology. They assailed
him on every side, while he only replied that he
would do nothing disapproved of by his director.
This would not satisfy the two Canons, who
were the more vexed at his resistance, because
they loved him tenderly. Seeing their represen­
tations ineffectual, they began to reprimand him
bitterly.
“It is not God who directs you,”
said his uncle, “ but you blindly follow the re­
veries of a nun, and do not see that you are the
victim of an illusion.” “I do not regulate my
conduct by visions,” he meekly replied; “I
regulate it by the Gospel.” On another occasion
his uncle jeeringly asked him if he ever expect­
ed to realise his schemes. “ Ho who trusts in
God,” said he, “can do all, and should hope
all.” At last he went so far, that in the presence
of some other canons ho treated him as a fool
whoso brain was turned by self-conceit.
One
day as he entered tho sacristy of the Cathedral,
several persons of consequence began to abuse
him before others in authority who happened
to be present; “Keep to your word now,” said
they, “ and make haste to show the Church
those ηολν institutions and foundations which
Alphonso said no­
you have promised her.
thing, but bowing bis head, humbled himself
interiorly.
After some time his uncle insisted that he
should take advice from Father Louis Fiorillo,
a learned and pious Dominican, by whom lie
himself was guided. At first he declined,
answering that he did not act according to

04

I*

I

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

his own mind, but was guided in all things
by his director, Father Pagano ; upon which
D. Gizzio said no more ; but afterwards on
repeating to Father Pagano what had passed,
he expressed himself of tho same opinion, and
urged him to follow his uncle’s advice, say­
ing that ho would consider Father Fiorillo’s de­
cision as tho voice of God. Alphonso had never
seen Fiorillo, and know him only by reputation,
but soon after met him one day accidentally at
his uncle’s ; the moment Fiorillo saw him, in
a fit of inspiration he exclaimed, “ God is not
yet satisfied with you ; Ho wishes you to be
altogether His, and expects great things from
you.” At these words of Fiorillo he seemed to
breathe more freely, and felt his heart pene­
trated with new life. Full of confidence ho took
him aside, and told him of his desire to consult
him, and a place of meeting was arranged.
lie now began to perform tho most severe
penances, praying continually that the Father
of Lights would enlighten His servant Fiorillo,
on whose decision the affair seemed to depend.
He recommended himself to the prayers of many
holy individuals, but above all to the nun at tho
monastery of Scala. All the convent joined with
her ; they prayed, they fasted, they gave them­
selves tho discipline for half an hour each day ;
all united in beseeching God to enlighten the
directors of Alphonso. A singular thing now
occurred : several of the nuns, yielding to the
opinion of certain ill-disposed priests, believed
that God would not establish this Congregation.

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

99

One day while they were disputing about it with
tho nun who had the revelation, she cried out in
an ecstatic transport, “ God wills this work, and
you will see it accomplished!” “Yes,” replied
an incredulous nun, “ I will believe it when
Sister Mary Magdaleno is cured.” This sister
whom she mentioned, had been deranged for
II
several years, but from that moment
she per­
fectly recovered lier senses !

CHAPTER XIX.
When Alphonso had made known to Father
Fiorillo the light he had received from God at St.
Mary of tho Mount, and the light which he daily
continued to receive, the man of God replied,
“In a similar conjuncture St. Le vus Bertrand
asked six months from St. Theresa to reflect
before giving an answer ; I would ask the same
from you.” “Not six months only,” said Al­
phonso, “take a whole year.” Some days after
ho met him again, when tho venerable father
embraced him with joy, saying, “ Go, take cou­
rage, this work is divine ; throw yourself into
the arms of God, as a stone which falls from
the mountain into the valley. You will en­
counter contradictions doubtless, but place your
confidence in God, lie will help you.” At this
time, however, Father Fiorillo had many good
works on hand, and fearing to scandalize the

100

st. AiraoNso Liouonr.

clergy, who might overturn them, he begged Al­
phonso to conceal his approbation, and not visit
him again. Satisfied now that he was actins
according to the will of God, he feared no fur­
ther contradictions, and began in earnest to look
out for companions, tho Fathers Manulius and
Cutica authorising him to do so. lie wrote to
Fiorillo, asking him to point out fitting individu­
als, who replied, “Do not suppose I forget you
in a matter so immediately connected with tho
glory of God. I have your interest more at
heart than ever; but bo tranquil, God will pro­
vide assistance for a work so dear to Him. I
have no labourers to offer you at this moment,
but should I meet with any I shall not fail
to send them to you ; I wish that I were young,
I would then gladly follow you, were it only to
carry your baggage. Do not fear, though your
number bo small, for they will be strengthened
to do tho work of many. I bless you in tho
name of Jesus and Mary, and embrace you af­
fectionately in tho charity of our Lord.”
Tho noise of this enterprise resounded through
Naples, and nothing was talked of but the new
Congregation and its presumptuous founder.
Tho Missionaries of the Propaganda, thinking
that it cast a reflection upon them, were among
the first to prepossess every one against Alphon­
so. They blamed him everywhere, and could
not bear to hear him spoken of as one of them.
The Canons Torni and Gizzio were extremely
annoyed by the slur which it seemed to cast
upon the Propaganda. They hoped that Fiorillo

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

101

would never approve of the project, and that at
last Pagano himself would oppose it. Meeting Al­
phonso one day in tho Church of the Cesaria, and
finding him unaltered in his views, they attack­
ed him more violently than ever. “ Do you not
see,” said Gizzio, “that you are a visionary;
all Naples is against you, neither Pagano nor
Fiorillo are with you ; and yet, against the opin­
ion of the most enlightened persons, you obsti­
nately persist in your own notions, allowing your­
self to be guided by the visions of a nun ; fool
that you are, do you not see you are acting like
an idiot ? ” Alphonso meekly replied, “ Say what
you will, my uncle ; I assure you I am not acting
in consequence of such visions, I am not follow­
ing my own opinions, but am ruled by tho word
of God, and guided by those on whom I ought
to rely.” In circumstances such as these, his
embarrassment was great ; ho was bound not to
betray Fiorillo who was then absent from Naples ;
and on tho other hand, tho astonishment and
scandal augmented every day. Pagano advised
him not to keep tho secret longer, because of
tho scandal given by appearing to act in opposi­
tion to all authority. F. Matthew Ripa, on tho
contrary, advised him to say nothing, but the
Bishop of Cassano agreed with Pagano, while
Manulius and Cutica were equally divided in
opinion.
Not knowing how to act, ho determined to
consult M. Amato, Bishop of Ischia, and embark­
ed one day in a little vessel to cross over to tho
island. To the amazement of the sailors they

102

B
Λ

bl

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

performed the voyage in an hour and a half,
lie was fortunate in finding tho Bishop of Cassano there also ; both advised him to bo guided
by F. Pagano, and openly declaro that Fiorillo
approved of all ho did. Again ho made the voy­
age in an incredibly short space of timo, and
only waited to refresh himself before ho visited
tho two Canons. Hardly had ho entered the
house when they attacked him as usual. “Are
you not ashamed of yourself, scandalizing all
Naples by your obstinacy, and acting in opposi­
tion to tho opinion of F. Fiorillo? how can your
conscience permit such a thing?” Then Alphon»
so calmly and firmly replied, “You are deceived
in supposing I act contrary to tho advice of F. Fiorillo ; my conduct is the result of the counsels
ho has given mo.” He had provided himself
with a copy of tho letter Fiorillo had written to
him on tho subject, and as he ceased speaking
ho placed it in his uncle’s hands. Great was
tho confusion of both Gizzio and Torni. “But
this is not sufficient,” said Torni ; “ I would see
the original.” Alphonso gave it to him. “ Now,”
said he, holding it in his hand, “ I Avant no other
testimony ; this is sufficient for tho honour of
Μ y Congregation.”
After this he expected to have peace, as ho
could no longer be blamed for acting contrary
to tho opinion of wise directors; but tho enemy
of mankind would not yield without a further
struggle. The brothers of tho Propaganda re­
fused to be reconciled with him, and threatened
to turn him out of their Congregation. But

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

103

Cardinal Pignatclli, although ho had boon pre­
judiced against him, no sooner discovered the
truth, than he warned tho Canon Torni to be­
ware how ho took any steps against Alphonso
Liguori.
Father Matthew Ripa, although now persuaded
that he acted in accordance with the advice of
Fiorillo, ceased not to accuso him of visionary
schemes ; and in hopes of turning him from them,
ho proposed to hold a Council of Theologians in
tho Chinese College, to whoso decision Alphonso
should submit, lie believed himself justified in
•I
opposing plans which would remove him from
Naples, where ho was certain to be most useful,
and, above all, useful to tho Chinese College.
But Ripa had other reasons ; for some of his
most distinguished subjects wore inclined to fol­
low Alphonso.
Gennaro Sarnclli, son of the
Baron of Ciorani, and Vincent Mandarini, from
Calabria, were among these. At length lie set
no bounds to his opposition, speaking of the
scheme as a suggestion of tho devil, rather than
an inspiration from God. lie quarrelled with
Pagano and Fiorillo, and wrote a very bitter
letter to Mgr. Falcoja, whoso reply is too admi­
rable to bo omitted hero :
“Your esteemed letter has just been received,
and whatever bitterness may bo contained in it,
still it is dear to mo as coming from you. I
reply to it immediately, because I would not
that your annoyance should continuo one moment
longer if I can help it. You know that it docs
not belong to a spiritual father to give his peni-

104

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

tent any vocation which may happen to please
himself ; this gift belongs only to that Divine
Providence who has made niches in Paradiso for
the statues lie fashions upon earth, and on earth
Ho establishes different studios, and is daily
opening new, where these reasonable statues are
to bo moulded to perfection according to His
most holy will, that they may bo prepared for
their position in everlasting glory. Now in or­
der that they may not bo all crowded together,
God Himself has destined one to be sculptured
in one studio, another in another. It is not
the province of a spiritual father to do anything
else but to approve or disapprove. When a
soul is faithful to God aud His holy words, ‘ Ho
who hcarcth you hcaroth Me,’ wo may believe
that ho cannot wander. You may argue that
a spiritual father can bo deceived ; but I would
reply that God, who is always faithful, will not
fail to -communicate His will to those whom He
has appointed to enlighten others; for if it were
not so, what assurance could wo have in deciding
on what was God’s will ? Now inasmuch as
Alphonso has followed this rule, ho cannot go
astray. I see from your lottci· that you judge
and condemn mo as one who would overturn
your Congregation, and ruin a valuable work
which owes all to your labours ; but fear not ;
is tho arm of tho Lord shortened ? is it not
able to sustain your Congregation and many
others at tho same time? Let God perform His
own work, for a work which comes from Him
may aid, but cannot destroy another equally

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

105

Divine. But this enterprise, you say, will dis­
sipate itself ; if you say true, then you lose
nothing ; but according to iny view of the case,
this enterprise comes from God, and it cannot
perish if lie who is charged with it continues
faithful ; those therefore who oppose it, set them­
selves in opposition to tho will of God.
“ But you say this new work will take away
some of your most valuable subjects. I wish,
my dear father, you would put a little more con­
fidence in God and less in man. The Congre­
gation of Pious Workers had scarcely been
established when four of their most excellent
members left them, and founded four different
Congregations. No thwith standing the venerable
fathers, Charles Carafa, and Anthony do Colellis,
were not annoyed by fearing that their Congre­
gation would bo ruined ; tho contrary happened ;
they increased more and more by tho arrival
of other mon whom tho Father of tho family
sent to replace those who had left. Bo persua­
ded that tho work of Alphonso is no suggestion
of tho devil, but on tho contrary, that tho devil
opposes it as tho will of God, as ho has done
on a thousand other occasions when ho foresaw
that an institution would have the effect of de­
stroying his empire in tho world.”
It seems incredible, but yet it is true, this
letter produced no effect on F. Ripa, who con­
tinued to blamo Alphonso for his inconstancy ;
and even in his Memoirs of his Congregation
complains bitterly of him and all who had any
hand in approving or forwarding his projects.

106

ST. ALPHONSO LIQUORI.

CHAPTER XX.

»

Wiien tho Fathers Fiorillo and Pagano saw
that tho tempest, instead of abating rather increased, they began to fear for the success of
their own immediate affairs, if they continued
to bear the blame of giving counsel to Alphonso.
They therefore strongly urged him to put him­
self entirely under the direction of Mgr. Falcoja,
a man of undoubted wisdom and sanctity, and
held in great consideration by all Naples. Al­
phonso was unwilling to withdraw himself from
his present directors, having so long experien­
ced tho benefit of F. Pagano’s counsels ; but
the Feast of tho Assumption approaching ho re­
solved to apply for aid to his Blessed Mother.
Ho made tho Novena of tho Feast in tho Church
so dear to him, the Church of tho Redemption
of Captives, where her statue was exposed du­
ring those nine days. The Divino Mother lis­
tened to her favoured child, and enlightened him
regarding the course he ought to pursue. He
placed himself in the hands of the holy prelate,
promising to do nothing without his advice, and
never was a child more obedient to a parent,
Tho Canon Torni, although persuaded of tho
wisdom of those who directed Alphonso, and tho
increasing approbation which his project receiv­
ed from tho wise and tho good, could not, how­
ever, bear the idea of his services being lost to

ST. ALPHONSO LIQUORI.

107

Naples. Having no hope of directly succeeding
in opposing him, he began an indirect oppo­
sition in his quality of Superior of the Congre­
gation of tho Propaganda. He gave him tho
charge of several important matters, trusting
that when ho saw tho good he was doing in
Naples, ho would give up the idea of going else­
where. Tho beginning of October ho command­
ed him in tho name of the Cardinal to give a
retreat to tho clergy in tho Church of St. Res­
titute ; ho hoped that this opportunity of show­
ing his talents would flatter his vanity, and
make him anxious to regain the popularity ho
formerly enjoyed ; but ho miscalculated : Al­
phonso was insensible to such attractions. Ho
obeyed his superior, notwithstanding his repug­
nance to appear before those who had treated
him so unjustly, and God poured out His bene­
dictions on his labours more abundantly than
over. Tho greater number of tho clergy were
touched to tho heart, in spite of their preju­
dices against him. Tho Cardinal himself attend­
ed, and was so moved with compunction that ho
exclaimed, “ Wo may easily seo he is a vessel of
election, for tho Holy Spirit speaks by his
mouth.” Many of tho clergy who had been
cold and indifferent, became from that timo
faithful and zealous pastors. No sooner was
this retreat ended, than ho was sent successive­
ly to three other churches to give a mission,
when as before crowds from all quarters flocked
to confession and to hear him preach. Tho
Canon hoped that after such an abundant liar-

108

ι;ί

ST. ALPHONSO LIQUORI.

vest lie would no longer persist in his plans ;
ho was mistaken however ; Alphonso was longing
for the moment when the arrangements would
be completed for him to commoneo his new Con­
gregation in the town of Scala, in concert with
the Bishop, Mgr. Santoro.
Mgr. Falcoja, seeing that tho storm still con­
tinued to rage, would put his constancy to fur­
ther proof, and delayed to give him his parting
benediction. The work was great, and ho con­
tinued to solicit the prayers of holy persons,
that tho designs of his penitent might bo bless­
ed ; ho counselled him to do nothing precipi­
tate ; but those days of delay seemed ages to
Alphonso, who on ouo occasion wrote to him
thus : “ My father, for charity’s sake bo quick,
quick, quick ; I am dying with anxiety to set off ;
call me away from this, and release mo from the
obedience under which I am remaining at Na­
ples. Tho devil is doing all he can to hinder
our commencing immediately, but let us has­
ten to tho work, where ho will bo able to do
nothing, and wo shall succeed as wo ought. I
am on tho eve of tho last days of the holy ex­
ercises, and to-day I must speak to my good
Mother Mary. Pray always for mo, but always,
always ; and then quick, quick, quick for tho
glory of Jesus and Mary.”
Many were the contradictions and annoyan­
ces ho experienced during tho last days he
remained, particularly from F. Ripa and his
uncle Gizzio ; because they loved him, they
thought they had a right forcibly to drag him

ST. ALPHONSO L1GUORI.

109

from an enterprise they considered extravagant.
They must not be condemned however ; they
acted according to their conscience, and God
in Ilis impenetrable Providence sometimes per­
mits Ilis servants to fall into similar mistakes ;
it may bo to keep them humble, and as a means
of advancing the sanctity of both parties. In
after times, those who had opposed him now,
lauded his enterprise when they saw tho bless­
ings of Heaven accompanying his work.

CHAPTER XXI.
In spite of tho outcry made against him by
many influential individuals, there were still a
number of zealous priests who declared thoir
willingness to accompany him on his arduous
mission. But when tho moment arrived for put­
ting their promises in execution, many, like the
men spoken of in tho Gospel, drew back, alleging
apparently reasonable excuses. Ono was prevent­
ed by the necessity of watching over tho inter­
ests of his family ; another was attached to some
congregation which he could not well leave ; in
short, many found an excuse, so that tho number
of those who put their hand to tho plough with­
out looking back were small indeed.
One of his first companions was D. Vincent
Mandarini, a noble Calabrian, who had studied
at Naples and was an excellent theologian. Ho
was like Alphonso, a pensioner in the Chinese

110

ST. ALPHONSO LIGÜORI.

College. The abbé D. Silvester Tosquez, a gen­
tleman of the town of Troja, and a great friend
of Mandarini, joined them ; be was an excellent
man, and well versed in jurisprudence and the­
ology. Don Janvier Sarnelli, son of the Baron
of Ciorani, and one of the Chinese College, fol­
lowed Alphonso.
Ho had great talents, both
natural and acquired, besides being a man of
eminent virtue. His other companions were men
equally estimable and enlightened. Don Peter
Romano of Scala, Doctor Sportclli from Aquaviva, Don Jerome Manfredi, Don John Baptist
Donato, Don Joseph Banza, and two others
whose names are unknown. Mazzini would have
joined him at first, had not his director insisted
on his delaying in order to prove his vocation.
These subjects were for Alphonso as so many
foundation stones, upon which he erected in the
Church that edifice which had so much occupied
his mind. All were animated with the most
lively zeal for the glory of God, and full of de­
votion to the cause in which they had engaged.
Sportelli and Tosquez, although still seculars,
rendered the greatest services, and, if possible,
aspired even more that the others to a super­
human sanctity.
To found this great work Alphonso sought
neither to lean on the favour of men nor on the
riches of the world, but put all his confidence
in God and in the protection of tho holy Virgin
Mary, a protection of which ho was already as­
sured by the most striking proofs. A gentleman
named Vitus Curzius, whose vocation was evi-

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

Ill

dently miraculous, was the first who joined him
in quality of lay-brother. lie had been secre­
tary to tho Baron of Vasto, and was very inti­
mate with Sportelli. Ilis disposition, however,
was proud and quarrelsome, and in dispute he
was too apt to appeal to his sword and pistol.
Providence, however, had preserved him from
homicide. Sportelli had not communicated to
him his design of quitting the world, when ono
day, happening to meet in the street, Curzius
told him a drcam ho had had tho previous night.
“I thought,” said he, “that I stood at tho foot
of a high and steep mountain, which many priests
were trying to ascend. I wished to imitate them,
but the first step I took I fell backwards. Not
willing to give up the attempt, I tried to mount
several times, but to my great annoyance I al­
ways slid back, until one of the priests, taking
compassion on mo, gave me his hand and helped
mo to ascend.”
In tho course of the day as they wore walking
together near tho Chinese College, they met
Alphonso, when Curzius, who had never before
seen him, turned in astonishment to Sportelli,
exclaiming, “ There is the priest who gave me
his hand last night.” Exceedingly surprised, ho
saw the mystery of tho dream, and telling Cur­
zius that this was Alphonso Liguori, who was
about to found a now Congregation of missionary
priests, and his own intention to join him, the
young man instantly recognised tho Divine
Will, and unhesitatingly declared his desire to
bo of tho number, not as a priest, but as a
lay-brother.

BOOK

II.

CHAPTER I.
The year 1732 was destined by God to give
birth to the Congregation of Rcdemptorists. Pope
Clement XII. occupied the chair of Peter, and
the Emperor Charles VI. sat on the throne of
Naples. After receiving the benediction of the
Fathers Pagano and Fiorillo, Alphonso, without
acquainting either friends or relations, hired a
miserable donkey, and departed from Naples on
the 8th of November, directing his steps towards
the town of Scala. M. Santoro, who impatiently
expected him, received him as an angel sent from
heaven, and blessed God that he had lived to
see such a happy day. The nobility, the clergy,
the people, all rejoiced in his arrival with his
missionaries, and spoke of nothing but the good
they were certain to do. The day on which ho
left Naples he completed two sacrifices ; the de­
finitive renunciation of all the splendours of the
world, and the entire disruption of the ties of
flesh and blood. This last completed the numer­
ous sacrifices he had already made. Since the
8

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month of August ho had quitted tho Chinese
College, and returned to his father’s, for tho
better arranging of his affairs. Don Joseph,
who loved him less as a son than as a spiritual
father, was miserable at tho thought of losing
him, and ono day he entered his room when
he had lain down to take a little repose, and
throwing himself on the bed beside him, press­
ed him in his arms and exclaimed, “ My son,
why will you abandon mo ? My son, I do not
deserve that you should cause mo so much
misery.” Caught by surprise, Alphonso suffered
most intensely, and this scene lasted during three
hours, his father holding him in a close embrace,
repeating always, “My son, do not abandon me.”
Ho afterwards spoke of this trial as the most
terrible ho over had to endure.
On arriving at Scala he was joined by only
eight of his companions ; Mazzini, Sarnclli, and
Tosqucz were obliged from certain circumstan­
ces to delay. He had a letter from Tosquez,
who wrote thus : “ How happy you arc, who can
now suffer during this inclement season tho
cold and hunger suffered by Jesus Christ! I
am unworthy to share your lot ; the Lord will
not yet satisfy the burning desire I have to join
you ; Ho wishes to purify tho ardour of my de­
sires, and I wish only to perform His Holy
will.”
Tho dwelling prepared by the Bishop for his
new missionaries, accorded in every respect
with their wishes ; it was an hospice belonging
to a convent almost destitute of furniture, and

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

115

small and inconvenient ; besides a small oratory
there wore only a parlour, and three little
rooms, containing palliases and scanty coverings,
with a few earthen dishes for the table and tho
kitchen. The day after their arrival they assem­
bled in tho Cathedral, and after a long meditation
chanted the Mass of the Holy Spirit, thanking
God for the establishment of a Congregation so
ardently desired.
At that time they gave it
the name of “ The Holy Saviour” placing it
under tho protection of the Chief of all Mission­
aries. As the work was undertaken only to pro­
mote the glory of God and the salvation of souls,
Alphonso would build up the edifice according
to this design. Ho proposed to form a com­
pany of priests animated with great zeal, who
would willingly embrace a species of apostolic
life, conformable to the life of Jesus Christ ;
that is to say, he would have them humble and
poor, making an entire abnegation of themselves,
and of all tho things of the earth.
They applied themselves seriously to prayer
and penitence ; their hearts overflowing with
love to God, they embraced every opportunity
of mortifying themselves ; they wore sack
cloth and small chains with sharp points. But
it was at the hours of repast, those hours when
the world seeks after sensual enjoyments, that
II
these holy men signalized their love of mortifi
­
cation. Some kissed tho ground ; others knelt
and remained for a length of time with their
arms extended in form of a cross ; another mado
the round of the refectory, kissing the feet of

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ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

each of his brethren. They ate kneeling, or lying
on tho floor, while others, to make the moments
of eating still more uncomfortable, hung a heavy
stono round their nock. Their wretched food
was seasoned with bitter herbs ; many would
not taste meat, or if they ate it they abstained
from fruit. Their food was of such a quality
that tho poor hesitated to accept what was left.
Vitus Curzius was cook, and as ho knew nothing
of cookery, ho spoiled every thing ho attempted
to make ; ho would servo tho vegetables raw,
the pottago burned or without salt, and ho would
bake the bread without remembering to put in
leaven.
Such was the life these missionaries
led at Scala ; a realization of the mystic ladder
spoken of by St. John Climacus.
As for Alphonso, ho occupied himself with
God only, “ instant in prayer,” reading tho Lives
of tho Saints, or labouring to save souls. His
application was continual ; his mass w’as long,
sometimes lasting for hours ; and besides the
general prayers of the community he spent hours
in adoration before tho Blessed Sacrament, re­
alizing tho feelings of tho Psalmist when he
exclaimed, “ As the hart panteth for the water
springs, so my soul panteth after Theo, 0 God.”
He pushed his austerities to such an excess,
that the utmost the others could do, was to im­
itate him. He sometimes seasoned his miser,
able pottago with such herbs, that those who
were near him could hardly enduro the smell ;
and not content with wearing sackcloth, chains,
and crosses armed with sharp points, he gave

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

1.17

himself the discipline twice a-day. The care
he bestowed on his own perfection and that
of his companions, did not hinder him from
attending to the people of Scala. He intro­
duced the custom of giving a meditation in
the Cathedral every morning, and making visits
to the Blessed Sacrament and the Virgin Mary
every evening. Every Thursday he gave a ser­
mon and exposition of the Holy Sacrament, and
every Saturday he preached on the glories of tho
Blessed Virgin. On Sundays and other feast days
he instructed the people on their individual du­
ties, and catechised them. He established two
confraternities, one for gentlemen and another
for artisans ; and two similar to these for young
people of different sexes ; and every Sunday each
of these confraternities received a particular in­
struction. In a word, Scala was in a short time
thoroughly reformed, to tho great satisfaction of
M. Santoro. Seeing himself so well seconded by
the zeal of his companions, Alphonso made mis­
sions to tho different towns and villages round
about, so that tho renown of tho new Congre­
gation began to spread everywhere, and bishops
were constantly beseeching their assistance for
their flocks, while many offered them establish­
ments in their dioceses ; but the want of sub­
jects prevented him acceding to those requests.

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ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

CHAPTERS II. AND III.

