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Tuesday, August 1 is a special event.
Because it is such an important day for our parish, the Church allows us to celebrate his feast at all weekend Masses, Aug. 3 & 4.
Our parish is named after this man who lived over 300 years ago, but how much do we know about him? What about him inspired our parish founders to give his name as part of our spiritual identity?- In the book of Christian Prayer, we read that he “was renowned as a doctor of both Canon and Civil Law, but he left the legal profession and entered the priesthood. To foster Christian life, he applied himself to preaching among the people and writing books on moral theology, of which he is considered a master.” (p.1206)
- In the Gospel for this feast day, Jesus stands firm in his acknowledgment of the law. He also clearly tells his followers that “whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the Kingdom of heaven.” (Mt 5:19)
- St. Alphonsus Liguori urged the people who he served to pray. “Without prayer it is impossible to resist temptations and to keep the commandments” (The Great Means of Salvation and Perfection). He knew the law, but he also understood that Jesus fulfills the law.
Liturgical prayer is considered the ideal form of worship. It is where we become strengthened to live out God’s law. It is where we learn to love each other, to become salt of the earth people. How blessed are we that our parish’s namesake knew both the love and the law of the Lord. How blessed are we that every time we gather here for communal prayer, we follow St. Alphonsus Liguori’s legacy to attain the same rewards that are his in heaven!
- In the book of Christian Prayer, we read that he “was renowned as a doctor of both Canon and Civil Law, but he left the legal profession and entered the priesthood. To foster Christian life, he applied himself to preaching among the people and writing books on moral theology, of which he is considered a master.” (p.1206)
