Alphonsus was born in Naples Italy in 1696. Though renowned as a doctor of both canon and civil law, he left the legal profession and entered the priesthood. He founded the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists) which specialised in preaching missions, and in 1762 he was appointed bishop of Sant’Agata dei Goti. He faced much physical suffering and divisions within his Order. He resigned his office to work with his confreres at Nocera dei Pagani in Campagna. He died in 1787. His numerous writings, especially on moral theology, earned him the title of Doctor of the Church. – CTS New Daily Roman Missal 2012, p 2869; Christian Prayer 1990, p 1181