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When an error is once embraced by the mul­
titude, it takes such deep root that years are
often necessary to eradicate it. The Fathers of
tho Propaganda, instead of becoming reconciled
to tho step taken by Alphonso, showed them­
selves always more and more embittered against
him, notwithstanding all tho endeavours of their
superior, Torni, to disabuse them. The more
moderate admitted his sanctity, but affirmed ho
was the victim of illusion. All imagined that
his leaving them to pursue his own plans was
giving a blow to their honour, which they would
not easily recover, and that their only way to
remedy it was to load him with contempt and
ridicule. Their conduct deeply wounded him, and
ho was grieved to see pious and zealous seiwants
of God partaking in tho prejudices of tho world,
and rather exciting than preventing them. Per­
suaded that honour and purity, with rectitude
of judgment, are tho true riches of a minister of
II
God, ho saw with grief and alarm
his ancient
brethren striving with all their might to despoil
him of them. Ho complained to tho Canon
Torni, who loved him as a father, and sent hii
the following reply: “I could not refrain from
weeping when I read your letter, in which you
speak of the contradictions which crush you.
I cease not to pray for you, and I trust the
Lord will give that strength to your soul which
H

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

119

is so necessary to enable you to bear coura­
geously tho tribulations which His Providence
permits in order to prove you, and that lie will
enlighten you to see clearly the designs of His
holy will.” His letter was full of the most
friendly assurances, and Alphonso failed not to
consult him on all his plans and regulations for
his new Congregation. But the life of tho just
is a continual combat. The peace ho had found
in tho friendly behaviour of Torni, was soon
attacked by the renewed violence of tho Fathers
of the Propaganda. They clamoured against
Torni, and insisted that he should expel Alplionso, and deprive him of his chaplainship. Ho
thought himself obliged to yield, and on the
20th of February, to tho great joy of all, they
affixed to tho door this announcement : “ Accord­
ing to tho order of our Superior, on Monday,
tho 23rd February, 1733, there will bo a general
investigation on these questions, * Whether tho
brother D. Alphonso do Liguori should be ex­
pelled from tho Congregation ? and whether ho
ought to bo deprived of his chaplainship?’ It
was with much regret Torui found himself obli­
ged to yield ; but to prevent tho vexatious pro­
ceeding going further, ho secretly informod tho
Cardinal of what was about to bo done, and
expressed his opinion of its injustice. “ Ono
may see,” ho said, “that it is a madness which,
not content with blasting his reputation, would
take from him tho means of subsistence.” The
Cardinal was exceedingly vexed, but ho would
II
not hinder tho convocation. “Let them
doli-

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ST. ALPHONSO LIGUO1U.

berate,” he said, “but fear nothing; I will pro­
vide for the result, and settle everything in the
most expedient way.”
Tho Congregation assembled on the appointed
day, animated with incredible rancour. All
wished to have Alphonso expelled from their
society, and deprived of his benefico. In order
to prevent any interference in his favour, they
proceeded secretly with tho scrutiny, and his
expulsion was unanimously decided upon. But
they could not register this decree, because tho
Cardinal had forbid any steps to bo taken
against Alphonso without informing him.
When the meeting broke up, the Superior,
Canon, and some of tho principal members, went
to tho Cardinal to tell him what had been done :
his Eminence was much displeased. “ Why,”
said ho, “ do you proceed to such extremities ?
either God will bless tho enterprise of Alphonso,
and it will prove a glorious thing for you, or Ho
will overthrow it ; and then all that could bo said
would be, that it was a good work, though it had
proved unsuccessful. In any case, I do not seo
how you can find dishonour in it.” Then assu­
ming a dignified tone, he concluded with those
words : “ I am Superior of this Congregation, and
I desire that Alphonso do Liguori bo reinstated,
and that ho continue to enjoy his chaplainship ;
and I forbid any steps being taken against him
unknown to me.” This firm conduct arrested
the flame, but did not extinguish it. The depu­
ties retired, silenced and disconcerted, but still
determined never to recognise him as a member
of their Congregation.

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

121

CHAPTER IV.
The storm was subsiding at Naples, in conse­
quence of the firm conduct of the Cardinal, and
Alphonso was living at Scala in profound peace,
when God would try His servant still more se­
verely, by permitting discord to arise in the bo­
som of tho new-born Congregation. They began
to dispute about the rules by which they ought
to bo guided, and opinions were so opposed that
union was broken, and tho society threatened
with dissolution.
Alphonso wished that tho now Congregation
should bo occupied only in labouring to promote
tho sanctification of clergy and laity, giving them
spiritual exercises in convents, and procuring
also tho salvation of destituto souls in tho coun­
try and small hamlets by means of missions.
His views were based on tho experience ho had
had, that tho word of God had not penetrated
into these remoto places. Mandarini proposed,
that, besides tho missions, they should occupy
themselves in teaching ; but Alphonso opposed
this, because tho Jesuits and other religious or­
ders supplied this want. Ho added, that tho
spirit of tho Instituto finding itself divided be­
tween two objects so different as teaching and
giving missions, both would bo fulfilled in an im­
perfect manner, since there would be too few la­
bourers to undertake both branchos ; and further,

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ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

as missions would occupy them tho greater part
of tho year, it would be impossible that returning
to the house with a mind distracted by other oc­
cupations, they could apply themselves to regu­
lar teaching. Tho others had each their indi­
vidual opinion, and D. Tosquez, going still fur­
ther, insisted that as tho end of tho Institute was
to imitato Jesus Christ, it was necessary to be
dressed in a dark red cassock and a mantle of
celestial blue, as these were tho colours our
Saviour was supposed to have worn.
Some disliked J tho recitation of tho Office in
common; others objected to sleep on straw, besides
other austerities to which they would not sub­
mit. They disliked practising poverty in all its
rigour, and renounced tho perfection which com­
munity life exacted, yet it was to community
life that Alphonso principally held. Tosquez
gave in to a contrary excess, and would embrace
tho reform of the most austero mendicant order,
insisting that each should sell everything ho
possessed, and lay tho price of it at tho feet of
his superior.
Alphonso could not help laughing at these
proposals of Tosquez, assuring him that it would
bo too absurd for simplo priests to appear in
masquerade by adopting a blue and red cos­
tume, and that ho feared tho Ananiases would
bo so numerous that it would bo impossible to
bury all those who should como forward with
a lio in their mouths. He approved of estab­
lishing a choir, because it was a good means of
reciting the Office well; but ho would not have

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123

a formal ono with a chant, only simplo recita­
tion. IIo insisted on tho vow of poverty, be­
cause without it tho spirit of Christ would be
wanting, and it would bo impossible to observe
the common life, which is tho mother of poverty.
“ If,” said ho, “ tho words mine and thine aro
found among brethren, great inconveniences will
result; they will go on the mission, not for God,
not to gain souls to Christ, but for emolument
and for themselves.”
All these opposing sentiments could not fail
to disturb his serenity ; ho spoko, he supplicated
in vain ; they shut their oars to all ho said.
Fearing a total shipwreck, ho had recourse to
prayer, while at tho same time he neglected no
human means.
lie consulted Mgr. Falcoja,
Father Pagano, and the Canon Torni, all of
whom looked upon it as a stratagem of tho devil.
They decidedly opposed Mandarini’s plan of
teaching, notwithstanding which, all tho others
joined him in sustaining this point.
These great diversities of opinions cooled their
charity, and this was particularly tho case with
Mandarini. Finding himself alono, Alphonso
wrote thus to Mgr. Falcoja : “ My father, it is
most painful for mo to associate with Mandarini ;
I have thought much of it lately, and it is tho
love of Jesus Christ alono that could render it
supportable ; thank God, who gives mo grace to
sustain my courage amid these storms. Seo what
I have deserved, ever since to obey God I have
left all and suffered tho reproaches of friends and
relations ; yet as you counsel me, I put my con-

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ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

fidencc in God, for all tho world has abandoned
me. My father, do not you abandon mo, for
without you what could I do ; command, and I
shall obey. 1 can say no more, only have pity
upon me.”
These discussions lasted long. Mandarini per­
sisted in his scheme for teaching, and thought
Alphonso ought to yield because tho others were
of his opinion. Ho remained firm however, and
at length all left him but Sportelli, and founded
a house at Tramonti, where they opened schools
for youth. But the powers of hell, who believed
they had gained a victory, were deceived ; for on
the one hand tho work of Alphonso suffered no
injury, and on the other, this apparently un­
fortunate separation gave birth to tho venerable
Congregation of the most Holy Sacrament, of
which Mandarini and his companions were the
authors, a Congregation which has produced
many men distinguished as instructors of youth,
and as spiritual directors.

CHAPTER V.

The withdrawal of Mandarini and his com­
panions is supposed to havo taken place about
tho March of tho year 1733, just four months
after they had met at Scala. This separation
was not made without deep regret, even on the
part of those who were its cause, for their in­
tentions were good, and they only differed with

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125

Alphonso on tho means of putting them in exe­
cution ; and these regrets augmented when dis­
tance and calm had effaced the agitation of
opposition. Mandarini arrived at Naples, con­
vinced of tho insufficiency of his friend’s schemes,
and determined to have nothing more to do with
them ; ho occupied himself with schemes of his
own : but seeing tho zeal of Alphonso, and the
abundant harvest it produced, Mandarini, anx­
ious if possible to persuade him to follow, wrote
to him in April, “ If your Reverence would only
como to us, we all most earnestly desire and
pray for a reunion ; it was not our intention to
separate, but to live united in the peace of Jesus
Christ, but if (as I will not believe) you persist
in remaining separate from us, it will be for us
tho greatest misfortune ; but I hope our Lord
and His good Mother will not permit it to hap­
pen.”
Although Alphonso saw himself abandoned
and almost alone, ho would not follow Manda­
rini ; despising human assistance, he fixed his
confidence on God only, and the result proved
the wisdom of acting thus. But though he had
endured the blow caused by these divisions with
all the strength of a soul which rests on God,
he did not the less feel a bitter sorrow. God
sustained him on the one hand, but on the other
the devil assailed him with suggestions full of
despair. It was but a few short weeks since
he had been surrounded by learned ami pious
men, united with him in a glorious enterprise
which commanded the admiration of the multi-

ir-

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ST. ALPHONSO LIGUO1U.

tudo, and now not one remained but Sportclli
and Vitus Curzius tho lay-brother.
These
gloomy thoughts filled him with sadness. Tho
rocks of Scala, once so dear to his heart, now
looked frowning and gloomy. He imagined ho
heard tho taunts and tho jeers uttered in tho sa­
loons of Naples, when the failure of his enterprise
became known, and he shuddered at the discredit
that would overwhelm him. Thoughts such as
these crushed his spirit. IIo stood balancing
between a confidence in God, which never desert­
ed him, and a diffidence in himself, which bowed
him to the earth. In the midst of his afflic­
tion ho thought of M. Falcoja. Ho sought
him at Castellamaro, certain of finding con­
solation and strength, and trusting in his
assistance to weather the storm ; but God
would not give him this comfort : he found
tho Bishop disgusted with tho whole affair.
Ho had upheld Alphonso in his enterprise, and
defended him against all his opponents ; but
at length, like the Canon Torni, ho became tired
and worn out with tho continual dissensions, and
wounded at tho disgrace which must fall upon
himself from tho failure of tho scheme. He re­
ceived him therefore with marked coldness ; and
before he had time to explain the object of his
visit, ho addressed him in those words : “ Vultis
et vos abiro. God has no need of you and your
companions ; if it bo His will that this work
should go on, Ho will raise up other labourers
to fill your place.” For a moment Alphonso
stood stupifiod by this reception, so different from

ST. ALPHONSO LIQUORI.

what ho had expected ; but immediately regain­
ing courage ho said, “ My Lord, I am well con­
vinced that the Almighty has no need of me or
of my labours ; notwithstanding I believe it to
bo His will that I should proceed in this work,
and singly and alone as I am, I shall yet suc­
ceed.” lie continued, “I have not left Naples,
I have not renounced tho world, to gain the glory
of founding a new order ; but to do tho will of
God and promote His glory.” This reply touch­
ed M. Falcoja deeply, and suddenly changing his
manner ho said, “ Put your confidence in God,
and lie will certainly bless your good intentions.”
On the whole ho returned to Scala much com­
forted by this interview ; but the devil would not
leave him in peace. D. Sportelli was often ne­
cessarily absent, and when he found himself alone
on this desert mountain, disgust, anxiety, and
depression assailed him more strongly than ever.
Ho knew whence these temptations came, and
ono day when they were at their height he
threw himself on his knees, and solemnly vowed
to consecrate himself irrevocably to the salvation
of destitute souls, even if he should remain al­
together alone. God evidently blessed this he­
roic action ; for from that moment his fears and
anxieties vanished, and ho felt himself filled with
courage, hope, and consolation. Even in his old
age, he could not remember without a shudder
the terrible struggle ho had then sustained ; and
he said to F. Dominic Corsano, his director, that
this and his separation from his father wore the
two most dreadful trials ho had ever undergone.

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ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

It was not without reason he had dreaded tho
effect this rupture would produce in Naples.
No sooner did it become known that the new
founder was abandoned by his companions, and
that the far-famed society was dissolved, than
every one laughed at and ridiculed the whole
proceeding, condemning the fanaticism of the
protended head of the Congregation, who had
blindly lent himself to the dreamy fancies of a
woman. They went the length of affirming, that
the Popo himself had interfered, and forbid­
den the establishment of such a Congregation.
And who would believe it ! even the pulpits re­
sounded with anathemas ; the preachers pretend­
ing to show by these events, to what an extent
even the most favoured individuals can go astray
when they allow themselves to bo caught in tho
snares of the devil, and to forget the precepts of
humility. They cited by name Alphonso de
Liguori, who, by a blind confidence in himself,
was entangled in illusions most dangerous to his
salvation. At this crisis even his friends were
silenced by their own share of the contempt and
mockery which they received. No one dared to
defend him ; no one was to be found in all
Naples who would say one word in defence of
him or his advisers. Father Fiorillo alone saw
that all this was the work of tho devil, and con­
tinued to be convinced that God would uphold
His own work.
Tho Cardinal Pignatelli was
not the last to be informed of the overthrow of
the enterprise ; he pitied Alphonso, but he did
not condemn him. “There was nothing repre-

ST. alphonso liguori.

129

hcnsible in it, ” he said ; “ but who can know
the judgments of God?” and touched by the
embarrasment in which ho found himself, he de­
sired the Canon Torni to recall him to Naples.
Every one can imagine the reception Alphon­
so had to expect in this city, and how much it
must have cost him to return at such a moment.
On all sides ho saw himself contemned and
turned into ridicule ; his simple presence there
was a triumph for his enemies, and he felt he was
an object of aversion even to his relations and
friends. Tho Canon Matthew Gizzio refused to
see him or hear his name mentioned. Father
Ripa would have nothing to do with him, and
it was tho same with many others who had once
held him in tho highest veneration.
He went to the Cardinal accompanied by the
Canon Torni. This wise prelate was afflicted to
bear of the number of lies that had been circu­
lated against him. The Canon, who wished to
retain Alphonso at Naples, remarked, that if
this work had been pleasing to God He would
not have withdrawn tho means of carrying it
into execution ; and that surely he could bo more
useful at Naples than elsewhere. These words
wore a new temptation to him, but ho would
not yield to it, and far from being cast down
he replied with entire confidence, “ Wo have
reason to be convinced that the devil is the au­
thor of what has happened at Scala ; but it
must not be said that I have allowed myself to
be conquered because tho demon has come
across my path. It my first companions have
9

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ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

deserted mo, that is no reason why other zealous
priests should not bo found ; but bo that as it
may, I do not hesitate even alone to sacrifice
myself for the good of destitute souls scattered
through the villages and hamlets of this king­
dom.” The Cardinal could not help admiring
tho heroism of this speech, and turning towards
the Canon, ho said, “ It will not do to aban­
don Scala just yet ; let us have recourse to God
in order to know His holy will.” Then encou­
raging Alphonso ho continued, “ Trust in God,
put no confidence in man, for it is God who will
help you.” lie approved his constancy, and ad­
vised him against a reunion with those who had
already separated themselves from him.
Consoled by tho sentiments of tho Cardinal,
ho returned to Scala full of hope and confi­
dence ; while the opinions expressed by his Emi­
nence disconcerted those who railed against him,
and reduced them to silence.

CHAPTER VI.

H -À

» s,

When the tempest had abated, and peace had
returned to the soul of Alphonso, he enjoyed
in tho solitude of Scala an anticipated Para­
dise. Their number consisted of three, D.
Sportelli, who was still a lay-man, Vitus Cur­
tius, the lay-brother, and himself. Curtius
was necessarily often left alone, notwith­
standing he regularly rung the bell for the

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131

Office at the hours fixed upon, to the great edi­
fication of tlio little town. Always assiduous in
the church, lie was there at the earliest hour
of the morning, regretting he could not pass the
night there. Although alone, he performed all
his duties as if there had been a multitude of
religious.
In this solitude Alphonso reposed in the bo­
som of his God, and he soon had tho consola­
tion of seeing his convent frequented by new sub­
jects, who aspired to enter the Congregation.
Rejoicing to find his hopes realised, the fervent
community resembled a little Paradise. Writing
to a friend in July, 1733, he says, “Our novices
think neither of country, nor friends, nor even of
sufferings ; all their desire is to love God and
perfectly conform themselves to His will.”
About this time they quitted the hospice of
the nuns for a house called Anastasius, but
equally poor with tho first. Ono who saw it de­
scribes it as follows: “There was one small par­
lour, in which Alphonso had made an oratory
and erected a crucifix so beautifully carved that
it drew tears from the eyes. The bishop had ar­
ranged for the church a square apartment under
ground, which looked more like a burial vault
than a chapel. Poverty reigned everywhere,
in the house and in tho church ; they had not
even a tabernacle for tho Blessed Sacrament,
and Alphonso placed it in a box ornamented
with ribbons and silk drapery. The altar was
also poor, but they embellished it as well as they
could with roses and bouquets of artificial flowers.

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Alphonso and his companions passed tho greater
part of tho night there, taking a little repose on
the bare earth before the Blessed Sacra H ent. >>
After Mandarini and his companions quitted
Scala, the spirit of penitence and prayer reign­
ed there as before, and if possible increased when
new disciples arrived. All breathed self-denial
and mortification, Alphonso as usual signalizing
himself among the others ; ho was the soul of tho
house, each one feeling himself impelled to im­
itate him. At tho side of the house of Anastasius was a half-ruined grotto, where every day
he submitted his body to tho most rigorous pen­
ances. There is a tradition preserved among
the inhabitants, that while ho was chastising his
body tho Blessed Virgin appeared to him, and
bestowed upon him many special favours. In
after years, when he had attained to an extreme
old age, he still sighed after this beloved grotto,
and could never detach himself from tho hallow­
ed remembrance. Whenever he returned to visit
Scala ho sought his cherished grotto, exclaiming,
“ 0 my grotto, my beloved grotto, why can I not
possess thee now as in times long past!” In
short, this grotto was for him tho mystic cellar,
out of which ho camo inebriated with Love
Divine, and burning with desire to promote tho
glory of God.
Four months had scarcely elapsed since the
departure of Mandarini, when Alphonso with his
new companions found himself in a position to
give missions in tho neighbouring dioceses until
the Christmas of that year. In the meantime

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133

ho had boon joined by tho priest Sarnelli of Ciorani, with whom lie was united by the most inti­
mate ties of friendship; and in January follow­
ing, ho yielded to his pressing solicitations, and
accompanied him to the territory of Ciorani.
The inhabitants of this country never lost the
remembrance of this first visit, in which they
were edified as much by the holy example of these
two friends, as by tho instructions they gave.
They spent but a few days there, being called
by the Bishop of Cajazzo to make a mission in
his diocese. The general reformation of man­
ners which followed, excited the most ardent
longing for their establishing a house in that dio­
cese, but they were not yet sufficiently numerous.
At Formicola, in tho principality of Columbano,
was a house with a church adjoining, extremely
well suited for the Congregation; and among those
who were most anxious to see them established
there, was a young nobleman, Xavier Rossi, belonging to a patrician family at Capua. He
exerted himself to the ut H ost, sent for an archi­
tect to arrange the necessary alterations and
repairs, and soon tho building was begun at his
own expense. Xavier had received priest’s orders,
and Alphonso, delighted with the purity of soul
ho found in him, said one day, “Don Xavier,
it is first of all yourself whom God wishes to
have, and afterwards this foundation.” It was a
prophecy fulfilled somewhat later ; for at this mo­
ment, though filled with admiration for the life
led by Alphonso and his companions, he had
not the courage to imitate them. But after a

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while, a sudden movement of grace led him to
Alphonso one morning as he was about to say
mass ; Xavier served, and as ho afterwards said,
when he saw at tho altar not a man, but a
Seraph, ho felt impelled in spite of himself to
follow him. Alphonso saw his emotion, and earn­
estly prayed tho sacred heart of Jesus to cap­
tivate his young protector ; his prayers were so
effectual that the moment the mass was finished,
Xavier threw himself at his feet, desiring to bo
admitted into his Congregation.
Ho would
prove his sincerity by delay, but he gave so
many proofs of strong determination, that ho
soon admitted him to his novitiate. He afterwards became a corner-stone in the new-born
Congregation, and died a Saint after having ren­
dered the greatest services.
This foundation exactly suited tho views of
Alphonso, being situated on the confines of four
dioceses, surrounded by a great number of villa­
ges, and a thickly-peopled country. At the be­
ginning of March the building was so far ad­
vanced that they could inhabit it. Four apart­
ments level with the ground, resting against the
church, which had formerly been occupied by
hermits, wore given to the Missionaries, and four
chaplainships were assigned to them with a rev­
enue from each, of one carlino a-day, that is,
fourpence halfpenny of our money. The Church
was public property, and tho Fathers merely
had tho uso of it for their ministry. This was
certainly but little with which to found an estab­
lishment of Missionaries ; but Alphonso looked

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135

for souls, not for money, and contented himself
with a small and poor house distinguished from
others only by a belfry, after the example of
St. Theresa, whose life he loved to imitate.
No sooner was the house established than he
undertook different good works to promote the
salvation of tho people in the neighbourhood.
Ho gave frequent missions. Every Thursday
the Blessed Sacrament was solemnly exposed,
and a sermon preached. On Saturday there was
a sermon in honour of the Blessed Virgin. And
Sunday scarcely sufficed for all that was to be
done. In tho morning a confraternity of men
met in tho Church ; during the day there was
a sermon followed by “the Way of tho Cross.”
Tho children were assembled for instruction,
and alms were distributed to tho poor. Every
day of tho week they met with the people for
mental prayer in tho morning, and in the even­
ing for a visit to the Blessed Sacrament.
While tho building continued to go on the
people eagerly assisted in tho work, and even
some of tho neighbouring nobles might bo seen
mingling with tho others in carrying materials.
Alphonso was tho first to show tho example,
labouring like a simple workman ; and when tho
gentlemen insisted on his stopping, ho replied,
“This is nothing, I wish to have my share of
merit with the others.” It happened one day
that a poor woman was carrying a largo stono,
when another equally largo fell from tho
building upon her head ; every ono thought
the blow was mortal, but Alphonso, who saw

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the accident from a distance, entered the
church, and addressed himself to the Blessed
Virgin : his prayer was heard, tho woman
rose up unhurt.
None were more zealous
than the young novice Rossi ; not only did lie
give all he could call his own, but ho also wont
about the country bogging alms for the work,
lie laboured incessantly, without regard to the
excessive heat or tho streams that interrupted
his passage.
Alphonso remained until tho month of August,
and boro ho had tho happiness of receiving John
Mazzini, who had so long boon wishing to join
him. Such was his opinion of this father’s sanc­
tity and wisdom, that ho immediately made him
rector of tho new house. But his joy on this
occasion had its usual mixture of sorrow ; for
ho lost at this time a young clerk of great merit,
whoso friends violently forced him away. Mi­
chael Altcriis had lately joined the Congregation,
and his father, irritated because of tho noise this
event made in tho world, came to tho house with
a body of police to carry him off. Alphonso
helped him to escape during the night ; but his
friends and relations were so enraged that tho
Cardinal advised his being sent back to his
family. “ This victory will cost them dear,” said
Alphonso ; and hardly had the young man re­
turned to his father, when tho eldest son died.
“ I have carried one off from God,” he exclaimed
in his despair, “and God has carried one off
from me.” Michael afterwards became an in­
defatigable labourer in tho Lord’s vineyard, and

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137

died in tho odour of sanctity, as stated in his
Memoirs, published soon after his death.
The life which. Alphonso led with his brethren
in this new house, “ Tho Villa of Slaves,” was
equally admirable with the life he had led at
Scala. An eye-witness reports that every day
he ate on his knees, with a heavy stone hung
round his neck; his food usually consisted of
simplo pottago, seasoned with bitter herbs ; be­
sides taking tho discipline in common, ho took
it privately every day, and the walls of his room
were covered with blood ; the hair-cloth ho wore
was so heavy ho could hardly walk ; his sleep
was short, a stone served him for a pillow, and
his straw mattress was so thin, ho might be said
to sleep on tho boards. His humility was ex­
traordinary: before and after meals he kissed tho
feet of all ; he never used a razor, but cut his
board with a pair of scissors ; his cassock was
so worn and mended that tho original form could
hardly bo recognised ; ho never went on horse­
back, but always on foot or on a mule, which ho
said was good enough for him. A profound si­
lence was generally observed in tho house ; to­
wards, evening they all mot together to converse
on eternal truths, and tho hour of recreation
after their frugal supper was still an uninter­
rupted conference on spiritual subjects. Such
was the species of life led by Alphonso and his
companions, and besides tho three meditations
which they made every day in common, ho was
continually in prayer, and spoke only when ab­
solutely necessary.

