Saint of the day · August 1
St Alphonsus Liguori
MemorialSaturday, week 17 in Ordinary Time
Liturgical colour : White
St. Alphonsus Liguori (1696–1787) was an Italian bishop, moral theologian, and founder of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, commonly known as the Redemptorists. Born near Naples into a noble family, he excelled as a lawyer before embracing the priesthood, feeling called to serve the spiritual and material needs of the poor and neglected.
Throughout his life, Alphonsus was a tireless preacher, missionary, and confessor, renowned for his practical wisdom and gentle approach to moral questions, in contrast to the harsher rigorism prevalent in his time. His major work, 'The Moral Theology,' had a profound impact and became a cornerstone for modern Catholic moral teaching. He wrote prolifically—hymns, devotional books, and letters—all infused with pastoral charity and strong Marian devotion. As a bishop, Alphonsus was known for his care for his flock, often visiting the sick and advocating for just social structures.
Despite poor health and many trials, including misunderstandings and false accusations, he persevered in his dedication to Christ and His Church. In recognition of his immense contribution, the Church declared him a Doctor of the Church, particularly for his insights into moral theology and the balance of truth and mercy. Today's memorial commemorates his enduring commitment to compassionate, practical holiness and deep confidence in God's redeeming love.
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Mass readings
“It is truly the Lord who sent me to proclaim all these words to you” — Jr 26, 11-16.24
In those days,
the priests and the prophets
said to the princes and to all the people:
“This man deserves to die,
because he has prophesied against this city;
you have heard it with your own ears.”
Then Jeremiah addressed all the princes and all the people in turn:
“It is the Lord who sent me to prophesy
against this house and against this city,
and to say all the words you have heard.
And now, make your ways and your actions better,
listen to the voice of the Lord your God;
then he will relent concerning the disaster he has pronounced against you.
As for me, here I am in your hands,
do with me what seems good and right to you.
But know this well: if you put me to death,
you will be bringing innocent blood upon yourselves,
upon this city and on all its inhabitants.
For it is truly the Lord
who sent me to proclaim all these words
for you to hear them.”
Then the princes and all the people
said to the priests and the prophets:
“This man does not deserve death,
because it is in the name of the Lord our God
that he has spoken to us.”
Because the protection of Ahikam, son of Shaphan,
had been granted to Jeremiah,
he escaped from the hands of those who wanted to put him to death.
– The word of the Lord.
Ps 68 (69), 15, 16, 30-31, 33-34
Pull me out of the mud,
otherwise I sink:
let me escape from those who hate me,
from the depths of the waters.
Let the floods not overwhelm me,
let the abyss not swallow me,
let not the mouth of the well
close over me.
But I, humiliated and wounded,
let your salvation, God, raise me up.
And I will praise the name of God with a song,
I will magnify him and give thanks.
The poor have seen and are rejoicing:
“Life and joy to you who seek God!”
For the Lord hears the humble,
he does not forget his own who are imprisoned.
“Herod sent to have John beheaded in prison. John's disciples went to tell Jesus” — Mt 14, 1-12
At that time,
Herod, who was in power in Galilee,
heard about the reputation of Jesus
and said to his servants:
“This is John the Baptist;
he has been raised from the dead,
and that is why these miracles are happening through him.”
For Herod had had John arrested,
had him bound and put in prison.
It was because of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip.
Indeed, John had said to him:
“You have no right to have her as your wife.”
Herod wanted to put him to death,
but he was afraid of the crowd
because they regarded him as a prophet.
When Herod's birthday came,
the daughter of Herodias danced among the guests,
and she pleased Herod.
So he swore an oath
to give her whatever she might ask.
Prompted by her mother, she said:
“Give me here on a platter
the head of John the Baptist.”
The king was distressed;
but because of his oath and the guests,
he ordered that it be given to her.
He sent and had John beheaded in the prison.
His head was brought on a platter
and given to the young girl,
who brought it to her mother.
John’s disciples came and took away his body,
which they buried;
then they went and reported it to Jesus.
– Let us acclaim the Word of God.
Liturgical texts: © AELF — aelf.org