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ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

This now house attracted a great many priests
and young men into tho Congregation ; every­
where they spoke of tho sanctity of Alphonso,
exciting each other to join him ; but as ono of
the fathers remarked, if subjects presented them­
selves in crowds, they withdrew in crowds also,
for few could sustain a life so painful from the
extreme poverty they practised. His former
companions, Tosquez and Mandarini, pursued
a different route. A brother of Tosquez hav­
ing died at Vienna, he went there to superin­
tend the arrangement of his affairs. On his way
he visited the Popo, Clement XII., to obtain a
dispensation to bo promoted to tho priesthood.
On his arrival at Vienna, he showed so much
talent for tho administration of political affairs,
that tho Popo hearing of it, made him, on his
return, inspector of all tho ports on the Adri­
atic situated in tho Roman States. Every week
he had a privato audience which gave him ad11 jssion to the Council of Cardinals charged with
civil affairs. It was thus that from a mission­
ary and founder of a now order in the Church,
ho became a financier and minister of state.
He repented of tho absurd projects ho had sug­
gested to Alphonso, and often spoke of him in
tho highest terms to his Holiness, who took in
consequence a great interest in his success, and
promised to second his laudable designs with
all his power. Sometime after Mandarini came
to Rome, and equally regretting tho divisions
that had happened, ho went with Tosquez to the
Pope to render justice to Alphonso. They told

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139

his Holiness of tho zeal which animated him, his
great labours, the destitution of tho people to
whom ho had devoted himself, tho number of
houses he had founded with his small means’;
and the Tope, delighted with all he heard, again
promised to do everything ho could for him.
Upon this Mandarini wrote to Alphonso, urging
him to come to Rome immediately, because of
the favourable dispositions expressed towards
him by the Pope. But he saw no advantage to
bo obtained from this at the present juncture,
and ho sent a polite but indecisive reply.

CHAPTER VII.
When the now foundation of the Villa do’ Schiavi (of tho Slaves) was sufficiently consolidated,
Alphonso returned to the house at Scala. Tho
good that had been done during his absence by
Doctor, now Father Sportclli, gave him great
consolation, which was increased by finding many
candidates for tho novitiate awaiting him with
impatience. In tho course of the autumn ho
gave several missions in tho neighbourhood and
elsewhere. In January, 1735, he returned to the
territory of Cajazzo, visiting tho house of tho
Villa do’ Schiavi ; where he remained some time.
At tho request of Mgr. Santoro ho consented
rather unwillingly to preach tho Lent in tho
Cathedral of Scala, when he also gave retreats in
the parish of St. Catharine, and to the nuns of

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ST. ALPHONSO LIOÜORI.

St. Cataldo. He then returned again to tho
Villa.
There had been doubtless some hidden reason
which induced F. Sarnelli to lead Alphonso into
the territory of Ciorani, and this now began to
manifest itself. He ardently desired to see a
house of the Congregation established in that ba­
rony, especially as tho neighbourhood was thick­
ly peopled.
God blessed his good intentions;
for no sooner did the Curate, Angelo Guadiello,
learn tho good that was done in tho neighbour­
ing parishes, than both ho and his flock desired
ardently to have them. No ono entered more
into the spirit of this plan than the brother of
F. Sarnelli, Don Andrew. He persuaded his fa­
ther, tho Baron, of the immense advantages that
would result, and easily obtained his consent,
lie then set himself to procure the means of
carrying it into execution, and by tho month of
April he had secured for their maintenance a rent
of one hundred ducats, which was afterwards
increased to three hundred, and at last to five
hundred.
When tho Archbishop of Salerno was informed
of what was going on at Ciorani, his joy was
boundless, and an agreement was immediately
made with him. After all was settled Alphonso,
with the fathers Mazzini and Rossi, returned to
Ciorani in the month of May, 1735. Their re­
ception was flattering. Four miserable donkeys
formed their equipage, but an immense concourse
of people awaited them at the entrance into the
barony. The curate with his clerks were there,

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141

and hundreds of men carrying muskets, which
they fired off at intervals amidst shouts and ex­
clamations of, “Here comes the holy missionary!”
accompanied by clergy and people he proceeded
to tho parochial church, while the bells rung
peals of rejoicing. At tho sight of such a multi­
tude he mounted tho pulpit, and taking for the
subject of his discourse tho motive of his com­
ing—tho salvation of their souls—ho preached
with such powerful effect that every heart was
penetrated with compunction.
Tho Baron invited him to his house, but that
day he would take no repose ; the sick who were
unable to leave their houses sighed for a visit
from the servant of God, and overflowing with
charity ho would not delay gratifying their de­
sire. It was late in the evening before he re­
turned to the Baron’s chateau.
Next day
ho received tho felicitations of tho curates
of tho neighbouring parishes, and many gen­
tlemen of the country. On tho evening of
this day he opened the mission. Tho people
ran thither in such crowds that tho church,
though spacious, could not contain them. At
tho sight of Alphonso, so poor, so humble, so
full of the spirit of God, no one could resist
him ; every heart was touched, even tho most
hardened, and tho conversions wore innumerable.
On all sides voices were raised to bless and
thank God for sending those missionaries among
them.
The habitation which tho Baron had given
them, besides a sort of cellar which served for a

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ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

kitchen, consisted only of two rooms, larger
however than those of Scala. After a while
they found themselves so crowded that tho Ba­
ron gave them two other apartments, but in
passing from tho one to tho other they were
obliged to cross an open court, which was a
great inconvenience, particularly in winter; be­
sides, these places had only planks for tho ex­
terior wall, through the chinks of which the cold
wind entered.
In addition to this annoyance
they wore situated above a public-house and a
prison, a neighbourhood not exactly fitted for
men devoted to prayer and retirement.
On tho left side of one of these rooms, Al­
phonso, with tho permission of the Archbishop,
erected a small Oratory, reserving tho throe
others for sleeping apartments. Tho furniture
of tho whole was miserable enough, and so far
from having superfluities, absoluto necessaries
were wanting. Ho rejoiced in these discomforts,
and the others shared in his joy, happy in par­
ticipating in tho sorrows and sufferings of Jesus
Christ. Their Oratory
was for them a little
*
heaven. It was there during the night, oftener
than during the day, Alphonso poured out his
soul into tho bosom of his God.
He established at Ciorani the same pious prac­
tices which were in use at Scala and Villa dei
Schiavi. The exercises were inado in the paro­
chial Church, but the concourse of people being
as great as on feast days, tho missionaries had
scarcely time to eat or sleep. They heard confes­
sions from morning till evening, but as tho people

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came very early in the morning and disturbed the
poor old curate, who could get no sleep from tho
noise, Alphonso was at the expense of repairing
the old Church of St. Sophia, annexed to the
signorial palace, and met the people there. As
all the inhabitants of the neighbouring villages
could not come to Ciorani, he sent missionaries
on feast days, to tho great comfort of the sick
and tho infirm.
It was not long before the barony of Sarnelli
was completely reformed.
Ciorani no longer
was what it had been, for the inhabitants began
to resemble the first Christians, who edified tho
Church in its infancy. Quarrels and hatreds were
banished ; the language and behaviour of tho
young men became pure ; the young women no
longer sung loose and profano songs, but pious
canticles which Alphonso composed himself.
When the inhabitants met, they saluted each
other, saying, “Praise bo to Jesus and Mary.”
The little children were taught by their mothers,
and lisped this salutation when they met tho
priests. No more imprecations were heard in
tho village ; tho public-house was deserted, and
all improper games were forbidden. The seeds
of salvation sown in this territory -were so abun­
dant that the fruits of them are still to be seen.
While such glorious works were progressing
tho devil could not look quietly on ; accordingly
he set to work by exciting the jealousy of tho
neighbouring curates, who saw their churches
deserted, especially the lukewarm among them,
who felt themselves reproached by tho fervour

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of tho Missionaries. They wore joined by cer­
tain mendicant friars, who were jealous of tho
alms they received. In short, tho multitude of
their enemies beset tho Archbishop, who began
to doubt whether ho ought not to suppress the
house. But in the end they became quiet, and
the Archbishop definitely authorised the foundatain on tho 12th of December, 1735, to tho great
satisfaction of tho dioceso.
Tosquez and Mandarini now began to recognise
tho pernicious effects of their division, and al­
though they had got the approbation of the
Sovereign Pontiff for their establishments, they
were not very successful, and continually wrote
to Alphonso on tho subject of a reunion ; ho did
not soo tho propriety of such a measure, but
gave no decided answer until ho had weighed
tho matter maturely, but at length ho wrote a
definite answer. “It is true,” ho said, “that
it promises much, but I doubt whether these
promises would ever be realized. First impres­
sions are not easily effaced, and what wo retract
to-day, we recommence to-morrow, and when
tho spirit is cooled the fairest promises are for­
gotten.” Abuvo all, ho remembered tho advice
of the Cardinal Pignatclli against this reunion,
and the affair was for over broken off.

CHAPTER VIII.
"il*
/
F. 3

From tho time tho Congregation of Alphonso
was established at Ciorani, the neighbouring

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145

parishes felt the effects of his zeal in the num­
ber of missions ho gave. Ho visited also popu­
lous towns, although his numbers were so small,
but their indefatigable zeal supplied the deficien­
cy. Ono mission was sufficient to produce a
thorough reformation of morals ; restitutions
were made, enmities abolished, and the people
said tho sight of him alone was sufficient to
excite compunction.
The Archbishop of Salerno, struck by the good
which was done, and tho very small expense
necessary to lodge such missionaries, since they
were content with a morsel of bread and a
corner in the sacristy, gave Alphonso license to
to go where he would, commanding the curates,
at the same time, to show them every respect
and attention. The greater number were eager
to have them, and Alphonso had difficulty in ac­
cepting the numerous invitations ; but there were
others who received them with a very ill grace,
and even repulsed them. On one occasion he
had fixed the day for giving a mission in a
parish ; on his arrival the curate met him, and
without asking him to dismount from his ass,
refused to permit him ; but beginning to fear
the anger of tho Archbishop, he tried to palliate
his conduct, by mentioning a future period when
the mission might be held. Alphonso showed no
discontent, but calmly answered, “Your Reve­
rence believes tho mission can be held at that
time ; but I assure you you will not be in a
condition to receive me then.
The curate did
not understand these words, but before the time
io

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ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

appointed, although in the prime of life, he had
paid the debt of nature.
AX c have already seen the miserable accommo­
dation they had at Ciorani. Scarcely were they
settled, however, when the people saw with re­
gret tho inconveniences of their habitation, and
all wished to commence building a new one, at
whatever cost to themselves. The Baron gave
up to them a building in another part of his
property, which ho had destined for a different
purpose, and added somo ground for a garden.
No sooner was this done than men and women
camo from all quarters to assist. Somo carried
stones and wood, other constructed a furnace to
make bricks, and tho sons of tho Baron, with the
curate and the priests, laboured as hard as the
people. Tho building advanced as if by en­
chantment, and every ono admired how tho peo­
ple, ignorant in such works, nevertheless laboured
as skilfully as if they had been masters ; they
appreciated tho anxiety of Alphonso for their
immortal souls, and would return zeal for zeal.
Even on feast days they worked hard with tho
permission of the Archbishop, and on these occa­
sions they were joined by regular workmen from
all quarters.
One may say that the practice of holy exer­
cises was brought to perfection at Ciorani ; for
in spite of tho annoyances of tho locality in
which they dwelt, many persons, both priests
and lay-men, came to place themselves under the
direction of Alphonso. The renown of his vir­
tues spread everywhere.
Many persons of

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147

quality belonging to St. Severino and tho neigh­
bourhood, seeing tho effect produced upon others,
ardently desired to have a species of mission for
themselves ; he agreed to their wishes, and as
tho Baron Angelo was then in Naples, he ob­
tained permission to give the mission in tho
great hall of tho castle, and also that those gen­
tlemen who were too far distant from home should
remain all night. Many ecclesiastics assisted at
this mission, and tho fruits were seen in their
redoubled ardour for tho souls of men ; while
the gentlemen returned home to edify all by tho
reformation of their lives and manners.
Tho young priest, Andrew Viliam, was among
tho number, a descendant of the Dukes of Sacco
della Polla. Convinced by meditating on eternal
truths that tho world is deceitful and full of
snares, he took tho resolution of quitting it and
consecrating himself to God in this new Congre­
gation. Alphonso rejoiced in tho acquisition of
such a subject ; but to remove him from his fam­
ily, ho sent him to tho Villa to make his novitiato. 1 Io afterwards became a model of sanctity
and a foundation-stone in the new-born Congre­
gation.
Alphonso took every care to make tho people
lovo holy exercises, and all rejoiced in tho good
they produced. Many ecclesiastics camo during
the year, but chiefly in Lent, to make retreats,
and magistrates, nobles, and princes came also,
besides many prelates with their clerks. Alphon­
so attached the greatest importance to tho holy
exercises of a retreat for all conditions of men,

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and tho fruits which always accompany them
prove his wisdom. To tho day of his death he
never ceased to urge their importance and ne­
cessity.
Tho house at Ciorani was prospering miracu­
lously, when the devil again assailed it. Pro­
fiting by the injudicious zeal of F. Sarnelli, who,
in his anxiety for tho support of the Congrega­
tion, suggested to tho Archbishop, that as so many
curates profited by tho labours of tho missiona­
ries, each should contribute a trifle towards their
support. Nothing more was necessary to excite
a hue and cry. Tho curates keenly opposed tho
measure, and not only did they look upon Al­
phonso with an evil eye, but they set themselves
by all means to have tho Congregation chased
out of tho territory. The curate of Ciorani was
asked to lend his aid, but the good old man re­
plied, “ What ! these holy priests who labour in­
cessantly in my parish ; would you have me de­
prive my people of such great help!” Unsuc­
cessful in this quarter, their enemies reported
to the Archbishop of Salerno, that under pre­
tence of zeal and devotedness they only sought
to enrich themselves at the expense of the legit­
imate pastors, and that they ought to be imme­
diately expelled from the diocese. Tho Arch­
bishop smiled at this, and said, “ I know Alphon­
so de Liguori ; he and I resemble each other in
reference to fortune ; I know he has quitted the
world not from necessity, but from choice, and
that if he has any anxiety it is not about tem­
poral interests, but to gain souls and secure his

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

149

own salvation.” On this occasion the inhabi­
tants of Ciorani showed their affection for Alphon­
so and his companions. As soon as they heard
of the complaints made against them, they sent
a deputation to tho Archbishop to vouch for tho
zeal and disinterestedness of the good missiona­
ries. Tho prelate was much annoyed by the
outcry of tho curates, and declared that he took
the missionaries under his own immediate protec­
tion, as the work to which they had devoted
themselves was most advantageous to the souls
confided to his care. This storm having abated,
the curates who were most opposed to Alphonso
were tho first to profit by his labours ; he made
missions in the different parishes, and the fruits
of his zeal were abundant as ever. That the
good done might be lasting, he never failed to
inculcate and establish different pious practices,
such as frequenting tho Sacraments, visits to the
Blessed Sacrament and to our Blessed Lady.
In the course of tho retreats which he gave
about this time, a striking event occurred to
prove how God watched over him and protected
him. Speaking of the enormity of sin in priests,
because of the greater light they received than
others, ho concluded by quoting the words of
St. John Chrysostom, “In sacerdotio peccasti,
periisti.” At these words a bold ecclesiastic
replied, to tho great scandal of all who heard
him, “Nego consequentiam.” This miserable
man soon experienced tho consequence : next
morning, when ho approached tho altar to say
mass, as he began the Psalm, “Judica me,
Deus,” he dropped down dead.

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ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

CHAPTER IX.

After having given numerous missions in tho
course of the year 1737, Alphonso, at tho press­
ing entreaty of tho Superior of tho Propaganda,
went to Naples for the mission to be opened in
the Church of the Holy Spirit, on the 26th of
October. They were so anxious to have him,
that in the fear of his refusing because of tho
contradictions and vexations he had endured at
their hands, they addressed themselves to Mgr.
Falcoja, his director. It has been said, that a
volume might bo filled with the conversions he
made on this occasion. This mission cost him
much trouble, but he did not grudge it, and
when it was finished, instead of taking some
repose, he proceeded immediately to visit Ainalfi.
The recollection of tho good ho performed still
remains. He found at Masini a poor woman
whose son had been most cruelly assassinated.
The most influential persons had besought her
to pardon the murderer, but she constantly re­
fused. She went to hear Alphonso preach, and
was so touched by tho sermon, that the same
evening she brought to the church a written
declaration that she pardoned the criminal, and
publicly laid it at the foot of the crucifix.
Throughout the neighbourhood ho gave missions,
which reclaimed multitudes of sinners, and im­
pelled tho virtuous to strive after a higher de­
gree of sanctity.

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

151

At this time ho was called by Mgr. de Liguori,
his uncle, to St. Lucy, in tho dioceso of Cava.
Tho inhabitants woro very immoral in their lives,
and in great want of spiritual assistance. But
“ where sin abounded, grace did much more
abound.” Abuses were extirpated ; nothing was
spoken of but pardoning injuries, making resti­
tutions, and repairing scandals : and so well did
he convince them of the merit of chastity, that
he filled the young with love for this virtue,
and upwards of fifty young ladies protested they
would no longer think of marriage, but would
consecrate themselves to God. They carried
their resolve into execution, and united them­
selves into a Congregation under the direction
of a zealous priest : they were soon joined by
many others attracted by their noble example.
Tho Bishop of Cajazzo was rejoicing in tho
blessings dispersed through his diocese by means
of Alphonso and his missionaries from their
establishment at tho Villa. Tho buildings were
nearly finished, and they had already begun
to give retreats.
Tho house was filled with
priests and young candidates for the ministry,
whom Alphonso directed in the way of the Lord.
His companions were visiting tho country around,
extirpating sin and planting virtue. A Congre­
gation of artisans had been established, which
already numbered moro than two hundred bro­
thers, whose zeal and fervour made them mission­
aries throughout tho neighbourhood. The froquentation of tho Sacraments became general,
and many individuals were arriving at a high

152

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ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

degree of prayer. Tho Bishop’s joy was at its
height, when all at onco a storm arose which
overthrew his hopes, withering those blossoms
which promised such abundant fruits for eternity.
There were in tho country certain individuals
who could not enduro to have their vices cen­
sured, among others a man who led a life openly
immoral ; and not enduring to have his conduct
animadverted upon, and doubtless instigated by
tho devil, ho conspired tho ruin of the missiona­
ries. All the wealth of this house, as wo have
already seen, consisted of four miserable chap­
lainships, which brought each ono carlino a-day ;
under pretext of defending tho interests of the
priests of tho country, this man began to exclaim
aloud against tho missionaries for coming thither
to cat tho bread belonging to tho inhabitants,
and getting money by extra masses, a source
of profit to which tho legitimate pastors had the
right. Pecuniary interest being thus brought
into play, tho clergy with their relations and
friends were excited, tho clamour became gene­
ral, and tho most gross and injurious expressions
were employed against them.
Tho calumnies
augmented, and at length their morals were at­
tacked. They were described as so many hyp­
ocrites, whose preaching and lives were at vari­
ance. Tho Father Liguori himself was pointed
out as ono who made a traffic of his pretended
sanctity. But the iniquity did not stop here :
they went so far as to say that tho missionaries
intrigued with a woman whom they pointed out,
and received her into tho convent by night ;

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

153

and this wretched creature lent herself to tho
calumny, defaming Alphonso even more than
the others, and showing presents which she pre­
tended to have received from them. These cal­
umnies made little impression upon him ; he
know persecution always accompanied works un­
dertaken for God ; he contented himself with
prescribing to the community still more circum­
spection in their conduct, and more frequent re­
currence to penitence and prayer. The wicked
man and his accomplices, after having filled all
hearts with gloomy doubts, at last succeeded in
prejudicing the Baron himself. When Alphonso
saw the storm increasing he feared an explosion,
and went to the Baron to claim his protection ;
but it was too late, his mind was already poi­
soned ; and as soon as ho saw him approach ho
permitted these words to escape : “ What have
wo hero, ono of those filthy hermits?” and im­
mediately dismissed him with still greater con­
tempt.
This scene was soon reported, and filled tho
enemies of Alphonso with joy, making them
redouble their efforts to expel him and his com­
panions. They now no longer confined them­
selves to outrageous words ; they took bolder
steps, and solicited the tribunals of Naples to
interfere in different ways, but could gain no­
thing there, Alphonso and his companions being
too well known. They at last had recourse to
violence. Ono of tho lay-brothers going in tho
morning to tho church to sound the Angelus,
was mot by ono of tho wardens, accompanied

154

ST. ALPHONSO LIQUORI.

by several people ; they forced the keys from
his hands, locked tho church, and sent him back
to tho house loaded with reproaches. But fear­
ing tho people might take part with the mis­
sionaries and force open the door, thejr placed
persons with loaded muskets on the belfry, to
prevent approach. Their rage increasing they
besieged the house, and without exception inter­
dicted all communication with those within. This
situation becoming every day less endurable, their
friends at Naples advised them to abandon the
Villa. This determination being taken, the Bish­
op wept with regret, the poor people were not
less disconsolate, and the surrounding villages
were in mourning. On the night of the 10th of
Juno, 1737, the missionaries shook tho dust from
their shoes, and left the Villa to return to Cajazzo
and say farewell to tho Bishop, a parting accom­
panied by many tears.
God did not permit this wickedness to pass
unpunished. The wretched woman who had ac­
cused Alphonso and his companions, had her
tongue eaten by worms, and was reduced to such
a condition that she could not receive the Sa­
craments : she was seized with the most dreadful
remorse of conscience for her horrible calumnies,
and publicly avowed all she had said was but an
infamous invention. Nicolas Masucci, λνΐιο had
joined in the conspiracy, died soon after in de­
spair uttering the most frightful cries. John Bap­
tiste Riccardi, one of the principal persecutors,
terminated his life in the most terrible convul­
sions, and howling like a maniac. Peter Isolda,

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

Who had sought out tho falso witnesses and writ­
ten down their testimony, had his hand with­
ered, and his only son died soon after ; he then
became an idiot and expired in great misery.
Another healthy young man, Peter Taotillo, fell
down dead immediately after the departure of
Alphonso ; and a certain Anthony Masello, who,
for a sack of grain which our chief persecutor,
Carmen Festa, had promised him, attested all tho
calumnies, died in impenitence. Not one of those
who had a hand in the persecution of the mis­
sionaries escaped the Divine Justice. One only
seemed for the moment to have escaped, as if
God in His mercy would leave him more time to
repent because he was the most guilty. Carmen
Festa, that wicked man whose scandalous life
and corrupt soul had produced all these evils,
remained deaf to a warning sent him by Heaven.
Scarcely had tho missionaries quitted the Villa,
when a tremendous storm arose ; the lightning
flashed, and a thunderbolt fell at the feet of this
man as ho sat in his room ; it stunned him, and
for some little time he remained without sense
or motion. When he camo to himself he would
not recognise the warning ; before long he fell
into disgrace with his prince, was ill used and
persecuted, and within a year after tho de­
parture of Alphonso he was found one morning
lying dead under his bed and bathed in blood.

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ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

12

CHAPTER X.

»*
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* ’ 'lS
$

A vast field now presented itself for the la­
bours of Alphonso ; ho gave missions throughout
the country ; everywhere reaping the most abun­
dant harvest.
It was in tho Barony of St.
George’s, at the little village of Ajillo, that God
poured out the most extraordinary graces.
Scandals disappeared, taverns were deserted, and
churches filled. Hero ho established as usual
many devotional practices, and there was not
a house where they did not say the Rosary.
Tho ecclesiastics felt tho benefit of this mis­
sion, to which many among them owed their
conversion.
It was at this place tho Blessed Virgin was
pleased to give a public testimony of her love for
Alphonso. What had happened at Scala in tho
secret of the grotto, was repeated in presence of
an assembled multitude. Ono evening while ho
was preaching on the glories of Mary, and exci­
ting the people to honour her, ho was ravished
in ecstasy and raised some palms from the pulpit ;
at the same time, rays of glory proceeded from
a statue of tho Virgin and rested on the head of
her chosen servant.
It may bo imagined in
what esteem tho people held his sanctity, after
a grace so distinguished, and how deeply his
words must have penetrated their hearts.
So many Bishops having already profited by

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

his labours, it was but just Mgr. Falcoja should
have his share. Ho accordingly visited Castellamare, a town which was in great want of
spiritual succour, its maritime commerce bring­
ing strangers from all parts, which necessarily
corrupted morals. He took with him nine com­
panions, and remained long, because of tho
great necessity of tho people. Multitudes were
converted, among whom were many unfortunate
women. Smuggling was discouraged, and the
magical practices in use among the sailors were
abolished. Tho whole town breathed an air of
devotion, tho churches were crowded, and tho
Sacraments frequented.
Tho now house of Ciorani was not long in
being built, thanks to the care of F. Rossi, and
the inhabitants who had it so much at heart.
Every ono thought tho rapidity with which it
had been erected quite miraculous ; but the F.
Sportelli remarked, that the greatest miracle was
to sec it standing and not falling to the ground,
considering how it had been got up.
As soon as it was finished, and tho small
church erected, they abandoned that of St. So­
phia, but in this as in everything else belonging
to them, poverty predominated. Devotion and
piety, however, were its ornaments. It was ded­
icated to tho Blessed Virgin, and in it Alphonso
placed that beloved statue of her which had
been his companion in those retreats ho made at
Naples in tho house of D. de Alteriis. He also,
with the permission of the Archbishop, arranged
a chapel, spacious but poor, in which to give

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ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

retreats to tho candidates for ordination, and the
numerous ecclesiastics and laymen who usually
assisted on such occasions. The convenience of­
fered by the new house drew strangers there at
all times, especially in general missions, so that
Alphonso and his companions had often to sleep
on tho floor, in an apartment where tho oveu
stood.
Tho number of penitents who flocked to Ciorani was so great, that on tho death of the Bish­
op, tho Archdeacon D. Francis de Vicariis who
succeeded him in March, 1738, named Alphonso
Grand Penitentiary of the Arch-diocese. Tho
great concourse of visitors proved that the choico
made was duo to the sanctity of tho individual.
Rejoicing at their establishment in this house,
Alphonso exerted himself to make tho rules bo
strictly observed, for tho inconveniences of tho
former habitations had made this impossible.
Tho deserts of Nubia and Thebes, perhaps never
counted among their cénobites contemplatives
such as were to bo seen in tho house of Ciorani.
A superfluous word was never heard, and no one
left his chamber without necessity ; all breath­
ed humility and perfect obedience. Tho will of
Alphonso was tho rule of tho others ; without
pretension, without repugnance, and without
envy, each was content with his office. Tho
Holy Sacrament was continually exposed in tho
church, and every one was anxious to bo per­
mitted to pay his court to tho King of kings,
not only during the day, but during the night,
and for as long a time as possible. Penitence

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORT.

159

and mortification Avere tho two virtues to which
they attached themselves most. If there were
brothers who did not excel, the example of
their Superior and model drew them after him
in spite of themselves.
If on his part Alphonso was doing all in his
power to establish the Congregation, the devil
Avas as busy in attempting to destroy it. Until
then they had had no house at Scala, but were
considered as strangers. Alphonso, in concert
with the bishop, thought of erecting one, but
scarcely had they put their hand to the work
when a general commotion ensued.
Several
priests at Scala having learned what happened
at tho Villa, began in their turn to murmur and
put forward the motive of the masses. When
envy had entered into their hearts, jealousy, ex­
cited by interest, made them regard tho mission­
aries with feelings of bitterness. Alphonso, warn­
ed by what had happened at tho Villa, wished
to shun new misfortunes, and without loss of
time removed from Scala. This was a blow deep­
ly felt by Mgr. Santoro. The good lamented,
but the envious triumphed, when on the eve of
St. Bartholomew, the 23rd of August, 1738,
they left tho town. This victory was a grand
feast for the powers of darkness. On tho
night when they departed from Scala, there
was heard throughout the town the noise
made by evil spirits shouting and dancing.
They celebrated a great victory, for the de­
parture of the missionaries arrested the good
that was doing ; for to tho scandals that had

IGO

ST. ALPII0N30 LIQUORI.

onco been so common, had succeeded a horror
of sin ; even tho porters had boon reformed, often
approaching the holy table, and frequently might
bo met in groups carrying their burdens and re­
citing tho rosary, or singing tho hymns Alphonso
had taught them. Such were the effects pro­
duced by tho residence of these missionaries.
Two years after tho Congregation of Pious
Workers wont to preach a mission there, when
one of them, D. Andrew Amodie, declared, that
they had not found among tho people one volun­
tary venial sin, and all sorts of pious practices
they had found already established. The in­
habitants of Scala were not long in feeling
tho Divine wrath, in punishment of the wick­
edness of those who had forced the missionaries
to retire, and the weakness of tho greater num­
ber who had not opposed it. They had left on
tho 23rd of August, and on tho 28th a violent
storm destroyed the harvest, which in that coun­
try consists of chesnuts, on which tho poor chief­
ly live. But Alphonso did not forget Scala ; he
sent some of his companions to give the Novena
of the Crucifix, that the nuns might not bo de­
prived of their religious exercises.

1 he fields in which Alphonso laboured during
the following autumn and winter were not less
fertile in the fruits of salvation. He preached

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

161

penance in many districts, and at Castiglione
the concourse of people was so great, that they
passed tho night in the church in order to hear
him preach in the morning. The same thing
occurred at Coperchia, near Salerno. The year
1739 was opened by a mission in the village
of Prepezzano. The name of Alphonso had
become so celebrated in the diocese of Salerno,
and such wonders of grace were operated by him,
that persons frequently came a distance of seven­
teen miles to confess to him. After having cel­
ebrated the feast of Easter at Ciorani, he again
began his labours in the country. At Gifoni tho
people came in such crowds that he preached to
several thousand persons. Invited afterwards by
tho curates of tho territory of Calvanico, he went
to console tho people and give a retreat to the
priests, when some among them were so animated
with fervour, that they followed in his suite to
assist at the missions, a practice which is now
not unfrequent.
To give a little relaxation to a body overpower­
ed with fatigue, and refresh himself by retreat,
ho returned with his companions during the sum­
mer to the house at Ciorani, to renew his strength
and issue forth with redoubled vigour to attack
tho strongholds
of Satan.ü He began his next
O
mission at Coperchia, a rich and populous village
near Salerno. Hero he set himself to oppose tho
evils which result from commerce ; he pointed
out the rules which ought to regulato contracts ;
ho corrected many abusos, and abolished customs
contrary to equity ; he established here as else11

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ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

where the devotion of tho Way of tho Cross, med­
itation in common every morning in the church,
the fréquentation of the Sacraments, devotion to
the Blessed V irgin, and a visit every evening to
the Blessed Sacrament.
In the beginning of 1740, accompanied by
eleven missionaries, he overran the country, shed­
ding the benedictions of Heaven on many villa­
ges where great disorder had previously reigned.
Having terminated the spring missions he re­
turned again to Ciorani, to regulate tho affairs
of the Congregation, and reanimate them by
his example in the observation of the rules.
The country of St. Severino suffered during
the summer of this year from a great drought,
which threatened to ruin the harvest and destroy
tho fruit-trees. To obtain the Divine Mercy in
this emergency, the inhabitants of Acquarola in­
vited Alphonso to givo a mission towards the end
of tho month of July ; their fervour was great
during these exercises, and ono day Alphonso
foretold that at a time specified abundance of
rain would fall. Tho day came without any ap­
pearance of rain, when all at once a very small
cloud was seen above Salerno. When Alphon­
so saw it, lie extended his arms as if to invito
its approach, and then prostrating himself on tho
earth ho besought tho Divino Mercy in behalf
of the people. No sooner had ho fallen on his
knees when the air was obscured by clouds,
thunder was heard, the lightning flashed, and
during five hours the rain fell in torrents. The

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163

joy was universal, and all the neighbourhood
united in returning thanks to God.
In the autumn he again gave missions in many
villages with his usual success. In the begin­
ning of 1741 he gave a mission for the second
time at Solofra, and converted some thousands
who on a former occasion had resisted grace.
Among these numerous conversions were ban­
dits and murderers. Many priests who had been
cold and indifferent gave themselves fervently to
God, a circumstance which always rejoiced Al­
phonso, who used to say, “ The conversion of
a priest gives more glory to God than that of
a hundred seculars. No layman, however holy,
can perform the good done by a priest.”
lie had tho consolation of finding the nuns
of two monasteries ho had formerly visited in
the same fervour in which ho had left them.
Ho failed not to confirm them more and more
in loving to observe their rule in all its strict­
ness, in detachment from persons without, in tho
lovo of prayer, in recollection, and above all in
frequenting the Sacraments, and devotion to our
Lord in tho Blessed Sacrament, and the Bless­
ed Virgin.
The town of Nocera was too near Ciorani to
remain ignorant of the miracles of grace opera­
ted by Alphonso. A zealous priest who resided
there used to frequent Ciorani, and in conse­
quence resolved if possible to have a house es­
tablished at Nocera. He was instigated to this
by knowing that the Dean of Nocera had resolv­
ed to endow a house of missionaries, and had

.164

(à

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ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

already applied to tho Fathers of St. Vincent
of I aul. lie spoke to tho Dean and tho prin­
cipal inhabitants of the virtues of Alphonso
and his companions, and arranged that they
should give a mission there. It had the great­
est success ; numerous conversions were made
among all classes, ecclesiastics as well as secu­
lars, and every one designated Alphonso “the
Apostle.”
lie certainly enjoyed many supernatural gifts:
ho knew how to touch all hearts ; he had the
spirit of prophecy and tho gift of healing, often
curing fevers and other diseases by making tho
sign of the cross. lie lodged in the house of
the priest who had been the cause of his coming,
whose mother was subject to convulsions from
an excessive pain she had in her arm. She
wrapped herself in a shirt belonging to Alphonso,
full of faith in his sanctity, and was immediate­
ly cured. All this made the people more than
ever anxious to have them. Flans were formed,
but tho designs
of Providence were not accomo
plished until a later period.
After this mission they went to the territory
of St. Egidio, where the people were reformed,
and the clergy excited to greater zeal. One of
them, a priest of great talent, entered the Con­
gregation. It was on the 18th of April in this
year that God called to himself tho first member
of tho Congregation. He was a lay-brother,
Joachim Gaudiello ; he died in transports of joy,
exclaiming, “ It is I who carry the standard ! ”
All the virtues seemed to have taken up their

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

165

abode in this excellent subject. They had neg­
lected to take his portrait, and eleven days
after his death, in the hope that his body was
still uncorrupted, they opened the coffin, and
found their expectations justified : his body was
flexible and entire, as if still alive.

CHAPTER XII.

Providence had destined a new field for Al­
phonso to cultivate in the spring of 1741. His
Eminence, Cardinal Spinelli, having become Arch­
bishop of Naples, by the death of the Cardinal
Pignatelli, and knowing the good done by Al­
phonso in other parts of tho kingdom, would
have him to supply tho great necessities of his
own diocese. Ho at first excused himself by
saying that tho diocosc of Naples was much
better supplied with priests, than tho countries
in which lie laboured, but although this could
not bo denied, the Cardinal persisted in claiming
his services, so that at last ho was obliged to
yield; for tho country of his birth had certainly
a powerful claim upon him.
That his other missions might suffer as little
as possible, ho only took from his own Congre­
gation tho fathers Sarnelli and Villani, but with
the approbation of the Cardinal ho chose tho
elite of all the Congregations in Naples to assist
him, and above all, tho best missionaries of tho
Propaganda. The Cardinal wished it should

IGG

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

bo so, in order that tho others might learn
from him to conduct missions with more suc­
cess.
He placed at his disposal a country
house in the Barra, to which the missionaries
might retire to recruit after their fatigues.
Alphonso had two sacrifices to make on this
occasion ; ho had to withdraw from many
villages and hamlets remote from Naples, which
stood in need of all his cares, and also to
see himself placed at tho head of many dis­
tinguished missionaries, above all, those of tho
Propaganda, of which he was but a simple mem­
ber, and from which he so lately had been on
the point of being expelled.
The Superior of tho Propaganda was exceed­
ingly annoyed at Alphonso being placed at tho
head ; he affirmed that his Congregation enjoyed
a pre-eminence over all the Congregations in tho
kingdom, and that to him belonged the right of
deciding on who should bo tho chief ; but tho
true motive of this opposition, was the unwilling­
ness of the members of the Propaganda to sub­
mit themselves to a man whom they had wished
to expel. When they complained to the Car­
dinal, he replied, “ I am your Archbishop, I am
also Superior of the Missions, as well as all other
Congregations in the diocese, and since the
missions depend on me, I am tho person to ap­
point the chief.”
It was in tho month of May these missions
commenced at I- ragola, where he opened three
at once in the three parochial churches. lie
established the practice of prayer in the church

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

morning and evening ; visits to Jesus in the
Blessed Sacrament and to the Blessed Virgin ;
the protestation for a good death once a month,
with exposition of the Holy Sacrament ; and in
order to render the priests more skilful in the
confessional, he instituted conferences to be
held every eight days, in which were agitated
and discussed different cases of conscience. He
established tho Way of the Cross in each parish,
and exhorted the faithful to the practice of this
devotion, particularly on Fridays, in memory of
the sufferings of our Lord.
When the exercises in these three parishes
were finished, he went with his companions to
Casai Nuovo : the mission there lasted till the
middle of June. When the heats of the summer
became too great he dismissed the Neapolitan
missionaries, and remained with his own at St.
Agnello, where they continued to preach and
hear the confessions of crowds who camo from
all quarters. On feast days ho went himself with
his brethren into the neighbouring hamlets, ex­
horting tho people to penance.
On these
missions they followed tho same rules which
had been established for the interior of tho
Congregation.
The only food permitted con­
sisted in soup and vegetables. Alphonso held
tho maxim that the people would rather bo
gained by example than by words. Ho would
have only tho cheapest fish, and no fowls, game,
or pastry ; and when they wished to supply his
table with rare dishes, he sent them away,

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ST, ALPHONSO LIOUOKI.

although his guests were often Canons from
Naples and other persons of distinction.
At Christmas they expected some relaxation
in these rules, but they were mistaken. Certain
persons attached to tho sen-ice of tho Cardinal,
who had dined there on Christmas day, said to
him on their return, “Your Eminence is perhaps
not aware that Alphonso gave us a treat on
Christmas ; ho made them servo several addi­
tional forcemeat balls on that occasion, at tho
risk of ruining his household economy.” Al­
phonso in his missions was willing to have what
was necessary, but ho had a horror of super­
fluity. I Io allowed tho other missionaries to
travel in a carriage, because they wore not accus­
tomed to do otherwise ; but ho and his brethren’
would only make use of an ass.
For a long time tho priest Paul Cafaro, then
Curate of St. Peter at Cava, had wished to join
the Congregation. Alphonso met him at Barra ;
when urged by tho good ho saw done he hesitated
no longer, and became ono of its principal co­
lumns. Mgr. Liguori, his uncle, was as much
annoyed by this as Alphonso was glad, and would
no longer have the missionaries in his diocese.
Cafaro was received as novice in October, 1741,
but nevertheless he was employed in different
works in tho parish, and oven taken on tho mis­
sion. In tho beginning of November, the mission­
aries again met, and commenced their pious
labours.
Although in the service of Mgr.
Spinelli, Alphonso could not refuse going to
Noccra dei Pagani during the Holy Week of

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

1G9

1742, to give the exercises in honour of the
Holy Sacrament in tho great church of Corpus
Christi. Tho effects were most consoling, and
Contaldi began to stir himself in carrying bis
plan into execution of having the order es­
tablished there. But it was still delayed.

CHAPTER XIII.
While Alphonso was devoting himself with
so much zeal to the diocese of Naples, he did
not forget that of Salerno. Father Sportella
went with others to the different parishes, giving
missions, which were attended with wonderful
success. The Cardinal Archbishop, considering
tho abundant blessings Alphonso and his mission­
aries produced, proposed to establish them in tho
Barra situated in the centre of his diocese. But
this was far from according with the views of
Alphonso, as ho explained to his Eminence :
“When my missionaries,” said ho, “will bo settled
at Barra, and have ladies and gentlemen for
their penitents, will they bo very willing to leave
this place for the hamlets and tho mountains ?
and who knows but, fascinated by their noble
penitents, they may fix themselves at Naples for
the greater part of tho year.” lie continued,
“ Your Eminence is in no want of able workmen
at Naples to employ in tho care of your diocese,
but other bishops have not this advantage ; it is
not from Naples wo can draw missionaries for

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ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

villages and remote hamlets.” Tho Cardinal was
persuaded, and no longer insisted on this founda­
tion.
During the Octave of Easter ho again began
the missions in tho country, and during tho
month of May, 1742, besides spiritual exercises,
he gave more than twenty missions. An eye­
witness speaking of the effects of his labours says,
“ Were I to report all the facts in particular, they
would fill volumes. In the diocese of Naples the
Father don Alphonso banished scandals and abu­
ses without number. No more indecencies were
committed in tho churches ; women no longer
dressed in a manner to give scandal, and occasion
the weak to sin. Young girls who were before
ignorant even of the name of modesty, hence­
forth conducted themselves with becoming re­
serve ; taverns were no longer frequented, cer­
tain dances and pastimes formerly in use were
abolished ; pious canticles replaced tho licentious
songs so common during the harvest and vin­
tage.” Such were the happy results of the mis­
sions given by Alphonso. Every one admired
the Avisdom by which he made vice bo detested.
I lis zeal resembled a fire, which increases and
propagates itself in spite of all obstacles, and his
desire to save souls was so great, that he never
put off till to-morrow the good he could perform
to-day.
If Alphonso operated wonders on tho morals
of the people, it was duo to his extraordinary
labours and fatigues ; his body and his mind were
continually in action ; no one could understand

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171

how ho managed to do what would have over­
powered any one else ; people said he lived by
miracle. Ho always reserved for himself tho
evening sermon, unless he was greatly fatigued,
and ho often preached twice, sometimes three
times in ono day ; but he preached even more
by his example. Ho ate little ; we have already
seen the naturo of his meals, and he never chang­
ed. The time he gave to sleep was short in­
deed. In his long journeys, and during the ex­
ercises of a mission, whatever his fatigue might
be, he never lessened his bodily austerities, never
gave himself tho least solace, although ho permit­
ted his companions to take some care of them­
selves. lie always travelled on an ass, and those
who did not know him, seeing a man of poor
exterior, often mistook him for the domestic.
One day when ho preached at tho opening of a
mission, tho peasants, struck by tho beautiful
words they heard, said to each other, “Well, if
the cook can preach in that manner, what will
it be when the others begin!”
But all that has been said can give but a faint
idea of what Alphonso did on mission. He al­
ways reserved for himself the worst bed and most
incommodious chamber. Every thing camo well
to him, provided he were mortified and humili­
ated. At Casai Nuovo he gave up to his com­
panions tho only three rooms that could bo had,
and kept for himself a miserable ruin long un­
inhabited ; tho spot is still pointed out as having
once accommodated the Father Liguori.
When the heats of summer had increased, and

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»4

ST. \LPHONSO LIGUORI.

tho harvest time was near at hand, Alphonso
thought it best to confirm tho good already done
by tho missions before beginning now. lie there­
fore sent his missionaries in small numbers, and
for a few days only, to those places where mis­
sions had already been given. These renewals
of missions produced much fruit. They rean­
imated the fervour of the confraternities they
had established, confirmed tho people in their
pious practices, raised those who had fallen,
and encouraged those who persevered. During
this summer lie laboured incessantly to pro­
mote devotion to the Mother of God, giving re­
treats for nine days preceding any of her feasts,
lie was the originator of tho Novenas now so
common in Naples, and which continue to pro­
duce such benefit to tho souls of all who en­
gage in them. After terminating his labours
in the Barra, ho returned in tho beginning of
July for a short time to Ciorani.

CHAPTER XIV.
Hitherto Alphonso and his Congregation had
lived together without binding themselves by
vows : but as nature modifies and brings
o her
fruits to perfection by slow degrees, so ho insen­
sibly disposed his companions for a life more
perfect and more holy. Although they had lived
until then in the true spirit of poverty and blind
obedience, so that the distinctions of meum and

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

tuum were unknown, yet they had never taken
any engagement to prevent them changing their
mode of life. All was free and spontaneous ; but
considering that in a society the spirit of re­
ligion decays rather than increases, Alphonso
determined to retain and fix the spirit of piety
by vows, and form his Congregation into an
apostolic community. I Io urged upon his com­
panions the merit they would acquire before
God when they had by solemn vows sacrificed
their own will, and despoiled themselves of
worldly wealth. “ The renouncement of our own
will,” he said, “procures more glory to God than
all tho good works wo could do from our own
choice. A delicious fruit gives pleasure to him
to whom we present it ; but if, with the fruit we
give tho tree that produces it, tho offering ac­
quires an infinitely greater value. Without vows,
we can give God the fruit ; but with vows, wo
give both the tree and tho fruit.” He deplored
the inconsistency of some who from excessive
attachment to their relations or imaginary lovo
of liberty, withdrew from the Congregation and
re-entered tho world, “ The vow,” ho said, “will
bo as a buckler in tho hand of tho religious
against tho devil and his own inconstancy it
will confirm him in his vocation to the service of
God ; it will bo to him as an anchor to preserve
his vessel beaten and tossed by the winds.”
The fathers Sportelli, Mazzini, Sarnelli, Rossi,
Villani, and Cafaro, wore regarded as the foun­
dations on which the Congregation was built,
not only because they wore the first who had

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ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

joined tho Congregation, but also because of
their singular merit. They needed no importu­
nities to induco them to make tho generous sa­
crifice; on the contrary, they never ceased to urge
Alphonso to put it in execution. All of them
were inclined, but the decision was hastened in
consequence of tho withdrawal of Father Charles
Majorino.
Ho was a zealous priest, and a man of great
virtue, but ho was drawn aside by an excess of
tenderness towards his relations. One day during prayer he had not tho courage to resist tho
temptation, and to the regret of all he quitted
his post without ever acquainting Alphonso, and
returned to his home. He soon recognized his
error, but had not the courage to repair it.
Tho measure being resolved upon, Alphonso
thought only of the engagements by which his
Congregation should be bound. It was deter­
mined that each in preserving his wealth, should
renounce the temporary use of it in favour of
his relations ; and in cases where they did not
require it, the revenue should bo placed at the
disposal of the Superiors. By this means if ho
did not strike so deeply at tho root as Tosquez
wished to do at Scala, he yet retrenched tho
branches of that cupidity whose shadow chokes
the heart and deprives it of the salutary inspi­
rations of God. This engagement prevented tho
effects of ambition also, that pernicious passion
instigating each ono to make himself great, how­
ever little ho may be. He determined that they
should bind themselves to accept no ecclesias-

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175

tical dignity, no title, employment, or benefice
out of tho Congregation ; and that they should
refuse everything of tho kind unless commanded
by the Pope, or the Superior of the Congregation,
lie thus hindered ambitious spirits from enter­
ing. lie wished that all the members should
have but one heart and ono soul, rejecting all
private interest, however small it might be, and
that the ancient concord of the first Christians
should again bo seen among them. lie prescri­
bed a life in common, without distinction of
merit or rank, in order to unite them closely
in God, and bind them together by the disin­
terested ties of charity.
After having by these rules banished interest
and cupidity, he desired above all to unite hearts
by tho vow of obedience to the will of one Su­
perior. lie believed this virtue of obedience to
be the guarantee for tho existence of a religious
house. “ When obedience and subordination are
wanting,” ho used to say, “ a true religious can­
not live ; and what would have been made a
Paradiso by concord, becomes a hell by diversity
of feeling and sentiment.” He therefore ordain­
ed that there should be no will but that of tho
Superior, and that in his Congregation reply
and excuse should bo unknown. Ho exacted
from all tho formal and unhesitating consent
to bo ready to help the abandoned in tho
most remote villages and hamlets, and a sincero
disposition to proceed without delay to what­
ever place tho Superior ordained.
Having also in view the conversion of the

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ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

heathen, ho wished that the members of his Con­
gregation, when they attained the ago of thirty,
should take a vow to depart on missions to tho
heathen whenever the Sovereign Pontiff or their
Superior commanded them.
He established,
by unanimous consent, that every one, on
tho termination of his novitiato, should take
the vow of living and dying in the Congre­
gation ; but in case of a sufficient cause to act
otherwise, dispensation could bo obtained only
from the Sovereign Pontiff or the Superior,
whilst the Congregation would be always free to
send away any one whoso conduct was not edify­
ing. “The apostolic life which we embrace,” he
said, “ consists properly in a solemn adieu to
our country and our friends ; for where flesh and
blood dominate there can bo neither love for God
nor zeal for souls. We ought to give ourselves
to God, but with a will resolute never to forsake
Him. We cannot say that man is fit for tho
kingdom of God, who, having put his hand to
the plough, turns back, allowing thoughts of tho
past to return into his heart, and according to
his caprice turning his back on God and the
Congregation.”
Always distrusting his own light, he recurred
frequently to God, and consulted with many
pious persons, above all, Mgr. Falcoja. All ap­
proved of the plan submitted to their consider­
ation ; and at length it was resolved to proceed
to the profession on the day of St. Mary Magda­
lene, the k atlier Sportclli having a great devotion
to that Saint. Before approaching the altar

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177

they desired to offer themsolves as a holocaust ;
for three days previous they were in retreat
and constant prayer, observing the most rig­
orous silence. At the end of that time they
reappeared, breathing only divine love and
contempt for themselves and tho world. On
the 22nd of July, 1742, the day dedicated to
this holy penitent, they met in the chapel of
the house of Ciorani. Alphonso gave them a
fervent exhortation ; then invoking tho aid of
the Holy Spirit, he implored the assistance of the
Saint whom he had chosen for the patron of
the Congregation; they then all pronounced the
vows of poverty, chastity, obedience, and perse­
verance. As the Institute was not yet confirmed
by the Pope, and Alphonso had no legitimate
character of Superior, they agreed to make their
vow of perseverance to Mgr. Falcoja, in his qual­
ity of Bishop, as ho took such a deep interest
in the Congregation. Sarnelli alone was absent
on this occasion, being in Naples on urgent busi­
ness with the Cardinal Spinelli. The joy was
unanimous, and Alphonso, after having returned
thanks to God and animated his brethren to be
faithful, departed with Father Viliam for the
Barra.

CHAPTER XV.

Although Alphonso saw tho groat good which
resulted from his missions in the diocese of Na­
ples, and tho extreme satisfaction of the Cardinal,

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ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

it was yet with regret that he laboured there,
lie thought continually of the want to which so
many other places were abandoned, reflecting
that the good could bo as easily done by tho
numerous zealous and pious missionaries the Car­
dinal had at his own disposal. Ho prayed, he
disciplined his body, in order to know the will of
God. Unhappy as ho was on this subject, he
would not displease tho Archbishop, yet it was
impossible to remain much longer in his present
position. Re applied to tho Canon James Fontana,
a man of much merit, who had great influence
with the Cardinal, and explained to him his
anxieties on the subject, requesting he would
speak with his E • I inencc, and if possible obtain
his consent to withdraw from these missions.
Fontana acquiesced in all his views, and pro­
mised to do all he could. While Alphonso re­
doubled his prayers and penances, that God
might restore him to his beloved house of Ciorani, he wrote to them there to join with him
in prayer, and to recommend him continually to
God in tho holy sacrifice of the mass, that he
might be delivered from Naples.
The attempt of the Canon did not at first suc­
ceed; the Cardinal was much annoyed, and de­
clared that if Alphonso left him he would dis­
continue the missions altogether. This vexed
him exceedingly ; he could neither endure that
tho missions should be stopped, nor that tho
Cardinal should be displeased with the Congre­
gation. Fontana persisted however, and in the
end persuaded tho Cardinal that the missions

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

could bo carried on successfully without Alphonso,
the priest, Matthew Tista, being admirably fitted
to conduct them. But it was only on condition
that the Father Sarnelli should bo left to super­
intend them, that he at last consented to part
with Alphonso. This arrangement being made,
Father Sarnelli remained at Naples until 1748.
Alphonso took leave of tho Archbishop on the
3rd of July. Mounted on a sorry mule, he tra­
versed the streets of Naples with Father Villani,
and alighted at tho gate of the archiépiscopal
palace ; some were edified by his humility, while
others mocked at him and laughed, lie placed
himself in an obscure corner of the anteroom,
which was filled with gentlemen and dignified
ecclesiastics.
In a few minutes the Cardinal
camo out, and without noticing any of the others
went straight to Alphonso, took him by the hand
and led him into his chamber. lie spoke of
the missions, tho good they had produced, and
thanked him for tho zeal ho had shown in tho
cause. He bogged his advice regarding all that
could be useful to the people, and testified
the greatest regret at losing him. Alphonso on
his part thanked him for the favours ho had
received, and bogged his continued protection
for the Congregation. Ho then proceeded to
Barra, where ho had promised to make tho No­
vena of tho Assumption, and afterwards accom­
panied by Father Villani returned to Ciorani.
Tho projects of the Dean of Nocera now began
to take effect. Clergy and laity were equally
desirous to have tho Congregation established

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ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

there, and the Bishop, Mgr. Dominicis, sighed
for the day of their arrival. When all was ar­
ranged, Alphonso went accompanied by F. Sportelli. Tho Dean Contaldi gave tho house and
furniture, promising at his death a further legacy
of three thousand ducats. Ho expressed his in­
tention of living in the house with them ; while
they on their part promised to care for him as
if ho were ono of themselves. All was finally
arranged to tho great satisfaction of tho inhabi­
tants, in October, 1742. F. Sportelli was made
rector, and tho Fathers Mazzini and Jourdan
were appointed to be with him. Every one wished
Alphonso would have remained there, but he
would not yet leave Ciorani.
Having disembarrassed himsolf of Naples, he
set about giving missions in the destitute parts
of tho country. In ono of tho numberless vil­
lages where ho gave a mission, ho obtained with
great difficulty a lodging in a monastery, where
tho Archbishop had ordered him to bo received.
The Superior received him with a very bad grace,
and took leave of him still more rudely. As
soon as tho mission was terminated, ho turned
him out of the monastery, notwithstanding his
being attacked by fever in consequence of fatigue :
ho loft the placo without uttering a word of
complaint. By order of tho Archbishop he went
to St. Thecla, although ho was scarcely conva­
lescent. Hero also he was rudely received by
tho curate, who protended ho could not lodge
him, and that he had sent a message to tell him
so. He tried in vain to calm the bad humour

<

WK

V

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUOKI.

181

of tho curate, and at length a notary who was
present, indignant at his scandalous behaviour,
gave Alphonso and his companions accommoda­
tion in his own house. This mission was attend­
ed with great results.
Again
at Conea ho was treated in a similar
o
manner ; the curate would not have a mission
there, although the Archbishop of Amalfi had
commanded it, and on his arrival he was refused
admission to tho house. Without being discon­
certed, he quietly took refuge in a corner of
the church. A gentleman who witnessed the
proceeding received them into his own house, and
this mission also had wonderful success. Peace
was restored to families, restitutions were made,
and when they departed, the people followed
them, weeping and crying, “ Alas ! why will you
leave us so soon?”
While Alphonso, always more and more dis­
gusted with the world, did penance at Ciorani,
and laboured for the salvation of men, tho world
did its best to attract him again. His father,
D. Joseph, could not enduro the thought that
his brilliant talents should be employed in the
country among poor peasants and shepherds ; and
as he had once longed to see him among tho
first at the Neapolitan bar, he now longed to see
him occupy a dignified position in the church.
To obtain this he employed every artifice, but
Alphonso on his part was invulnerable to all
attacks. “ Speak no more to me,” ho wrote to
his father, “on tho subject of tho episcopate; even
if you succeed in obtaining a bishopric for mo,

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ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

I will instantly refuse it. We have a rule in
our Congregation to refuse all such dignities.”
I). Joseph desired to see his son raised to dignities
in this world, while ho only wished to seo his
father obtain great glory in heaven. He wrote
to him about this time as follows: “ I beseech you,
my dear father, to keep yourself more closely
united to God. Confess often, and have your
accounts ready, for our Lord will come at an
hour when we least expect. Think of your
advanced age ; for who knows how soon you
may bo called from this world ! That day will
come, whether we watch or not : I recommend
you to hear mass every day, for I fear much
for your eternal salvation.
I hope the Vir­
gin Mary will assist you, but without your
co-operation sho will do nothing.”

CHAPTER XVI.

While affairs were prospering at Noccra, Mgr.
Dominicis obtained tho sanction of the govern­
ment for tho establishment of tho house, and in
July, 1743, he issued tho letters of authorization.
As there was not yet at Pagani a house and
church suitable for the now missionaries, the
bishop granted them tho church of St. Dominic.
Crowds came fiom tho surrounding villages to
benefit by their instructions, and they soon be­
came the objects of veneration to tho whole neigh-

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183

bourhood. When the first stone of the now
establishment was laid, tho chapter of the Ca­
thedral and the four Curates of the Dean
attended, tho Dean himself giving the benedic­
tion ; a multitude of people came from all parts,
who made the air resound with thanksgivings
to God, and to the Dean Cantaldi, for having
established this house among them. Tho con­
struction was hardly commenced when materials
flowed in from all quarters as if by miracle.
Men and women strove to rival each other
in contributing towards its erection ; they la­
boured with their own hands, ladies of quality,
gentlemen, all united to hasten the progress of
tho work. Married as well as unmarried dospoiled themselves of their jewels and ornaments
to contribute towards the establishment. The
seven communes voted one hundred ducats.
Tho bishop confided to tho fathers tho spiri­
tual direction of his seminary. Tho brothers of
the Confraternity of tho Rosary, chiefly compo­
sed of gentlemen, would have one of them for
their director, and to preach to them every Sun­
day.
This foundation in the diocese of Nocera was
so much applauded that Alphonso had scarcely
breathing-time. When they found at Angri tho
good ho was doing everywhere, they insisted on
having a mission, the place containing about five
thousand souls. He went there the month ot
November, and was received as an apostle, each
striving to procure some object that he had worn
or touched. Ho lodged in the house of Laurence

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ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

Rossi, whose daughter obtained from a lay bro­
ther a pair of stockings tinged with his blood.
She preserved them very devoutly ; but a reli­
gious in tho neighbourhood happening to hear
of it, reproved her for doing so, Alphonso being
still alive : she gave them away ono day to a
poor man whose legs were swollen with dropsy.
Some days after he returned to the house en­
tirely cured, and when she expressed her aston­
ishment he replied, “ From tho time you gave
mo tho stockings tho swelling has disappeared.”
Alphonso gathered in this mission tho most
wonderful fruits. They calculated there were
in this place a hundred and twenty-eight women
of the town ; but when the mission was finished
there was no longer one, all had been reformed.
More than three hundred young girls bid adieu
to the world, and embraced a religions life. A
priest whose life had been scandalous, became
a sincere penitent ; and a young gentleman left
all to enter tho Congregation. lie had not yet
been in tho centre of tho town of Nocera, but
as soon as they heard tho wonders ho had ac­
complished at Angri, ho was solicited to preach
in the Church of St. Matthew. This was a most
fatiguing mission, the parish containing about
six thousand souls. Two gentlemen of tho place
entered tho Congregation upon this occasion.
To inspire tho people with devotion towards
the Blessed Virgin, he exhorted the faithful of
the parish of St. Matthew to erect a statue
to our Lady of Dolours in tho church. Imme­
diately the women brought to tho church every-

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185

thing they had most precious in gold and silver ;
tho offerings were so numerous that a consider­
able sum remained which was given to the poor.
Alphonso was so devoted to Mary, that this
most glorious Virgin testified her love for him
by operating the most extraordinary conversions
at his intercession. The evening he arrived
an unfortunate young man arose during the
night to engage in a sinful transaction. He
had a repugnance, however, to commit a sin
with tho scapular about his neck : he took it
off to place it in a hole in the wall, but when
ho extended his hand, he felt himself drawn
back, and fled from tho spot in terror. The
following night tho Blessed Virgin, willing to
recompense tho slight homage paid to her
scapular, appeared to him in a dream : “ Miser­
able being,” she said, “thou hadst respect for
my scapular, and thou hadst no horror for of­
fending my Son ! To-morrow the Father Alphonso
will come here to give a mission ; go, confess to
him and amend thy life.” Tho young man had
never heard of Alphonso, and knew nothing of
the mission ; but next morning ho went to find
a species of fortune-teller, to have his dream in­
terpreted, but before ho could open his mouth
this person addressed him with, “ Do you not
know that Father Alphonso has arrived to-day
to give a mission ? ” When tho young man heard
tho words “Alphonso,” and “mission,” ho was
thunderstruck ; ho ran in haste to tho dwelling
of Alphonso, found him and recounted to him tho
whole story. “So then,” said Alphonso, his eyes

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ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI,

filling with tears, “our good mother has sent
you to mo.” Ho reconciled him with God, and
his life over after was most edifying.
When Alphonso was in Naples with Father
Sarnelli, their zeal led them to attempt a most
difficult measure, which to the great joy of tho
Cardinal they succeeded in carrying into execu­
tion. The great number of bad women scat­
tered over the town was a scandal to all tho
good : they managed after much labour and dif­
ficulty to banish all such characters to one par­
ticular quarter of the town, the suburb of St.
Anthony.

CHAPTER XVII.
When they opened the mission at Ciorani,
they found the house much too small to receive
the numbers of clergy and laity who camo to
make retreats. These exercises produced im­
mense benefit; throughout the diocese of Salerno,
those persons who came to place themselves un­
der the direction of Alphonso, were distinguished
by their probity and piety. Several priests, whose
lives had been scandalous, wore totally reformed,
and became faithful labourers in tho vineyard of
the Lord. V hen the Archbishop came to visit
the house, and saw the good that was done, ho
entreated Alphonso to extend the buildings.
At the instigation of tho Archbishop ho pro­
posed to commence, but Father Rossi, who

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187

-was ruler, differed from him in opinion, because
of their want of funds. /Ylphonso spoke to him
once and again ; but when ho saw that ho still
hesitated, he said with firmness, “ My father,
we ought not to build as seculars do, who begin
by amassing money, and then set to work; wo
ought to follow an opposite rule ; wo ought first
to build, and afterwards expect from Providence
what is necessary.” Father Rossi obeyed, and
animated by the confidence of Alphonso, he
began with only one sequin in his pocket.
The expectations of his superior were not illfounded : Father Rossi never had cause to regret
his obedience, for independent of his own libe­
rality, the Archbishop wrote a circular to incite
all the diocese to contribute towards tho work.
Considerable sums were forwarded to them, and
these were not confined to the diocese.
God did not limit the succours of His Provi­
dence : one day that Father Rossi found him­
self dispirited because of the expense, Heaven
assisted him in a very singular manner. A
young mau presented himself to be received into
tho Congregation as a lay-brother ; and Father
Rossi admitted him provisionally. In withdraw­
ing to prepare himself for admission, ho put into
the hands of tho father somo pieces of money
wrapped up in paper, asking him to say mass
for him. The paper seemed to contain about
ten shillings ; but what was Rossi's surprise on
opening it after his departure, to find a hundred golden ducats ! Ifo immediately sent after
tho young man, but he could not bo heard of,
G

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ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

and never was seen again. He learned by this
the excellence of obedience, and tho recompense
God bestows on those who, despising human
wisdom, trust only in Him.
There happened yot another remarkable in­
stance of Providence. Alphonso one day called
together the young students, and ordered them to
get up a petition to Jesus Christ in the most Holy
Sacrament, for tho success of tho newly-begun
building. When the petition was signed, he de­
posited it in tho Holy Tabernacle, adding his own
petition to that of the young clerks. But scarce­
ly had he done so, when ho was suddenly called
to Naples, to vote for several gentlemen who
wished to receive the order of Knighthood, at
the Seat of the Porta Nuova. He made no
inquiries, but instantly set out mounted on a
wretched mule, and arrived at Porta Nuova. On
attempting to enter, the guard mistook him for
some vagabond who would intrude for the pur­
pose of begging, and rudely repulsed him. His
clothes wore shabby, his beard unshorn, and his
hair in disorder ; he smiled at the mistake, and
waited quietly until tho chevalier in waiting
perceived him and advanced to meet him, not
with the usual forms of salutation, but respect­
fully kissing his hand. On this occasion ho
received a present so considerable, that it suffi­
ced to finish tho new buildings. He afterwards
said laughing, that ho would not have refused
his vote even to the son of a coal-heaver.
About this time D. Joseph Liguori came to
Ciorani to visit his son, probably desiring to see

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189

one who conferred such honour on the family,
or perhaps to persuade him if possible to accept
some more brilliant position. Be that as it
may, ho had scarcely entered the mansion, when
ho was penetrated with a deep feeling of devo­
tion ; ho admired tho edifying life they led, tho
silonco which reigned, and tho odour of sanctity
which transfused everything. It filled his mind
with thoughts of a blessed eternity, and detached
his heart from worldly things. He felt a holy
envy at the happiness of his son’s life, and no
longer thought of a bishopric for him.
Ho
pressed him to his bosom, kissed him, and blessed
tho Lord for tho benedictions showered upon his
house. Ho prolonged his stay at Ciorani, and
every day more taken with tho humble and
peaceful life of tho fathers, tho sanctity of his
son, tho wisdom ho exhibited in tho direction
of his community, tho zeal and success of his
missions, ho took the resolution of forsaking the
world, renouncing his rank, and living under
tho direction of Alphonso, as a humble laybrother. Ho was so resolved on making tho
sacrifico that he besought permission with tears
in his eyes. But Alphonso, though inwardly
delighted with tho humility of his father, in whom
ho recognized tho visible effects of grace, never­
theless dissuaded him from his purpose, assuring
him that it was not the will of God ho should
leave tho world, but remain in it to edify by
his example. Vanquished by tho resistance of
his son, ho returned to Naples an altered man.
What could not the prayers of such a son effect ?

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ST. ALPHONSO LIGUOKI.

Not content with being a pious and exemplary
nobleman, he would become a Saint; ho lived
like a fervent Anchorite, praying in the church,
meditating and reading the Lives of tho Saints
at home, lie kept up a regular correspondence
with his son, following his counsels in all that
concerned his salvation. When he asked him
to recommend to him those Saints’ Lives from
which he would receive most benefit, Alphonso
pointed out tho Lives of St. Louis Gonzaga,
St. Philip Neri, St. Peter of Alcantara, and
“Meditations on Eternal Truths” by Rossignoli,
and “Eternal Maxims” by Cotaneo.
Tho sun still shone which had enlightened
with its beams tho birth of the house of Pagani ;
but about this time it became obscured by clouds,
and serious alarms succeeded to the dawn of its
morning hopes. The devil feared the increase
of a work so contrary to his designs, and attack­
ed it immediately through the envy that began
to fill the hearts of some in the neighbourhood.
The esteem of the bishop, tho applause of tho
gentry, the concourse of people who frequent­
ed tho church, gave umbrage to tho curates, and
excited their jealousy to such a degree that they
repented having given a consent to tho estab­
lishment of the missionaries among them ; to
the curates were added other secular priests,
and regulars also, who saw themselves deserted
by some of their penitents. This jealousy ope­
rated to such an extent, that it succeeded in
alienating the minds of many, and diminishing
the respect in which the public had held the

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191

missionaries, which ended at last in irritation
and contempt. Tho religious of other orders,
seeing tho favour these missionaries enjoyed
with tho people, feared they would in consequence
bo deprived of their daily alms. They believed,
and they persuaded tho secular priests, that all
tho legacies, masses, and donations would soon
bo given to them only. They pretended that
their very existence was threatened, and it was
not to bo wondered at that these outcries gained
many of the people themselves, who almost all
had near or remote relations among the complain­
ants. First tho missionaries were thought to
bo loss useful than had been imagined, and then
they were regarded as a burden which weighed
too heavily on the people ; there was not the most
miserable little shop or house in the place where
the subject was not violently discussed. “ What
will become of all the poor young men who suc­
ceed us,’’ cried a simple good sort of priest, “ if
these missionaries remain at Nocera? they will
bo the confessors of tho nuns, the directors of
confraternities, and their Congregation will be­
come a gulf which will swallow up every mass
and pious legacy.”
The war was scarcely
declared when the attack commenced. Some
priests with tho gentry continued to favour
Alphonso, but the fire was too strong to be
put down by such feeble means. Twenty-five
curates entered into a league with other
priests, tho Beligious Mendicants of Nocera
and Pagani joined them. They invited the fa­
thers of Mount Olive, the Order of Citeaux, and

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ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

those of Montovorgine to join the crusade, but
they were horror-struck at the proposition. There
remained but two of the curates of Pagani un­
opposed to tho missionaries. When the plot
was formed the first move was to endeavour
to prejudice tho king, but God made known
His displeasure in a singular manner. They
employed a celebrated advocate to write out
a memorial of their grievances ; he took up
a pen, it would not write ; ho tried a second
and a third all to no purpose ; he at length
succeeded in writing a page, but when about
to turn over the leaf, instead of throwing sand
upon it, ho lifted tho ink by mistake and blotted
all ho had •written.
Struck by these myste­
rious accidents, ho exclaimed, “Employ whom
you will, but as for mo I will have nothing
more to do with any business against these mis­
sionaries,” so saying, lie tore tho paper in pieces.
This fact, which may be compared to what
happened to the Emperor Valens, when ho wish­
ed to oppose St. Basil, made great impression
on people of sense, but none on the enemies of
tho missionaries. They employed another ad­
vocate, and God permitted the affair to proceed.
In this memorial they assured the king that
the town was not, as had been falsely represented,
deprived of spiritual succours ; that besides the
parish church, they had nine other churches
served by secular priests and four regular monas­
teries, that there were a great number of excel­
lent religious, and among the priests many good
preachers, doctors, and theologians, who regu-

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193

larly catechised, gave Novenas and Octaves.
They affirmed there were few towns in the king­
dom that enjoyed so many spiritual advantages
as did Noccra.
After this they drew a portrait of the mission­
aries, in which Alphonso was not spared. They
said it was a Congregation not yet approved by
the Pope, composed of vagabonds and miserable
priests, who not having wherewithal to live in
their own country, sought to feed themselves
elsewhere, taking the bread from the poor and
from the Religious Mendicant Orders ; that the
priests in the town who had no prebend, sup­
ported themselves by masses of which these
men would deprive them ; that to give them the
liberty of making acquisitions was to reduce the
clergy and the religious to tho necessity of quit­
ting tho town, or begging at tho door of tho
new comers. They added, that far from being
men of talent, all they could do, with the exception of preaching a few popular sermons, was to
surround themselves with children and young
girls, and teach them to sing sacred songs. Thus
Alphonso and his companions, who were hon­
oured at tho beginning as so many apostles,
found themselves reduced to miserable mendi­
cants and ignorant priests, incapable of fulfilling
the duties of their ministry. In order to gain
their end with tho king, tho enemies of Alphonso
would fain have persuaded tho bishop to concur
in their views, but their efforts were vain. In­
dignant at their wicked designs, he shut his
cars to all their representations; and to show
13

H

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til
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ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

how much ho esteemed the missionaries, he in
spite of tho malcontents chose ono of them for
his own confessor, and when he visited his dio­
cese, was accompanied by two of the fathers to
preach to the people and fill the other offices.
In spite of this check the courage of the cu­
rates was not abated: they continued to com­
plain against the missionaries, because of their
having the direction of seminaries and differ­
ent confraternities, and to express their fear that
they would soon monopolise tho confidence of tho
faithful, so that the secular clergy would bo de­
spoiled of their influence. They had not terms
bad enough for those curates who still continued
to favour them, blindly asking tho assistance of
those who would before long supplant them ; and
at length they ended by demanding of tho bishop
that on all feast days there should be neither
sermons in their church, nor any office whatever.
The bishop, despising this ridiculous demand, far
from interdicting tho exercise of their ministry,
re com: H ended to Father Sportclli never to omit
any service in the church, and above all, bene­
diction after Vespers on Saturday, and a sermon
in honour of tho Blessed Virgin ; and that on
feast days they should endeavour to have some
office at the hours the parish churches were
closed.
The missionaries now saw themselves engaged
in a most serious conflict. Tho friendship and
protection of many excellent priests and wealthy
gentlemen of tho neighbourhood, did not pre­
vent their enemies giving themselves up to all

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195

sorts of excess against them. If any of the
fathers appeared in the town, ho was assailed
with taunts and loaded with insults. One day,
while preparing to say mass in the parochial
church, one of them had the amice pulled out
of his hands. The lay-brothers had their share
in these outrages whenever any of them appeared
in tho street. The brother, Anthony de Lauro,
being one day digging in the garden, a man
passing on the other side of the hedge began
to abuse him grossly ; tho brother continued to
dig as if ho heard nothing, and this so irritated
the man that ho jumped into tho garden, ran
up to him, and gave him a violent blow on the
II
face. Tho holy brother showed no resentment,
but knelt down and offered his other cheek ; tho
man withdrew covered with confusion. During
tho silence of night they would come howling
under the windows to break their rest, insulting
them by singing indecent songs and using vio­
lent language. Alphonso was then at Ciorani,
but as soon as ho heard what was doing at
Nocera, ho came thither with all speed. But
how different was his reception now to what it
had formerly been ! Then ho was received with
cries of joy; now with expressions of anger and
contempt. A. person came to tho house and ad­
dressed him as a vagabond, accusing him of
coming with his companions to seduce tho in­
habitants, to cat the bread of their children,
and that being but miserable wretches banished
from their own country, they had thrown them­
selves on this country to devour it. At these

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ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

Il

odious words Alphonso humbled himself, and his
humility redoubled the audacity of his adversary,
who continued abusing him a long time.
The petition addressed to the king had no
success ; he knew too well the merit of Alphonso
and his disciples, to allow himself to be deceived.
But at this epoch tho kingdom being threatened
by Austria, his majesty had gone to the Abruzzi,
and the enemies of tho Congregation took ad­
vantage of tho circumstance : they thought it
would bo easy to deceive tho viceroy, Michael
Regio. They addressed then a new petition to
tho viceroy, taking the opportunity of revenging
themselves on the bishop, by accusing him of
having passed the limits of his authority when
ho authorized tho missionaries to establish them­
selves in his diocese, affirming that though he
could give leave to found a single house, ho
could not permit them to have a perpetual foun­
dation, with authority to open a public church.
They said the Congregation at Pagani, whoso
rules he had approved, was not legitimately es­
tablished, their rules never having been submitted
to the Grand Almoner, and that tho approba­
tion of the Bishop had not received the ratifi­
cation of the Royal Chamber. Besides, that
the foundation could only become valid by a
brief from tho Sovereign Pontiff. In spite of all
this, they were repulsed by the viceroy, whoso
ministers knew tho probity of the missionaries
and tho favourable dispositions of the king.
Defeated once more, but not cast down, they
began to seek help in Noccra itself. They went

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197

to Cantaldi, ho on whom Alphonso leant, and
who had aided him in tho establishment at Pa­
gani. Vico assumed the appearance of virtue
so successfully, that he allowed himself to be
gained, and began to repent of what he had
done for Alphonso. Looking on his Congregation
as an assemblage of men who under the mask
of piety hid a sordid avarice capable of gratifying
itself by means the most base, Cantaldi, now
disgusted with them, ceased to furnish tho ne­
cessary supplies ho had assigned to them, and
though
under tho same roof with the fao living
o
thors, ho never addressed to them a single word ;
thus showing them his desire that they should
withdraw from his premises. Alphonso knowing
from what had happened at the Villa, that they
were threatened with a similar misfortune, in­
quired diligently to know tho will of God ; he
went to Naples to consult with those enlightened
and pious friends by whoso advice ho was gui­
ded in his difficulties. He went also to Castcllamarc to consult Mgr. Falcoja, and while they
were talking, tho bishop suddenly casting his
eyes on a small statue of St. Michael, exclaimed,
“ It is the devil, it is the devil ; hold firm and
continue to fight; God and St. Michael will pro­
tect you !” He then advised him to dedicate the
house and the church to the Archangel Michael.

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ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI

CHAPTER XVIII.

/
th

The tempest, far from abating, continued to
rage with redoubled violence at Pagani. In
the midst of his great embarrassments Alphonso
availed himself of tho hand of man to defend the
work of God, while he placed his chief confidence
on tho Rock of Ages. Ho prayed and mortified
himself ; he embraced tho cross, he besought
the prayers of many holy souls, particularly of
religious houses, aud he ceased not to go on
with tho missions wherever ho was asked. His
enemies continued their hostilities, and not con­
tent with attempting to ruin the house at Pa­
gani, they desired to blot out the Congregation
from tho face of tho earth.
Their continual
intrigues, their daily cavilings levelled against
him
and his companions, at length aroused tho
•I
zeal of several gentlemen of Pagani, Noccra,
and other places in tho neighbourhood, who
boldly declared themselves in their favour; in
short, there was hardly one respectable family
who did not take their part. Tho district of
It ­
Nocera is divided into seven municipal com
munities, who besides the Syndic belonging to
each, elect yearly three general Syndics. They
were ordered to convoke an assembly of tho
inhabitants of the district, to consider some
affairs that would be proposed for their deliber-

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199

ation. The great affair of the moment being
stated at a meeting of five or six hundred
persons, all tho communities decided in favour
of tho missionaries, with tho exception of those
of Pagani, who were divided in opinion ; not
one of the malcontents had tho courage to de­
clare against the resolution there decided, that
the missionaries should be defended and up­
held, with the exception of one man, who was
immediately attacked by Don Gaétan Francisco,
a zealous adherent of theirs, and was glad to
escape by leaping a wall. They all engaged to
unite in defending Alphonso, and took upon them11

tho affair. When this manifestation of good
feeling was reported to him, he burst into tears,
at finding tho good ho had done among them
appreciated by the most important class. But
his enemies became more and more embittered
when they saw themselves opposed by the most
respectable part of tho inhabitants. In tho
beginning of June, 1744, they attacked him both
at Naples and at Rome. Although tho foundation rested on the authority of tho sovereign,
they pretended that the existence of tho house
was contrary to law, and besides that they were
but a reunion of vagabonds, useless to tho state
and hurtful to religion. At Rome they described
them as men of wicked lives, founded without
tho consent of tho Holy See, contrary to canonical laws, and tho decrees of Sovereign Pontiffs.
When Alphonso saw that with tho branches they
would destroy tho root, he recalled tho ancient

I

11

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ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

spirit which had animated him at the bar, and
with the civil laws in his hand he collected the
means of defence, established the reasons which
proved tho rights of their cause, and showed in
what circumstances a convent could bo called
lawful or illegal. At Romo he know equally
well how to reduco his enemies to silence ; he
confounded them by bulls of Sovereign Pontiffs,
and by the authority of canon law. He showed
how no institution had been definitively approved
until after a period of probation, and having been
during its infancy sustained by tho protection
of bishops. As to tho calumnies against the
lives of the members of his Congregation, ho
would not notice them ; for they were sufficiently
contradicted by public notoriety. The memori­
als he produced pleased tho sovereign at Naples,
and obtained favour with tho Popo and tho Car­
dinals.
After having been defeated in this attempt,
which they had considered infallible, tho mal­
contents had recourse to tho Sacred Congrega­
tion of Bishops and Regulars. They alleged that
the house of Pagani was prejudicial to the wel­
fare of tho church in general, as well as to par­
ticular churches ; and entered into the same
details as formerly
regarding tho religious advanJOO
tages of the placo. They did not forget to renew
their slanders against tho character of the mis­
sionaries ; adding that they carried on a shame­
ful traffic in crucifixes, chaplets, &c. buying them
cheap to sell them again at an enormous price,
besides imposing on tho people to carry stones

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201

and other materials for tho now building. The
regular priests who opposed them complained of
their having been admitted into tho town without
their consent, conformable to canon law, &c. and
that having no regular revenue, they were forced
to beg, to tho prejudice of the religious estab­
lished before them. The seculars united with
them in beseeching the Sacred Congregation to
order the bishop to suspend the building of the
house and church, and to forbid the missionaries
to beg. They also requested that the missionaries
might be cited to appear before his Holiness as
having incurred the censures brought against
them by the canon law and tho bulls of Popes.
The gentlemen of Pagani, Nocera, Corbora,
and St. Egidio, no sooner learnt this new attack,
than they armed themselves to defend Alphonso.
Thirty-six of them undertook, tho 16th of July,
1744, to charge themselves with tho conduct
of this affair at Rome, and to procure an advo­
cate and procurator. At tho same time seve­
ral curates, the chapter of the cathedral, the
clergy of Nocera, and twenty-three clerks of
Pagani, declared themselves to tho Pope in fa­
vour of Alphonso. They explained to his Holi­
ness tho good tho missionaries had done in the
diocese of Salerno and elsewhere ; tbo numerous
conversions of priests as well as laymen daily
operated by the retreats given at Ciorani; tho
services rendered to curates; adding, that not
content with the numberless exercises of devo­
tion given in their church, they assisted tho
dying and instructed the young. They made

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ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

an euloghnn on tho exemplary life of Alphonso,
his disinterestedness and zeal for tho glory of
God, beseeching tho Pope to protect a work so
useful for the Church.
Tho ways of Providence arc admirable : tho
authors of this attack now saw themselves the
victims of their own malice. Such bitter com­
plaints, apparently leaning on such positive facts,
contrasted with tho eulogiums bestowed on Al­
phonso, and the number and quality of his de­
fenders, placed the court of Romo under tho
necessity of instituting an inquest to find out
tho truth, in order to do justice. Benedict XIV.
then occupied tho Holy See, and hearing of an
institution lately established in the Church, ho
wished to inquire into tho merits of its founder.
Ho accordingly instructed Cardinal Spinola to
obtain exact information from tho Bishop of Nocera. In consequence of this demand, Mgr.
Dominicis replied the 3rd of August, giving a
statement of the number of curates, secular and
regular priests, and of the exercises of devotion
practised in tho diocese of Nocera. He affirm­
ed that all the churches wore sufficiently provi­
ded with revenues, each having enough for its
wants. Then to give the lie to the complaints
made by the malcontents, ho declared that tho
churches and chapels of Pagani possessed in
all about eighteen hundred masses founded in
perpetuity, and that the priests, secular as well
as regular, were not sufficient for all these
masses, and had to distribute them every year
to strangers, priests, and religious. Ho did not

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203

forgot to mention tho acclamation with which
the missionaries had been at first received, and
the joy tho curates themselves had manifested
at laying the foundation-stone of the buildings ;
he told also of tho zeal with which the Syndics
and gentlemen had obtained the king’s appro­
bation for tho establishment. He combated
tho calumnies regarding tho sale of crucifixes
and chaplets, the carrying of stones for the build­
ings, &c. Ho then proceeded to the most im­
portant point, that is to say, the end for which
Alphonso proposed to found the Congregation,
tho providing missions for destitute and aban­
doned country villages and hamlets, and to
labour in reforming young clerks by giving them
retreats, and gentlemen also, by these and other
pious practices. Ho added, that before giving
his consent to tho foundation, ho had demanded
a mission that ho might see with his own eyes
its effects, and from that moment ho was so
convinced of tho wonderful good resulting, that
ho desired nothing so much as to sco tho now
institute established in his diocese, Ho finished
by an culogium on tho sanctity of Alphonso,
and tho high estimation in which ho was held
by the Cardinal Archbishop himself and many
other bishops.
At tho same time Mgr. Vigilanti, Bishop of
Cajazzo, took his cause in hand by writing to
his friend tho Cardinal Firrau at Rome, who
was Prefect of tho Sacred Congregation of Bish­
ops. Ho justified tho conduct of Alphonso, and
explained to the Cardinal tho injustice of tho

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

accusations laid to his charge. “ His cause is
that of God,” ho said, “and therefore it excites
tho hatred of tho wicked, a hatred all tho more
violent that the work is great. My dioceso has
experienced for three years the happy fruits of
the labour of these worthy and saintly servants
of Jesus Christ, who have sanctified every village
where they have been.”
The bad success of this last attempt was not
sufficient to make the malcontents renounce
their enterprise. Not having been able to obtain
the suppression of the house, they sought to in­
terrupt the erection of the church. They got
possession of tho royal decree, and by bribing
tho underlings of office, they altered tho words
from “tho king permits the erection of a house
with a church,” to “the king permits tho erec­
tion of a house without a church ; ” and with
this in their hands they hastened to tho Marquis
Fraggianni, commissary of tho king, who was
persuaded that Alphonso in building a church
had gone beyond his limits.
On tho 19th of July the commissary despatched
an order to Nocera, to discontinue the building
at Pagani. This time tho wicked triumphed,
and Alphonso was in great embarrassment, not
knowing how to proceed. He sent F. Francis
St. Severino to Naples, to the minister of state,
the Marquis Brancone, to inform him of the ob­
stacle, and request his assistance to remove it.
Tho marquis was astonished when ho heard of
this, for he remembered that the king had ex­
pressly given leave to build a church ; he wrote

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205

a note immediately to one of tho clerks of tho
bureau, and gave it to F. St. Severino to carry,
commanding him to show the register, This
fellow had been corrupted, and angry at the sus­
picion that was awakened, ho boldly opened the
register, saying to the father, “You are losing
your time here ; his majesty has given no authority to a Congregation such as yours to have
a church like the Regulars.” The father returned to thc Marquis, who sent for this clerk
and ordered him to produce the register. Ho
brought it, protesting with great boldness that
it was quite correct. Tho marquis divining the
fraud that had been committed, said with a tone
of severity, “I know tho intention of tho king; ”
and then with his own hand ho wrote in tho
register, “ a house with a church ; ” and not con­
tent with this, ho ordered tho fellow to go in­
stantly to tho Marquis Fraggianni, and tell him
tho truo stato of tho case. It was necessary to
submit, and on tho 21st of July an order was
transmitted to the Syndic of Pagani, to permit
the progress of the building.
While God arranged the happy issue of this
affair, Ho sent a severe affliction to Alphonso, in
the loss of tho excellent Father Janvier Mario
Sarnelli. After succeeding to his wish in tho
reforms ho had projected at Naples, ho died on
tho 30th of June, 1744, regretted by all, al­
though the Congregation were consoled by hav­
ing such a powerful protector in heaven at a
moment when they were suffering such perse­
cution on earth.

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ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

CHAPTER XIX.

I

V5

I

In spite of all their successive defeats, the
malcontents were not proof against a now temp­
tation, which like their former fraud turned to
their own confusion. Beaten at Naples, repulsed
at Rome, they appealed to the tribunals with­
out success. Cantaldi would not openly appear
against them; but a process was commenced in
tho name of his sister, to force the missionaries
to abandon the house.
In consequence they
were summoned to produce their means of de­
fence. Tho sister of Cantaldi forced herself un­
expectedly into the house accompanied by twenty
other persons and two notaries, before whom she
declared that tho house was her property. When
Alphonso heard of this he was extremely an­
noyed ; he came immediately to Nocera to con­
sult on what was to be done, when the bishop
and other friends advised him not to yield. Λ
celebrated advocate undertook the cause, and
the pretended proprietorship of the sister was
soon exposed to the confusion of those who
had attempted to play off such a trick. Their
resentment, far from being checked, exhibited
itself in everything that could cause annoy­
ance to the fathers. One day Alphonso com­
plained m the mildest terms of the wrong done
him in attempting to turn him out of tho

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207

house, when a person of rank, and belonging to
the clergy, was insolent enough to say, “ If you
will act tho thieves and rob people by force, why
do you not go to the highway?” “Blessed be
God,” replied Alphonso, “I have left my home
to be treated as a robber at Nocera !” A priest
of the noble house of Olevano, who was present
at this deplorable scene, lost all patience to see
such a man treated with insult, and was with
difficulty restrained from throwing the aggressor
out of the window ; he was only prevented by
Alphonso, who was horror-struck at seeing two
priests proceeding to such extremities. Cer­
tainly tho malcontents were instigated by tho
devil, otherwise they must have been arrested
by so many defeats. In tho month of August
they made another attempt at Romo, but warned
by experience they no longer attacked Alphonso,
but confined themselves to defaming his compan­
ions. This attack roused all tho most respecta­
ble inhabitants of Nocera and Pagani in their
favour. The three general Syndics took upon
themselves the expenso of defending the Con­
gregation at Rome. On tho other hand Bene­
dict XIV. wishing to sift the matter to tho bot­
tom, again charged Cardinal Spinola to make
new inquiries of Cardinal Spinelli at Naples,
and also of tho Archbishop of Salerno, Mgr. Rossi.
All this was tho work of Providence, in order that
the Congregation might be known to tho Sove­
reign Pontiff and the world at large ; and in re­
ality tho brilliant testimony rendered by these
two dignitaries of tho church, hastened the ap-

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ST. ALPHONSO LIGÜO1U.

probation given by tho court of Rome in favour
of tho new Institute.
This determination to investi "ate the matter,
taken by the Holy Sec, was far from agreeable
to the malcontents, who knew too well tho sanc­
tity of life exhibited by those who lived under
the direction of Alphonso. Almost despairing
of success they as a last resource attempted to
prejudice Cardinal Spinola. Ho was then at
Torre del Greco ; they therefore sent deputies
accompanied by an advocate, who painted Al­
phonso and his companions in the blackest co­
lours. Tho Cardinal was moved, tho calumnies
entered into his soul. The name, Congregation,
which irritated the curates, gave him occasion to
say, that he wished this institute were not a
society depending on one head like the Congre­
gation of St. Vincent of Paul, but rather an in­
stitute, of which each Congregation would be
immediately under the bishop of the diocese in
which they happened to bo situated. These
words, which dropped from tho Cardinal without
his attaching much importance to them, were a
cause of triumph to the faction, who believed
themselves now certain of victory. They return­
ed to Pagani proclaiming everywhere that the
Cardinal would not approve of their rule, and
rejoicing in the hope of their being suppressed
immediately. At tho news of this supposed
victory, tho throe Syndics went accompanied
by many other gentlemen to wait upon his
Eminence.
He supposed they came on the
same errand as the others, and received them

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209

very coldly ; but no sooner did he learn how
very different was their intention, than, filled
with consolation, ho exclaimed, “ Gentlemen,
I am as much edified by what you tell me
to-day, as I was scandalised yesterday by the
language of the curates.” lie promised to interst himself as much as possible in favour of
the Congregation.
In the meantime Mgr. Dominicis attempted
to arrange the affair by arbitration ; tho propo­
sal was agreed to by both parties ; but when Cantaldi stated that ho would take upon himself the
debts contracted, provided the missionaries evacu­
ated the premises and quitted Pagani, and if they
would not, ho would shut up the church of St.
Dominic, and force them to live as simple indi­
viduals, tho bishop in the greatest indignation
broke up the meeting, and turning to tho fathers
said, “Prosecute your cause at Rome and at
Naples, trust in Cardinal Spinelli. God will
protect you.”
Mgr. Dominicis had taken the greatest interest
in tho Congregation, and done all in his power
to establish them, when he was removed by
death on the 22nd of August of this year. This
misfortune gave great hope to tho disaffected ;
they believed the missionaries would no longer
have any support in the diocese, but they were
mistaken. Mgr. Volpi, who succeeded to the
bishopric, was equally well disposed towards them
as his predecessor had been.
Tho reports transmitted to Rome by Cardinal
Spinelli and Mgr. Rossi, harmonised in every
14

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ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

particular, by which they vouched for the sanctity
of the missionaries and the wonders operated by
their means. It was thus that Providence ar­
ranged all things to work together for their
good ; for after four successive appeals, after
eight months’ intriguing at Rome, where neither
money, chicanery, nor falsehood were spared, tho
only result was making known to tho Popo tho
excellence of the Congregation they tried to
calumniate, thus verifying the prophecy of Zach­
arias, “ Thy salvation will come from thy ene­
mies.” But in tho intermediate timo Alphonso
and his companions drank tho bitter chalice of
tribulation.

CHAPTER XX.

While the house of Pagani was agitated by
the tempest, God opened a new field to Al­
phonso, destined to receive seed not less pro­
ductive than that which had hitherto been sown.
Don Dominic Fiori, professor of music in tho
cathedral of Naples, having no heir, determined
to found a house in his native place, Madugno.
Tho project pleased tho Archbishop of Bari,
Mgr. Gaota, who knowing Alphonso anticipated
tho greatest benefits for his diocese. He united
with Fiori in inviting him to give a mission at
Madugno, in order to excite tho inhabitants to
wish for their establishment. Alphonso accepted
the invitation, and it was decided that ho should

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211

go there in the month of November. When the
prince of Castcllancta, Don Mathias Miroballo of
Aragon, hoard of this journey, he besought Al­
phonso to visit on his way his fief of Iliceto, to
give tho inhabitants the instruction and conso­
lation of which they were so much in want.
This was no sooner known to Mgr. Lucci,
Bishop of Bo vino, than ho dispatched a Canon
of his cathedral, James Casati, to join in the
invitation, which Alphonso accepting, he arrived
there with his companions on the 12th of the
month. This mission had the usual success.
The Canon had a further object in inviting him.
At the corner of a wood called Vallin-Vincoli,
on a small elevation, stood an ancient church
dedicated to the Virgin, under the title of Mary
of Consolation. It had once belonged to the
Augustinians, and in this church was a large
painting of the Virgin Mary, for which tho faith­
ful of Iliceto and the neighbourhood had a great
veneration. Canon Casati, who had a great
devotion to the place, and above all to this pic­
ture, had resolved on establishing a community.
The prince of Castcllancta having spoken much
to him of Alphonso, he desired if possible to
have him there, that the devotion to our Lady
might bo revived. Mgr. Lucci eagerly joined in
this scheme, anticipating the fruits which his
diocese would derive from it. Alphonso however
hesitated to accept tho proposal, because the
distance between the church and any inhabited
place was very considerable; but when, yielding
to the entreaties of the Canon and the Chapter,

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ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

ho visited the picture, lie was so captivated
that tho Fathers Cafaro and St. Severino easily
persuaded him to accept the offer, to tho great
joy of tho people.
Onco settled at Iliceto, ho saw in tho Pouillo
the vast domains of tho crown, where thousands
of men were employed in keeping flocks and
herds, and cultivating the ground to produce
food for them. I Io sighed at tho sight : in these
territories were several hundred persons, who
rarely received any spiritual assistance, and
even on feast days had seldom an opportunity
of hearing mass. Touched by their destitution
ho sent his companions out in different direc­
tions to distribute to these poor people the
bread of life ; and he looked forward to the
house of Iliceto becoming tho place from
whence these abandoned people would derive
spiritual succour in time to come.
Animated with a zeal always active, he ex­
posed to the king of Naples the deplorable state
of this population ; and the necessity of assist­
ing them. The king replied through tho Mar­
quis Branconi, that he had learned with great
satisfaction tho benefit the people had already
drawn from these missions, and that he hoped
to sec them continue their labours with increas­
ing zeal. Ilis Majesty gave his approbation for
the new house at Iliceto on tho 9th of January,
1745.
After having arranged tho affairs of this house,
he assembled his companions and departed for
Madugno towards the end of the same month.

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213

The mission was a difficult one, and cost much
labour and fatigue. For many years no mission­
ary had visited tho place ; piety was almost ex­
tinct, and sin dominated.
But God blessed
their labours ; tho whole town were touched by
grace, and tho most obstinate sinners came full
of compunction to cast themselves at the feet
of tho missionaries and renounce their evil
deeds.
Good succeeded to evil, ancient con­
fraternities were re-established, convents reform­
ed, and many priests whoso conduct had only
been coldly regular, roused from their inaction
by Alphonso, became ever after zealous and devo­
ted to apostolic labours. As usual he succeeded
in inspiring a great devotion towards the Blessed
Virgin and the most Holy Sacrament.
This mission lasted forty days, so great wore
tho wants of the inhabitants ; all admired tho
zeal of tho missionaries, and wished them to
settle among them. In short tho foundation
was almost concluded, when Alphonso heard
that tho king of Naples had granted an estab­
lishment to tho Fathers of St. Vincent of Paul
in tho town of Bari ; and in order not to inter­
fere with this mission he advised Fiori to
make arrangments
with these Fathers for Ma©
dugno. The religious of a monastery in this
town attest that one morning while Alphonso
celebrated mass in their church, ho was raised
several feet from tho ground.
After their return from Madugno, Alphonso
and his companions suffered much in their new
establishment at Iliceto. Besides their voluntary

.

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ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

penances, they experienced on all sides suffer­
ing and affliction. The person who gave the
house, reserved tho revenues for himself during
his life, and there remained nothing for the
fathers. A priest who was there during that
winter describes in a letter tho state to which
they were reduced. The bread, he says, was of
rye, mixed with bran, black as a coal, and ill
baked, and sometimes they had none at all, and
wore obliged to accept tho charity of an old
man who lived on tho produco of his goats and
tho culturo of a small field near his cottage.
For pottage they had a species of broth or pana­
da, or bruised beans, so old that they had the
colour of bread. They never tasted meat, ex­
cept when some sheep or cow died of exhaustion.
They had no fruit but wild cliesnuts or crab­
apples. They rarely had wino, and then but in
small quantity, and very bad. On feast days
they had a largo cake made of the same flour as
the bread, but seasoned with a little cheese and
salt, for sugar or pepper were luxuries they could
not afford. They had no linen, and no money
to buy it. They were almost shirtloss, and could
only change once in two or three weeks. There
never was a religious house where greater poverty
reigned : their clothes were ragged and patched,
their pocket handkerchiefs a wisp of straw or
rags. The house was an old convent, suppressed
during the pontificate of Innocent XI., and was
but a mass of ruins and filth. The wind blew
more keenly within than -without, tho walls were
lull of cracks, the partitions brick without mortar.

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ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

215

The windows were of oiled paper instead of glass.
The roof was bad, the cells were without ceiling,
so that the snow covered the beds during winter :
in short, the misery was so groat, that one of
the fathers lost courage, and returned to the
world.
Alphonso himself wrote at this time to a
friend, “ If God does not help us speedily I
shall be obliged to send away my companions,
for we have nothing on which to live. Though
wo cat only beaus and drink dirty water, yet we
have nearly six hundred ducats of debt.”
Among all those miseries, or rather in conse­
quence of these miseries, Alphonso had the mis­
fortune to lose his dear Vitus Curzius. During
the month of July, being without food in tho
house, ho was sent to beg a little corn. Al­
though the good brother was unaccustomed to
traverse tho country during the burning heats,
he nevertheless obeyed ; but one evening being
refused a lodging at a convent of nuns, ho slept
in tho field, and during tho night was seized
with violent fever, and not being able to drag
himself to his own convent, was taken into tho
house of a charitable priest. After forty-nine
days’ intense suffering, he wont to receive
tho reward of his labours in the mansions of
tho blessed. His death occurred on Saturday,
tho 18th of September, 1745.
This death afflicted Alphonso deeply, though
consoled by the reflection that ho had died rich
in merits and virtues. The chapter of the Ca­
thedral and many priests joined the missionaries

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ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

in paying him tho last honours. All tho con­
fraternities with numbers of tho faithful also
assisted, imploring his protection and invoking
him as a Saint. Alphonso sung tho mass amidst
torrents of tears, which frequently interrupted
him. Mgr. Amato, Bishop of Lacedogna, had a
great devotion towards this holy brother, and
would have his skull for a relic, preserving it dur­
ing twenty years on his prie-dicu. After tho death
of this prolate it was brought back to the house
of Iliceto, where it still remains. An abridg­
ment of his Life has been written by Alphonso.

CHAPTER XXI.
The fury of tho inhabitants of Pagani was
not abated, and new plots were invented to
ruin the missionaries. It is thus that God
permits His elect to bo tried by heavy afflictions,
iu order to exalt them tho more at last, allow­
ing those enterprises which tend most to promoto
His glory to bo crossed and combated, that after­
wards tho strength of 11 is powerful arm may bo
more clearly displayed.
After their successes at Naples and Romo,
every one thought their troubles were over,
but they were deceived. Cantaldi continued to
look coldly on them, and did not disguise his
animosity, hoping to attain his object through
the instrumentality of others, until finding him­
self disappointed in this, he throw off tho mask

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217

and openly attacked them. Scarcely had Al­
phonso returned from the Pouillo, when ho open­
ly revoked tho donation he had made in their
favour, and in concert with his sister cited
them to appear before the council of tho king.
Not knowing how to justify this step, ho proII
tended that the missionaries
had deceived him
in usurping the title of Congregation, when
they had neither been recognised by the king
nor tho Popo ; he demanded in consequence that
they should be forbidden to build, protesting
he had made the donation not for a Religious
Community, but for a College of Priests.
Tho affair seemed of such importance, that
the council sent a royal auditor to verify the
facts on tho spot. Tho claims of Cantaldi were
found insufficient, and on the 11th of January,
1745, tho auditor, in tho name of the council,
confirmed the missionaries in possession of the
property, tho donation being found valid and
irrevocable.
This disappointment did not abate tho ani­
mosity of Cantaldi ; at the instigation of llis
partisans ho presented a claim to tho king filled with malignity rather than reason, to which
thirty priests put their signature. In this in­
stance they refrained from attacking Alphonso,
but levelled their batteries against his compan­
ions. The Syndic of Pagani and three other Syn­
dics undertook their defence, and tho indubitable
integrity of Alphonso and his companions made
his majesty withstand all tho numerous attempts
against them. Tho Marquis Branconi bid them

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(2
ί«4
?!

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

be of good courage and fear nothing, for the
king was too much scandalised by the conduct
of priests, who, established to bo the mediators
between God and tho people, ought to have been
most zealous in promoting such a work, rather
than undermining it. When an army besieges
a town, they first attack it boldly, in tho hope
of intimidating the inhabitants ; but if these de­
fend themselves with courage and boldness, they
next proceed to undermine the Avails. It was
plain, however, that those men acted entirely
at tho instigation of tho devil. They introduced
two barrels of gunpowder under tho foundation
of tho house, and had not ono of their accom­
plices, stung by remorse of conscience, revealed
the plot, tho whole would have been destroyed.
Father Mazzini from that moment was obliged
to keep a strict watch nightly.
Alphonso was then at Iliceto, and far from
being discouraged by this barbarous attempt, his
confidence became greater from having escaped
so many imminent dangers. Meantime tho fathers
at Pagani remained, as it were, shut up in prison
in the house of Cantaldi. Living under tho same
roof with him they necessarily often met, but
their salutations were almost never returned.
Placed under a continual restraint they sighed
for tho moment of their deliverance ; every min­
ute seemed a year until the buildings were fin­
ished. F. Mazzini in writing to Alphonso, ex­
pressed himself thus : “ I am dying with desire
to quit the house of Cantaldi, where we are an
object of contempt to all the secular priests. I

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219

would bo contented, my father, to live on the
grass of tho field, in order to save something
to forward the buildings ; but this is morally
impossible, for we have no other revenue than
what is derived from three masses, and tho pro­
vision of grain is small indeed.”
Tho new Bishop, Mgr. Volpi, was not less fa­
vourably disposed towards them than his pre­
decessor, Mgr. Dominicis, had been ; far from
taking part in tho animosity of their enemies,
ho protected them on every occasion. It was
determined that they should assist at proces­
sions, and like other priests obey the chapter of
the cathedral, but tho Bishop freed them from
these obligations, and also that of assisting at
conferences on moral cases. Ho liked to see
them directing the confraternities of gentlemen
and tradespeople. I Io used to attend tho ser­
mons delivered to the former, and often called
upon tho fathers to fill different offices in his
diocese.
Enjoying the protection of the Bishop and
also of tho king, Alphonso nevertheless would
have yielded so far to obtain if possible a truce
with his enemies ; but the prelate with tho elite
of tho inhabitants of Nocora would have him
remain firm, as all were convinced that on the
establishment of tho Congregation at Pagani de­
pended the education of the young, the instruc­
tion of tho clergy, and the general reformation
of the people. They protested their determina­
tion to defend his cause to the last, until jus­
tice should be triumphant, and although their

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ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

firmness rejoiced him, he yet regretted tho con­
tinued disputes, which became more bitter than
ever.

CHAPTER XXII.
The daily vexations at Pagani took away all
courage to remain longer than was absolutely
necessary in tho house of Cantaldi, where they
were even threatened with death ; accordingly
tho walls of the new building were hardly finish­
ed when they resolved to remove thither without
heeding the risk they ran from damp and other
inconveniences.
On the 24th of September,
1745, they entered tho new premises during the
Octavo of tho Archangel Michael, protector of
the Congregation.
When Alphonso at Iliceto hoard of their in­
stallation, ho rejoiced exceedingly, and wrote to
urge them to a still stricter observance of the
rule, which had been somewhat interrupted by
all tho previous proceedings. Ho assured them
that God would bless them and make them be­
come Saints, only inasmuch as they observed tho
rule in all its strictness.
Tho malcontents, provoked to see them es­
tablished in their new house, again conspired
against them, and obtained an order from tho
council forbidding them to proceed to do any
thing new. Their intention was to interdict
their entrance into tho Church of St. Dominic,

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221

where they exercised, their ministry, and to pre­
vent the completion of the little church in process
of building. By this they would have obtained
all they desired ; for finding themselves hindered
from performing the functions of their ministry,
they would, have lost hope and definitively aban­
doned the foundation. Very little was wanting
to tho success of this last plot ; nothing being
finished in the new church, the scaffolding even
being still about tho arches of the roof. The day
camo on which an answer to their request was
expected, when they would immediately signify
to the Fathers that they had gained their cause.
Preparatory to this, they had seized tho keys
of the Church of St. Dominic. Informed of all
this by the gentlemen of Nocera, Father Sportclli
besought them to seize tho king’s officer and
detain him for one night only. Λ11 was done
as ho had desired. During the night ho sent
for tho workmen, and in spite of tho protesta­
tions of tho architect, he boldly took away tho
props, smoothed tho earth, erected a portable
altar, and arranged as well as ho could a sort
of confessional.
They ornamented tho altar
and tho walls with hangings and tapestry, pla­
ced garlands and artificial Howers about it ; and
the previous evening having obtained permission
to bless tho Church, at day break ho celebrated
mass, preached, confessed, and gave communion
to the people. During these proceedings the
officer arrived with the despatch, and fol­
lowed by a crowd, with an air of triumph ho
called for Father Sportelli and those of tho

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>K

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

household, declaring to them by order of tho
king, that no one must have tho temerity to
attempt any thing new, at tho risk of incur­
ring the penalties mentioned in tho decree. “ We
will do nothing now,” replied Father Sportclli,
“ and wo will conform to tho order you bring ;
but I protest that this edifice is a church ; the
Holy Sacrifico has been celebrated there, we have
preached there, and tho Holy Sacraments have
been administered to the people.”
The reader may imagine the fury these words
produced. Tho populace, outwitted in their at­
tempt, cried out that tho chapel was a stable and
not a church ; and while some pulled down tho
hangings and exposed tho naked bricks, others
threw up tho earth to show it was not paved,
casting it about and throwing tho matting right
and left. The air resounded with their cries
and their abuse.
It was a tumultuous day,
but in the end hell had to yield tho victory.

CHAPTER XXIII.

While Alphonso was at Iliceto, another cir­
cumstance occurred to second his zeal for the
salvation of tho people. Benedict XIV., con­
vinced of the great good produced by missions,
conceived tho project of reforming by means of
them the whole kingdom of Naples. By a brief
dated 8th of September, 1745, he delegated Car-

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223

dînai Spinelli, Archbishop of Naples, to superin­
tend this work, with full powers to send whom
he would.
Many bishops upon this solicited
him to send into their dioceses Alphonso and
his missionaries, to which tho Cardinal agreed,
well knowing the good they did.
When tho time of the vintage was over, Al­
phonso, having received the necessary commis­
sions from tho Cardinal, and provided with other
particular graces from tho holy Father, began
his missions in the dioceso of Bovino : tho
fruits were abundant both among the clergy and
the people.
Ho arrived at Foggia with a number of his
missionaries on tho 12th of December. This
mercantile town, the capital of the Fouille and
situated in its centre, contained above thirty
thousand inhabitants, among whom were more
strangers than citizens.
Ho might be said to
have taken it by assault, such were the rapid
effects produced. To satisfy the whole popula­
tion at onco, he opened four different missions in
tho four principal churches. He preached to
persons of all conditions ; he gave retreats to sec­
ular and regular clerks, to functionaries, lawyers,
and gentlemen. He preached to five convents,
he visited the prisons, and left no quarter where
liis voice was not heard. Such was the moral
influence ho exerted, that no symptom of vico
was to be found in the streets.
A terrible example of divine justice occurred
at this time, and served as a powerful warning
to sinners. One of the fathers went through

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ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

tho public places to call tho people to the
church.
Happening to pass before a tavern,
he invited the drinkers to take part in the mis­
sion. A tipsy fellow holding up his glass called
out, “ My Father, would you like to see what is
my mission ? ” and putting it to his lips, ho in­
stantly dropped down dead ! This terrible death
was the most eloquent and efficacious sermon
the people of Foggia heard.
Another circumstance which happened gave
them a high idea of thofc sanctity of Alphonso.
One evening he was preaching before the imago
of tho Blessed Virgin of tho Seven Veils, which
they had exposed on tho altar. When he
spoke of tho glory of tho Mother of God,
the people believed they saw an angel rather
than a man. A bright ray of light darted from
the image across tho church, and rested on tho
countenance of Alphonso, and at tho same mo­
ment he fell into an ecstasy, and was elevated
several feet into tho air. At this spectacle the
people uttered such loud cries of joy that they
were heard at a great distance, and crowds
ran tumultuously towards the church. Moro
than four thousand persons witnessed this mi­
racle.
This mission lasted forty days, producing
most miraculous effects on all classes of society :
where vice had reigned triumphant, virtue and
piety succeeded, and even the cloisters felt the
effects, by being instigated to a more punctual
and strict observance of their rule. Priests who
had led indifferent lives, became men of prayer ;

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225

scandals ceased everywhere, and two clergymen
of tho placo were so touched by grace that they
forsook everything and entered the Congrega­
tion.
In a rich and commercial town great numbers
of charitable persons arc to be found. Many
purses wore opened to Alphonso, who earnestly
sought out tho most necessitous. Young girls
were succoured whoso poverty placed them in
danger ; others were placed in orphan houses,
Asylums were procured for repentant sinners,
and tho aged were assisted in their necessities.
Christian charity reigned in all hearts, and the
town was delivered from many sources of sin.
The Gth of January, 1746, lie terminated the
mission at Foggia and went to Troy. One day
when on the point of mounting tho pulpit, he
was told of his father’s death, lie remained
some time in prayer, and then recommended him
to tho prayers of tho people. Ho had heard of
the illness of his father, but was so much occu­
pied in his apostolic labours that ho sacrificed
the feelings of nature to his God, and continued
tho missions. Don Joseph Liguori died in sanc­
tity at an advanced age ; his virtues were long
held in remembrance. After leaving Troy ho
continued his missions. When at St. Agatha ho
was seized with fever ; this did not prevent his
preaching, and when lie appeared in the pulpit,
the sight of him alono produced compunction in
the hearts of tho people.
The mission of St. Agatha being ended, he
was called to Iliceto ; tho Canon Casati being
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ST. ALPHONSO LIG LOH Γ.

dangerously ill. Unable to ride because of his
fever, ho took a carriage, and arrived there the
evening before tho Canon expired. He left all
ho possessed to tho Most Holy Virgin Mary of
Consolation, and at his request was buried in
tho church at tho feet of tho Virgin. Alphonso,
full of gratitude for this donation, celebrated
his funeral with tho utmost magnificence, all
tho clergy and tho religious, with tho different
confraternities, assisting at tho procession. Ono
hundred ducats were distributed among the poor.

CHAPTER XXIV.
The town of Foggia had conceived the greatest
veneration for Alphonso, and knowing his merits,
ceased not to apply to him in every emergency.
From tho month of March, 1746, a great drought
had desolated the Fouille, and tho seeds sown
were almost destroyed. Tho inhabitants be­
sought him to como to give a Novena in honour
of tho Blessed Virgin, knowing how much he
was beloved by her. Alphonso was still at
Iliceto, ill of a fever, but when ho heard how
afflicted they were at Foggia, ho immediately
set out, and arrived at the house of Don Ric­
ciardi, an advocate, who had first proposed his
being sent for : he was received as an angel
from heaven. The Novena had scarcely com­
menced when his fever suddenly left him ; the

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

rain fell in abundance, the seed was saved and
produced a rich harvest.
During his sojourn in this town, God prepared
the foundation of another mission in the diocese
of Conza. Mgr. Nicolai regretted to sec himself at tho head of a vast province in the greatest
want of spiritual assistance. One day he was
lamenting his position in presence of two pious
priests, who suggested to him as the only remedy, to establish in his diocese a house of the
missionaries of Father Liguori.
When the Archbishop understood the services
the Congregation had rendered to so many diocoses, ho eagerly embraced the proposal. After
many deliberations it was resolved to establish
the missionaries near the territory of Caposeli,
in a church endowed and dedicated to the holy
Virgin Mary. The Archbishop sent immediately
the Archpriest Rossi to meet Alphonso at Foggia.
lie was by no means anxious to embrace the
proposal, circumstances not seeming favourable,
but at the request of F. Villani ho consented to
give a mission there, in order to sec more clearly
the
On the 22nd of May he went on this new mission, and the consolation his presence brought
to the inhabitants could hardly be believed. As
he opened the mission they regarded him as another St. Paul, and his fame spread everywhere.
What he said seemed not words but arrows which
piercod all hearts. On the 3rd of June he went
with several gentlemen to visit the church which
was offered him, and which bore the name of

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228

IU

Ik

ST. ALPHONSO LIOUOHI.

Mater Domini. He was pleased with tho situa­
tion, being in the midst of an archdiocese, sur­
rounded by many other dioceses in great want
of spiritual aid.
The Archbishop was then visiting tho territory
of Calabritto, a few miles off, and Alphonso
thought ho ought to visit him, and make his ac­
quaintance. Accordingly ho set off, mounted on
a mule, and arrived at tho house of tho family
del Plato, where he was staying. Hearing the
Archbishop was at dinner ho would not disturb
him, but went into a small chapel in a wing of
the palace to say his office. While there, the
oldest son, Don Xavier, came to shut the door,
and seeing a man covered with rags and an un­
shorn board, ho took him for a vagabond who was
waiting to beg from tho Archbishop, and fearing
ho would steal something told him to go out as
ho was about to shut tho door. “Would you have
tho goodness to wait until I finish vespers,” said
Alphonso. “Go out instantly,” said tho young
man ; “ it is only yesterday we had a napkin sto­
len, it would bo too much to have another to-day.”
Alphonso was forced to go out, and finished his
vespers in tho street. After some time ho pre­
sented himself at the palace, and tho Archbishop
hearing of his arrival came out and received him
•with every mark of esteem. Tho young del
Plato looked confounded, and his confusion re­
doubled when he found Alphonso was a noble
Neapolitan gentleman and Superior of a mission.
He appeared not to notice tho young man’s con­
fusion, but continued the conversation, and after

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

229

having arranged a meeting at Caposeli, return­
ed in time for tho evening sermon. The Arch­
bishop was not a little annoyed when ho heard
what had happened.
God showered down many benedictions on this
mission, the first fruits which the Congregation
gathered in the diocese. The humility, tho mo­
desty, tho contempt of himself, shown by Alphon­
so, touched all hearts as much as his sermons.
At this time ho suffered such violent toothaches
as to cause convulsions. One evening ho began
his sermon in those words : “I care not how much
I suffer, nor for any evil that can befall me ; it is
sufficient that I have strength to say to you what
I feel in my heart.” Ho then went on to speak
to them of dangerous intimacies ; ho reproved
mothers who allowed young persons to frequent
their houses ; he reprimanded young people for
their careless conduct ; often fatigue overpowered
him, but ho continued speaking during two hours,
and at last had to bo carried homo from total
inability to walk.
Generally in his sermons ho seemed to bo rav­
ished out of himself, and ono evening while ho
preached, God made him see in spirit what was
passing at Ilicoto. “We are occupied here with
tho mission,” ho said, “and at this moment tho
devil is tormenting my poor children at Ilicoto.”
Next morning a lay-brother came to seek him,
and spoke with him for three hours of tho mise­
ries they wore enduring there.
The Archbishop came to Caposeli, and arrived
during a sermon on tho Blessed Virgin. lie

230

ST. ALPHONSO LIOUORI.

was so much touched that ho wept, and deter­
mined to assist daily at the sermons. The
Archpriest Rossi arrived at this time with several
other gentlemen, who resolved on contributing
towards the establishment of tho Congregation
here. All seemed to go well, but it was neces­
sary tho devil should attempt to overturn it.
A party among tho clergy imagined tho Arch­
bishop wished to deprive them of their preroga­
tives, and on tho 4th of June addressed to him
a protestation against tho new project. As soon
as Alphonso heard this, ho said to F. Robertis,
“ I like to see opposition, it is a mark that the
devil apprehends defeat; but God will triumph.”
The same day the Arc! ibishop went to tho her­
mitage, accompanied by the gentlemen friendly
to the measure. The priest, D. Salvador© Corona,
a very learned man who had great influence with
both clergy and people, attended to oppose the
foundation in tho name of tho Chapter. Having
entered the church to visit tho Blessed Virgin,
and running over in his mind thoughts hostile
to the Congregation, he approached the altar
dedicated to the Divine Mother. In a moment
he was struck with apoplexy, and his mouth
was twisted on one side.
Ho immediately re­
cognised the just punishment, and turning tow­
ards the Virgin, said, “ Mother of my God, I
protest that 1 have no longer tho intention
of opposing this foundation.’’ Scarcely had ho
uttered these words than he recovered, and his
mouth resumed its natural position.
Corona went immediately to the assembly,

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

231

and far from resisting the proposal, he now sec­
onded it with all his eloquence ; but all of a
sudden the Archbishop seemed to be seized with
indecision, and spoke of delay. This uncertain­
ty did not satisfy Alphonso ; ho declared he
had come to give a mission, not to found a
house, and when the mission was over he would
depart. Upon this the Archpriest Rossi burst
into tears, and throwing himself at the feet of
the Archbishop, besought him to arrange the
affair at once. Accordingly on tho 4th of June,
1746, the establishment of the Congregation was
decided upon.
When the news spread at Caposeli, that the
missionaries wore to be established in the diocese,
every one testified the most unbounded joy. In
the evening every house was illuminated, and
guns were fired, and fireworks displayed. A no­
ble family in the neighbourhood put their forests
at their disposal to supply wood for tho buildings.
Tho inhabitants had another consolation in tho
fulfilment of tho prophecy of St. John Joseph
of the Cross, that at tho end of twenty years a
devout and zealous community of missionaries
would bo established among them. Tho twenty
years had just expired.

CHAPTER XXV.
Another attempt was made by the dissatisfied
at Pagani, to obtain the overthrow of tho Con-

232

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

gregation. The Grand Council having repulsed
them, Cautaldi tried to obtain satisfaction from
tho commissary of the king, and this magistrate
being deceived, had ordered tho sequestrations
of certain rents that had been assigned to tho
issionaries, and that they should bo given to
others. To embroil matters still more, Cautaldi
made a donation to a priest who was related to
him of certain property ho had already given
to tho missionaries, and by these manœuvres
ceased not to keep them in continual disquiet.
At tho same time ho found a person who
feigned to bo a mediator between them, in order
to lead them into a scrape. He proposed to the
fathers Sportelli and Mazzini, to abstain from
preaching in their own chapel, to give satisfac­
tion to tho curatos, assuring them that this would
restore tranquillity. Tho fathers wore willing,
provided this would put a stop to tho annoyances.
“Wait a little,” said the pretended mediator,
“do as I advise, and peace will be restored after
a time.” Despairing to dislodge tho missionaries,
his aim was to render them less useful. When
tho Bishop was informed of tho proposal, ho
saw through tho plot, and at once forbade them
to enter into any compromise. He would not
listen to their enemies, but promised to defend
them at Rome or Naples, or wherever they should
bo attacked.
To annoy the Congregation, the curates invited
tho missionaries of the Propaganda to come to
Pagani, and when they came endeavoured to
defame Alphonso and his Congregation, but all

ST, ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

to no purpose. Their slanders were disbelieved,
and far from joining those who attacked the
Congregation, they defended them with all their
might.
Alphonso could not see without sorrow tho
vexations his companions had to endure, but
this did not lessen his zeal ; he continued to
give missions in tho country round about, which
were always attended with the greatest success,
vice disappearing, and virtue reigning in its
stead.
Among the many places he had sanctified,
tho town of Foggia remained extremely devoted
to Alphonso. But however much piety may
reign in large towns, vice will always have its
followers.
Towards tho end of December, 1746, Foggia
again invited him, and ho eagerly yielded to
tho request ; but on his arrival ho discovered
that a theatre with foreign comedians had
been opened, and certain gentlemen had bound
th cm solves to support it. This new occasion
of sin grieved him exceedingly, and ho did all
in his power to engage them to send tho come­
dians away, but without success ; upon which,
instead of commencing to preach as ho had in­
tended, ho left tho town, and when they would
persuade him to stay, ho replied, “ Wo cannot at
tho same time servo God and the devil. Foggia
will not listen to me, but God will lay His heavy
hand upon her and chastise her for her liber­
tinism.” Scarcely had ho departed when tho
town was shaken by a violent earthquake ; they

234

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

sent after him, but lie would not return at that
time.
Tho building of tho new house at Caposcli
was now begun and carried on with great ardour.
Tho gentlemen set to work and superintended
the different quarters of tho building, each pla­
cing himself at the head of a division, and in
the evening arranging tho work for tho next
day. Some cut wood, others carried stones,
and at day-break some went through the villages
exciting tho people to get up and help. The
ladies also lent a hand, and those who were hin­
dered from coming in person sent deputies in­
stead. On the 1st of May, 1748, the founda­
tion-stone was blessed by Mgr. Amati, when
persons of distinction and crowds of people came
from all parts.
The Blessed Virgin wished to testify her appro­
bation of this establishment, and to show in a
special manner that the missionaries were her
children. There lived iu a neighbouring village
a wretched being loaded with sin, who had for
three years been confined to bed by a most pain­
ful illness ; every night ho saw tho devil under
tho form of a goat place himself on his breast,
and press his throat and his sides until he was
almost choked. One morning when he awoke
ho saw the Blessed Virgin appear in liis chamber
radiant with glory, and accompanied by two
angels. “My son,” she said to him, “how hast
thou still the boldness to live in sin ? quick,
change your life ; to-morrow thou shalt see my
children of the house of Mater Domini. Confess

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

235

thee, repent of thy sins, and Jesus will pardon
thco.” The vision disappeared, and the sinner felt
reanimated, but without knowing what to think of
what ho had hoard, for he kr^
mission nor of tho establish
Next day he heard the bel]
asking what it was, they rej
sionaries had. arrived; full of;
sec one of them instantly. Fa
cuolo went to him, when he
occurred, and made his confei
of tears. The father asked h
in the habit of practising an
Blessed Virgin ; he replied 1
a vow to recite the Rosary dail
never omitted to practise t
died during tho mission, gi
of his true repentance.
Until now the Congregatic
regular novitiate, and Alphonu
seriously about arranging son
they had received only clerk
manner been professed before
vices, sub-deacons only bein
these made their novitiate in f
from village to village. A yea
decided on admitting young
because they wore less filled v
tho world, and consequently
receive the impressions of grac(
thought of establishing the novi
of Iliceto, and giving the directi»
Cafaro ; but the extreme pover

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

soon showed him that tho earth was too hard
to food such tender plants : tho young people
were discouraged, looked back, and withdrew their
hand from tho plough : many among them had
not courage to declare their weakness to Father
Cafaro, but fled secretly, escaping by tho win­
dows, as tho doors wore shut. Afflicted by
the inconveniences of this house, and the in­
constancy of the novices, ho removed tho noviitato to Ciorani tho 1st of February, 1748.
God blessed the arrangement, and there were
soon twenty novices under Father Villani, whose
conduct caused great consolation to Alphonso.
He established a regulation, that during the year
of the noviceship they should never study, but
apply themselves exclusively to the considera­
tion of eternal truths.

CHAPTER XXVI.

It was at Iliceto Alphonso first began to
publish. Until then he had laboured only for
the countries in which he was placed ; but
this was a field too narrow for his burning
zeal; ho would that all Christians should profit
by the reflections he had made. When ho lived
in the world, ho had found tho Blessed Sacra­
ment the object of his most tender affection,
and tho source of all his grace. lie groaned
over the indifference of men, and their estrange­
ment from that adorable mystery, and he resolv-

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

237

cd to publish tho sentiments with which ho was
penetrated towards tho Beloved of his soul, and
arrange them in tho form of visits for each
day of the month ; and as his affection for the
most holy Virgin Mary was only inferior to that
ho boro to her Son, he published also his sen­
timents of affection for her, in order to induce
tho faithful to love and servo her.
This little work, which ho entitled “Visits
to the Most Holy Sacrament, and the Most Holy
Virgin Mary,” was everywhere received with
applauso, and fully answered the purpose for
which it was intended ; for before long almost
every one had tho book in their hands, not only
in tho kingdom of Naples, but throughout Italy.
In 1777 Alphonso received a French transla­
tion of this little work taken from tho fiftieth
Italian edition.
If his heart was afflicted to see the indifference
of men towards the Blessed Sacrament, he was
no less sorrowful at seeing their coldness towards
Jesus crucified. “That man,” said he, “has no
heart, or he has no faith, who is not afflicted
at the sight of tho Crucifix.” This induced
him to publish another little work, entitled, “Re­
flections and Affections on the Passion of Jesus
Christ,” which ho also arranged in tho form of
visits for tho convenience of the faithful.
When Alphonso embraced the ecclesiastical
state, his uncle, Canon Matthew Gizzio, had
urged him to take St. Theresa for his special ad­
vocate, and from that time ho had a peculiar
affection for this Saint, having often in his

238

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

spiritual wants experienced the efficacy of her
intercession. In order to please her, lie strove
to imitate her virtues, above all in her difficult
vow of doing nothing but for God and for His
greater glory. Desirous to see her honoured and
imitated by others, ho published several medi­
tations, in which were comprised all the beau­
tiful things that could be said in praise of the
Saint, offering the collection to the devout souls
who would prepare themselves for her Feast.
This Novena in honour of St. Theresa was gene­
rally approved, and Alphonso received tho special
thanks of the Barefooted Carmelites. Consider­
ing tho baneful effects of obsceno songs on the
young, and, on tho contrary, the great good re­
sulting from devout canticles, ho exerted his
genius for poetry in composing hymns to replace
tho scandalous songs of the day, and had tho
satisfaction of witnessing their beneficent effects.
His poetry contains all that is beautiful in mystic
theology, and may dispute the palm with tho
divine canticles of St. John of the Cross.
In order to awaken tho zeal of tho Bishops,
ho produced a little work on the precise obliga­
tions of tho episcopate, which he transmitted
to all tho Bishops in Italy, many of whom wrote
to him thanking and complimenting him on the
occasion.
Mgr. Salerno, Bishop of Molfotta,
wrote to him as follows : “I have read your use­
ful reflections to Bishops, and I am much edified.
I see that it is great zeal, aided by much
wisdom and profound science, which has led you
to write it. Your Reverence has rendered a great

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

239

service to the Episcopate, and I thank you on
my part ; but I fear the charity which has guided
you in this pious occupation may nft meet with
tho recompense it deserves.”
About this time he had publicly proclaimed
his opinion regarding certain cases of conscience
which had been considered reserved cases. This
gave offence to a priest belonging to a religious
house in tho Pouille, who instead of discussing
tho subject wrote to him thus : “ Who art thou
who comest out of tho woods with the preten­
sion of making thyself doctor, and giving laws
to others ? ” and having nothing else to say he
treated Alphonso as a heretic, and accused him
of condemning vocal prayer. lie replied to the
accusation by saying, “ How can I proscribe
vocal prayer, I who have made tho vow daily
to recite the Rosary of our Lady ; I who in all
my missions exhort every family to recite it in
common every evening ; and have we not estab­
lished in our Congregation, that the Rosary ac­
companied by a meditation precede the grand
exercises made in the church ? ” lie finished
his letter by thanking his accuser for tho advi­
ces he had given him, without testifying the
least resentment.

CHAPTER XXVII.

Alphonso was not alarmed by the obstacles
that succeeded each other at Xocera ; on the

240

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

contrary, as a wise pilot he redoubled his vigi­
lance as tho tempest augmented, to save tho ves­
sel and brii% it into tho port. Seeing that tho
designs of his adversaries in attacking tho estab­
lishments of Nocera and Pagani were to undermine the Congregation itself, he thought of tho
best means to put it once for all out of danger.
Tho argument they constantly brought forward
was, that no similar Congregation existed unau­
thorised by the King ; and in order to deprive
his enemies of this pretext, and insure the exist­
ence of the houses already founded, ho was deter­
mined in spite of every difficulty to obtain the
necessary authorization.
Immediately that tho
missions in the Pouillo were finished, he went in
April, 1747, to Ciorani ; there ho found the noviti­
ate filled with virtuous young men and priests
eminent for learning and sanctity. Ho then re­
turned to Pagani, where he found tho church
frequented by persons of all conditions, the pious
practices taught by the Congregation existing in
all their vigour, and a confraternity of artisans,
among whom were found persons eminent for
their sanctity. The success of these two houses
was a subject of great consolation for him,
making him shed tears of joy. He thanked God
for the success that had attended his labours,
and hoped that the pains ho had taken would
not prove useless.
Arriving at Naples in the month of June,
Ho immediately addressed himself to tho Mar­
quis Branconi, Minister of State. Before lie
would hear hi] II say a word, ho first announced

BT. ALTItONSO LTGVOBI.

I

241

his determination to make him a Bishop. Ab
phonso was confounded by the proposition, which
the Marquis did all in his power to persuade
him to accept. “ If you love me,” said AlphonBo, “ never again speak to me of such a thing.
I have abjured the world ; its dignities can only
inspire me with horror.” The debate was an
animated one, but he would not yield, and at
length the Marquis promised to torment him no
more on this subject.
After recommending to the Marquis the in­
terests of the Congregation, he addressed himself
to the Chamberlain, Don Bartholomew Rossi,
to obtain for him an audience of the King. He
had not long to wait; for one day as he was
walking in the cloisters of St. Catherine occu­
pied in saying his office, he was suddenly told
the King waited for him. He wore then as
usual an old patched cassock, and his beard un­
shaven ; it was, however, in this miserable con­
dition that he ran in all haste to the palace.
Introduced to his majesty, he exposed to him
in animated terms the multitude of souls groan­
ing for want of spiritual succour, tho ignorance
in which the inhabitants of tho country
were
%
plunged, and the deplorable effects thence result­
ing to the peace of the kingdom. He told him
how urgently he desired to remedy such an evil,
tho zeal with which his companions burned,
and the reforms they had already produced in
so many dioceses. But the missionaries could
not sustain themselves in a position so precari­
ous, and being daily engaged in struggles which
16

À

242

ST. ALPHONSO LTOHOBI.

threatened their existence it was necessary that
his Majesty, who had already deigned to au­
thorise individual establishments in the dioceses
of Salerno, Nocera, Bovino, &c. should now recog­
nise their institute for a Regular Congregation,
and give it the same advantages enjoyed by
the Fathers of St. Vincent of Paul, with the
condition that they should be dependent on tho
King and on the Bishops. He presented to his
Majesty the rules of the institute, explaining
them in a few words. The heart of the pious
monarch was touched ; had it depended on him
he would immediately have granted all that was
desired ; he took notes with his own hand, and
placed the rules with the petition in the hands
of Mgr. Celestine Galiano, his Grand Almoner,
recommending him to examine them and make
his report without delay.
Father Don Vincent Mandarini, Superior of the
Congregation of the most Holy Sacrament, soon
learned what was going on, and more anxious than
ever for a reunion, he went to Ciorani, and in the
name of himself and his companions, offered to
embrace unreservedly the rule of Alphonso, to
submit to his authority, and renounce all into his
hands. He insisted on his agreeing to this ; but
Alphonso still refused. He was touched doubt­
less with the protestations of Mandarini, and be­
lieved him sincere ; but he doubted if this union
would bo advantageous to the Congregation
Mandarini had already founded, and he justly
feared it might bo hurtful to his own. “He,”
ho said, “ who has been accustomed to possess

BT. ALPHONSO LIGUOUT.

243

and to command, will have much repugnance to
see himself poor and deprived of his liberty.
To-day, before he makes the vow of obedience, he
is ready to sacrifice his own will ; but once bound,
he will begin to repent of having submitted his
opinions to another. You are sincere in wishing
to submit to me, but be sure to-morrow your
fervour will yield on reflection ; the remem­
brance of your liberty will torment you and your
brethren, and the contagion of insubordination
and regret would seize upon my own Congrega­
tion. It is thus [misfortune would menace two
communities, and we ought to guard against
this.”
Mandarini, thus repulsed by Alphonso, turned
to another side. He knew that the success of
the application made to the King depended on
the Grand Almoner; and he hastened to interest
influential persons, who besought him to take
into consideration the plan proposed by Man­
darini, and to endeavour to promote a reunion.
The Grand Almoner was persuaded, and repre­
sented to Alphonso that he ought not to reject
the proposal. Alphonso now found himself in a
great embarrassment : he could not contradict
the Almoner, for fear of indisposing him towards
the Congregation ; and on the other hand, he
foresaw from the reunion only confusion and
trouble. He explained to the Almoner the mo­
tives which inclined him to refuse, but he cut
him short by saying, “ I wish it.” Although
much alarmed, ho did not give up hope, but
doubting his own judgment, he had recourse to

244

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUOHI.

prayer, yielding himself entirely to the will of
God.
In this state of things he began to look about
for some influential persons who would interfere
in his favour with the King and the Grand Al­
moner. He hardly took time to eat or sleep,
and during the burning heat of the day he tra­
versed the streets, going from one palace to
another, although overpowered with fatigue and
bathed in perspiration.
AVliile Alphonso exerted himself to the utmost
to insure success, hell was not less busy to over­
throw his schemes. He was often not well re­
ceived ; many refused him an audience, and
others listened coldly ; and if he wras received
once, he was refused admittance when he came
again. A volume might be filled with the af­
fronts he received on these occasions. One day
he had with difficulty been permitted by the
valets of a certain prince to wait in the ante­
chamber, when the princess w’ho knew him hap­
pened to pass. Seeing him so poor and ragged
in appearance, she exclaimed, “ How dirty you
are1.” “I do not understand you,” said Al­
phonso. “Ah, then,” she said, turning her back
unon him, “you are from Calabria.” Many
others received him however with marks of pro­
found respect; in either case he was unmoved,
always calm and serene.
The Almoner on examining the affair more
closely was embarrassed between his desire of
obliging Alphonso and his supposed duty to the
state. Considering these difficulties, he on the

BT. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

21st of August declared himself against it, and
added that a reunion with Mandarini was conse­
Il
quently useless. This declaration afflicted
Al­
phonso, but yet he did not lose courage. He
put his confidence in G-od and tried to obtain
from Heaven what man refused. The different
houses of the Congregation commenced regular
prayers on the occasion, masses were said, in
the evening they prayed with fervour and expo­
sed the Blessed Sacrament. Many religious
houses united with them in prayer, while they
themselves redoubled their penances and mor­
tifications.
He went with Mandarini five times to obtain
an audience of tho Almoner, but was always
refused ; yet he neither lost courage nor showed
discontent. Persisting in his enterprise, he strug­
gled against contempt, and seemed to brave it.
A sixth time he went to the Grand Almoner,
and was at last admitted, when he knew so well
how to plead his cause that his Lordship could
not refuse promising to protect him.
His Lordship, viewing the question both as a
politician and as a prelate, placed before the
Kin£o what he considered the advantages
that
o
would result from authorising the Congregation ;
but in tho event of its being authorised, he wish­
ed them to unite with the Congregation of Man­
darini. Upon this point the Council of State was
divided, and also upon certain other conditions
not very satisfactory, so that at last it was de­
cided the affair should stand over for the present,
and continue to rest on its present precarious basis.

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ST. ALPHONSO LIQUOBI.

It was two days after thia decision, that Al­
II
phonso learned the result from
Marquis' Bran­
coni. He bowed his head, adoring the will of God
in the will of his sovereign, and only said, “ Fiat
voluntas tua that night he got no sleep. The
King regretted this decision, and in order to
comfort him sent a message by the Marquis,
bidding him rest assured of his protection, and
continue to labour with the same zeal to pro­
mote the glory of God and the good of the
state.
Although Alphonso was vexed at the refusal
he had met with, he did not allow himself to be
cast down ; but one morning while he was say­
ing mass, the devil attempted to destroy his peace
of mind. Just before the consecration, he was
made to see in spirit that this refusal of the
King’s would overturn his Congregation ; that
when the decision would become known at No­
cera, their adversaries would make it impossi­
ble for them to remain, and hence ruin would
be brought upon all the other foundations. This
temptation came so strongly, that, deprived for
the moment of interior light, be ran in all haste
bathed in perspiration to the house of Mar­
quis Branconi, to tell him his fears before the
despatch was sent oif. They did not open the
door immediately, and Alphonso sat on the steps
exposed to the gaze of the passers-by. Tho
Marquis seeing him from a window, ordered him
to be admitted instantly, and forbade his do­
mestics ever to make him wait, let him come
at whatever hour he might. He reminded Al-

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phonso that the anterior decrees of the King were
sufficient to sustain his institute at the present
juncture, upon which he regained his calm, and
recognised the temptation. After these last
attempts K. Mandariui ceased to insist on the
union of the two Congregations. It was not
the will of God that they should be one, but two
powerful institutions, to sustain the welfare of
the church and the state.
Alphonso made yet another attempt in favour
of his Congregation, but it also fell to the grounds
lie explained to the King the impossibility of giv­
ing missions in many parts of the country where
the spiritual destitution was great, because of
their own poverty, and the poverty of the people,
and he requested his Majesty to make them some
allowance for the purpose. The King was touch­
ed. “ The demand is just,” he said : “ we must try
to furnish them with some subsidy.” It was
accordingly arranged that they should have the
surplus revenues of the chapels of the Castle de
Sangro in the Abruzzi ; but the individuals who
had the management pretended that there were
no surplus revenues ; they consequently got no­
thing.

CHAPTER XXVIH.

Alphonso, whose heart was set on establishing
his Congregation, which he regarded as the
work of Heaven, sought to merit the grace by
<

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8T. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

devoting himself to every work that could extend
the glory of Grod. During his stay in Naples
he husbanded his time so well that not a moent was lost. He often went at the request
of the director of the seminary in the town,
to animate the young people by his exhorta­
tions to fly sin, to love Jesus Christ, to fre­
quent the Sacraments, and to have a great
devotion" to the Blessed Virgin. Tho Religious
Orders were no less anxious to hear him ; he fre­
quently visited convents of nuns who desired to
have the affairs of their conscience regulated by
him, and he gave retreats in different monasteries.
At the same time Father Fatigati wished to have
him at his College of the Holy Family. Alphonso
had a special love for this College, established to
promote the conversion of China. Considering
the young men as so many apostles, he delighted
to animate them with love for Jesus Christ, and
zeal for the salvation of souls. The young men
were charmed with his discourses, and always
besought him to return. While he was enjoy­
ing these delightful labours, a storm was prepa­
ring to overtake him.
The church of Palermo
became vacant in the July of this year by the
death of Mgr. Rossi, and his Majesty insisted
that Alphonso should succeed him in that see.
Knowing his talents and his worth he said to
Marquis Branconi, “ The Pope makes good pro­
motions, but I will make one still better than
the Pope.” The Marquis was pleased with tho
election, and applauded it as a divine inspiration.
Having sent for Alphonso and made known
ru

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

249

to him his Majesty’s determination, he was as it
were thunderstruck, and with tears endeavoured
to show the Marquis the scandal that would
be given to his companions if he broke the ties
that connected him with the Congregation, es­
pecially at a moment such as this, when its very
existence was menaced; he begged the Marquis
to return his grateful thanks to the King for
the honour he proposed conferring on him, but
to explain the solemn vow he had taken to re­
fuse all dignities, and the ruin it would cause
were he to abandon his brethren at such a junc­
ture. The Marquis was distressed to see the
iction of Alphonso, he entered into his feelings,
and promised to help him with the King. But
the prince would not take a refusal ; he said the
Pope would dispense him from his vow, and
that those made the best bishops who were un­
willing to accept the dignity. This obstinacy
of the King alarmed Alphonso ; he foresaw that he
would be supported by the Pope, and that in
spite of himself he would be made bishop. The
thought left him no repose by night or by day,
and he wrote to F. Cafaro, his director, that
he would sooner conceal himself in the depth of
the forest than be made bishop. He wrote at
the same time to all the houses of the Congre­
gation to pray for him, and he had also recourse
to many holy souls and houses of nuns to help
him by their prayers, while he redoubled his
austerities and penances.
During the whole month that the King persever­
ed in his resolution Alphonso was in continual

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ST. ALPHONSO LTGUOBL

fright. At length the Marquis succeeded in
H
persuading his Majesty that he was far more
use­
ful as a missionary than he ever could be as
Archbishop of Palermo ; and he consequently
II
abandoned his resolution, though with much
re­
gret.
Many were offended because of the refusal
n ­
of Alphonso, but when they considered the mat
ter more calmly they were edified by his con­
duct, above all the King, who learnt better than
ever how to appreciate the Congregation, and
would fain have chosen bishops from among them;
but Alphonso represented to the Marquis the
evil consequences that might result by intro­
ducing a spirit of ambition, which would cause
great evil to the mission.
“The Church is
not in want of bishops,” he said, “but of men
who will labour for the salvation of souls in
remote and destitute places.”
In the midst of all this business he had gone
to Ciorani for a few days, when immediately on
his return he was requested to preach the Novena
of the Assumption in the Church of St. John
Major. Although unprepared, he had not the
courage to refuse, and the result was as miracu­
lous as usual. He treated successively the hu­
mility of Mary, in opposition to tho pride of man ;
the ardent love of Mary [towards God, and the
coldness of men ; the union of the will of Mary
with the Divine Will, and the great opposition
of the will of man to the Will of tGod. He de­
picted the precious death of the Blessed Virgin
contrasted with the horrible death-bed of the

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251

sinner ; lie spoke of the assaults of the devil
to which the sinner is delivered up at the mo­
ment of death, and the help the servants of
U
Mary receive from
her in this last hour. He
drew a picture of the horror which seized the
sinner at the sight of his damnation, contrasting
it with the peace of those who die under the pro­
tection of Mary. He represented the happiness
of those who die in a state of grace, and the
misery of those who perish in their sin, animating
all to implore the protection of Mary. He showed
how certain salvation was for the faithful ser­
vant of Mary, and the care she took to procure
their salvation. On the day of the Assumption
ho enraptured his audience by retracing the
glorious triumph of Mary crowned in heaven.
Each of his sermons occupied not less than one
hour and a half. During this Novena thousands
of souls awoke from sin, and, penetrated with a
lively repentance, returned to God.
At this timo Canon Nicolas Borgia, then
Superior of tho Apostolic Missions, invited Al­
phonso to give a retreat. During his discourses
on that occasion, ho spoke to them of the obli­
gation they were under to make known Christ
crucified, and not to preach to make themselves
known. He grieved to see the measured style
and far-fetched expressions which some of them
had adopted, above all when treating of moral
subjects or the lives of tho Saints. Ho spoke
with vehemence against a celebrated preacher
lately dead, whom ho said by his manner of
preaching showed himself an enemy of souls and

252

h·

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUOET.

a traitor to tho word of God; and he blamed
some among them who strove to imitate him.
11 Fill your discourses,” said he, “ with evangel­
ical truths, without embarrassing yourselves with
vain ornaments, which produce no fruit, but
exhaust the preacher in seeking for them.”
This language offended some of the young
missionaries at first, but afterwards they recog­
nised the truth of what he said, and were filled
with a salutary confusion.
During this sojourn in Naples he was one day
celebrating mass in the church of the Fathers
of the Oratory, when turning towards the as­
sistants to give the communion, he observed a
gentleman seated in the choir with his legs
crossed. After having said “Ecce agnus Dei,”
and seeing this person still sitting and showing
no sign of reverence towards the Holy Sacrament,
he exclaimed, “Have you lost the use of your
limbs that you cannot kneel?” The gentleman
quite confused immediately knelt, but excessively
provoked, he began to cough and make different
noises until the end of mass, when he ran hastily
into the sacristy to ask what wretched priest
had said mass; but when he heard the name of
Alphonso Liguori he felt greatly ashamed. During
the time he spent in Naples he took no repose,
always busy, always employed in procuring the
salvation of his neighbour and the glory of God.
For three weeks he suffered from a violent tooth­
ache, but never ceased his labours in conse­
quence. At last being obliged to have the tooth
extracted, he went to a miserable barber’s shop,

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253

like the lowest of the people; seeing a lay-brother who had followed him attempting to pre­
serve the tooth, he flung it into a ditch. Towards
the end of September he returned to Nocera.

At tho beginning of the year 1748, Alphonso
returned to Naples. Marquis Branconi then
informed him that the King was dissatisfied
that the Council of State had refused his re­
quest, and advised him to take advantage of the
favourable feelings of the King towards him, and
obtain a subsidy for his Congregation. Instead
of this, he presented a new petition to obtain the
confirmation of his institute, saying to the Mar­
quis that he wished for nothing else ; a mark
of disinterestedness which pleased him, and in­
duced him to present the petition himself to the
King.
Canon Matthew Testa took a great inter­
est in the affair, and spoke of it to the min­
ister Tanucci, with whom he was very intimate.
Tanucci promised, and as he had sufficient in­
terest to carry the measure, Alphonso’s hopes
were at their height; but the political views
which directed the minister did not accord with
the pious views of the King, and again the busi­
ness fell to the ground.
He had been scarcely twelve days in Naples

251

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORT.

when lie was seized with an asthma, so violent
that he could not speak, and was almost dead.
He was unable to say mass for some weeks, and
forced to keep his bed, yet he nevertheless con­
tinued to give advice and consolation to those
who came to him on affairs of conscience; the
house was never empty. Immediately after his
recovery, he began again to preach and give
spiritual exercises. All ranks attended these
instructions, and multitudes were converted.
This could not go on without exciting oppo­
sition ; on one occasion, when speaking of the
extreme goodness shown by our Saviour in the
Sacrament of the altar, where He is always ready
to give audience, he used the following words
of St. Theresa’s: “It is not thus with the kings
of the earth ; they give audience only a few
times in the course of the year, and how much
it costs one to obtain an audience ! and then
no one can speak as they would wish to do,
nor with the same confidence with which all can
go to Jesus Christ in this Sacrament, and at
any moment. There we may all speak to Him
as a friend with his friend, and expose our wants
to Him with the utmost confidence.” Who would
imagine that these words of St. Theresa could
be construed into an insult to the King ? Every
one knew the respect Alphonso bore to his sove­
reign. Yet there was one person present who,
thinking to ingratiate himself with his Majesty,
added to these k words all that his wickedness
could suggest, and represented Alphonso as a
man discontented with the King, and who would

ST. ÀLPHON’SO LIGUORI.

♦

•

,

255

misrepresent him to his subjects. The ac­
cusation was listened to by Marquis Tanucci,
who, being a stranger, fwas unacquainted with
his integrity, and threatened to banish him from
Naples. The affair became public, and Alphonso
was looked upon as a guilty person about to be
banished for disrespect to his sovereign.
It was not until six days after that he heard
from one of the Canons the bad construction
that had been put upon his words. He was ex­
tremely annoyed at being accused of disrespect
towards a sovereign whom he esteemed so highly,
to say nothing of the mischief likely to result
towards his Congregation. He went immedi­
ately to Cardinal Spinelli, to implore his pro­
tection. The Cardinal was extremely indignant
at the calumny. He then went to Marquis
Branconi, who, convinced of his respect for his
sovereign, bid him continue his apostolic labours
and fear nothing, for the King knew him too
well to lend an ear to such a report. The Car­
dinal and the Marquis both spoke to Tanucci,
who was soon undeceived, and from that time
held Alphonso in the highest esteem and veneration.
In the midst of all these anxieties, strong in
the purity of his intentions, he never interrupted
his missionary labours, and during his stay in
Naples every moment was employed for the
glory of God and the salvation of souls.
Through the interest of Marquis Branconi
he obtained another audience of the king, when
he strove to convinco him of the necessity of

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ST. ALPHONSO LIGVOEI.

his approbation for the new-born Congregation,
in order to sustain it against the attacks of its
enemies. He assured his Majesty that he was
indifferent to the temporal regulations he might
be pleased to make ; he had no desire that his
Congregation should acquire wealth, a simple
maintenance was all he looked for. The King
was much pleased with all he heard, and dis­
missed him, bidding him take courage and rely
upon his protection.
Before leaving Naples he gathered another
rich and abundant harvest from the army.
He was requested to give a retreat in the gar­
rison of Pizzofalconi, which he opened on the
28th of March. Prince Castropignano assist­
ed with the state major and many other cava­
liers. All admired the apostolic liberty with
which he spoke. When the prince saw the effects
produced on the officers, he besought him to give
the spiritual exercises to the men. The only
time he had for this was immediately after his
meeting the officers, when he never, spoke less
than two hours. Nevertheless he consented, and
gave two hours more to the soldiers, although
he suffered much from the excessive cold of the
church. On the 7th of April these exercises
terminated ; scandals had disappeared from
among the soldiery, blasphemies were no longer
heard, taverns were deserted, and lewd women
banished from their quarters. He procured for
them books of devotion, and as they could not
afford to purchase, he furnished a little library
for them. An eye-witness declared the soldiers

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

257

might bo scon frequenting the church with their
books in their hands, looking more like tlie
novices of a rigid community than soldiers.
The effect produced on the officers was still
greater ; five among them quitted the service and
entered religious houses ; and when he left Na­
ples to return to Ciorani, he was regretted by
all.
The Congregation at Nocera was still agita­
ted by the tempest, when an event occurred,
which, though melancholy in its outset, brought
peace at last to the establishment there. Don
Dominic de Majo, a dean in the neighbourhood,
had been prejudiced against them, and abstained
from having any communication with them.
This priest had a young relative who led a very
debauched life, and whom he had often remon­
strated with, because of his irregularities. Offended
by his fraternal warnings and advice, this young
man overtook him one evening as he was return­
ing home, and falling upon him like a madman
beat him on the head with some sharp instrument
and left him for dead. He was carried into a
neighbouring convent apparently dying, which
when our Father Mazzini hoard he ran in all
haste to render him assistance, and continued to
attend him with the utmost care until he was con­
valescent. The other fathers wore also assiduous
in their attentions to the worthy dean, and
such was the change produced in his mind to­
wards them, that he could think of nothing but
how to recompense their services. His conduct
disconcerted all the malcontents, for Mgr. Volpi,
17

258

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

delighted at gaining him, joined with him in
labouring to disabuse tho superiors of religious
houses and tho few priests who still stood out
against them, and as soon as the leaders of the
conspiracy were convinced of tho pernicious
influence of their proceedings, peace was imme­
diately restored.
Towards the middle of October, Alphonso
went to Pagani, and a few days previous the
King’s council had decided in his favour, and
against Cantaldi ; but having tho tranquillity of
tho Congregation more at heart than its tempo­
ral interests, ho succeeded, though with difficul­
ty, in persuading the Bishop to allow him to
resign at once the donations made by Cantaldi,
only requesting him as a favour to pay a debt
of nine hundred ducats, contracted in building.
This disinterested conduct gained him more
than ever tho esteem of good men. Ho was ap­
plauded throughout Naples as well as at Nocera ;
and as for tho Dean ho could never cease ex­
pressing his admiration ; he came to make a
retreat at Ciorani, and ever after continued to
bo a powerful protector of the institute in every
emergency.
Mgr. Volpi, by tho consummate wisdom of all
his actions, contributed much to the re-estab­
lishment of peace. A just appreciator of the
merits of others, he knew how to value Alphon­
so.
He frequented the house, and consulted
tho missionaries on all occasions of difficulty.
He gave audiences in their house, so that their
enemies had either to come thither, or abstain

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259

from speaking with him ; and sometimes he did
not scruple to make them wait for hours before
he saw them. Ho ordered a great number to
come to the house for spiritual exercises, to be
instructed in the rubrics, or to reform their con­
duct, and obliged them to bring a certificate from
the Fathers as to how they had made their re­
treat. The esteem shown by the Bishop ended
in concilating tho respect and veneration of
their greatest enemies.

CHAPTER XXX.
Alphonso had left Naples and returned to
Ciorani to rest from his fatigues, but invited by
the people and tho neighbouring curates, his
burning zeal would allow him no repose, and
he continued his warfare against the strong­
holds of Satan in every direction and with his
accustomed success.
There had been so many demands upon him
in Naples with which ho could not comply during
his last visit, that he resolved on returning thi­
ther in October. “Who knows,” said he,
“ what God requires of me; perhaps the predes­
tination of certain souls may bo attached to
some one of my sermons?” Ho commenced by
opening a mission in tho church of St. Anna
de Palazzo. The people went in crowds ; no one
had ever seen such multitudes in that church.

1

2G0

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

The most careless and indifferent libertines,
when they heard that Father Liguori was to
preach, could not resist tho impulse which urged
them to go and hear him ; numbers were con­
verted who had never before approached the
tribunal of penance, it seemed as if ho had only
to cast the net, to receive the miraculous draught
of fishes.
lie had no sooner concluded this mission than
he was sent for to preach penance in the sub­
urb of St. Anthony, that suburb to which, by
the endeavours of F. Sarnelli, the unfortunate
women of the town had been compelled to with­
draw. His labours were not unfruitful ; many
of these unfortunate creatures touched by grace,
began to detest their crimes ; numbers were
placed in houses of refuge, others were taken
care of by charitable individuals, and they all
persevered in their amendment. He saved besides
a great number of young girls, who though not
yet embarked in tho ways of sin, were preparing
for it. The fruits of this mission were had in
remembrance for many a year.
He also visited and preached in many houses
of religious women ; while the most eminent
in the priesthood, and the most virtuous among
the laity, daily came to him for instruction and
advice, lie had scarcely time to breathe, and
had difficulty in finding leisure to recite his
office and perform his other devotional exercises.
Cardinal Spinelli, full of consolation at seeing
the wonderful conversions effected by Alphonso,
desised him to give a retreat in the cathedral.

ST. ALPHONSO LIGUORI.

261

The church could scarcely contain the multi­
tude. There was but a small proportion of the
common people, for it was filled by tho élite of
Naples.
Au eye-witness has remarked, that
eternity only can disclose the wonders of grace
then operated, and this even among many pro­
fessed infidels.
At length leaving the city to the care of the
numerous able and holy men who resided in her,
Alphonso departed for the country, to distribute
the bread of eternal life among the hungry and
the destitute. At the town of Vietri, a daring
follow, renowned for his incredulity, went
one day into the church, for the purpose, ho
said, of criticising the sermon. Ho had not
...
listened long, when entering into himself he
recognised his deplorable condition, and full of
repentance detested his former blindness. “ The
sermons of other preachers,” said he, “speak but
to tho mind of the hearers ; but the sermons of
Father Alphonso penetrate to the heart.” He
immediately went to confession, and persevered
to tho end.

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