St. Alphonsus Liguori earned his doctorate in both canon and civil law from the University of Naples at the age of 16. Ten years later he would give up his career as a lawyer to become a priest. Shortly thereafter he composed his own code of ethics for the legal profession, called the 12 Commandments for Lawyers. (See the 12 Commandments to the left under St. Alphonsus Liguori).

St. Alphonsus went up into the hills overlooking the city of Naples to minister to the peasants and shepherds who had been neglected for far too long by the hundreds of diocesan priests who never ventured out beyond the city.

St. Alphonsus would spend hours at a time, day after day, at the Hospital for the Incurables in Naples tending to the sick and dressing their wounds.

As the founder of a congregation of missionary preachers, St. Alphonsus insisted his followers imitate him in the use of clear and simple language when preaching "so as to be understood by the illiterate; it is only by preaching in a simple manner that will we bring back souls to God."

Painting was just one of the many gifts St. Alphonsus used to demonstrate his love for Jesus Christ and Mary. (See his paintings to the left under St. Alphonsus Liguori.)

St. Alphonsus used music as part of his missionary work to help convey the message of the Gospels. He composed some 40 sacred hymns of music, the most popular of which, Tu Scendi Delle Stalle or "He came down from the heavens," is still sung today throughout Italy at Christmastime. The Christmas Eve Mass from the Vatican closes every year with this popular carol by St. Alphonsus. (Listen to samples of his music to the left under St. Alphonsus Liguori.)

St. Alphonsus wrote 111 books and pamphlets, making him the most published author in history. A remarkable achievement, especially considering he didn't start to write until he was in his '50s and by that time always in a lot of physical pain. (See a complete list of his works to the left under St. Alphonsus Liguori.)

St. Alphonsus was widely sought after by people from various levels of society and by other religious for his spiritual direction and guidance.

St. Alphonsus founded his congregation of men in 1732 in Naples, Italy. Its formal title is the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer. Its purpose and mission is to evangelize the poor while promoting their fundamental rights to justice and freedom.

In his most influential work, Moral Theology, St. Alphonsus tried to correct what he saw as errors that could harm people struggling to live good and moral lives.

St. Alphonsus was made a bishop in 1762 at the age of 66; he agreed to it reluctantly. As bishop he instituted a series of reforms throughout his diocese, beginning with the spiritual rehabilitation of the clergy and the faithful.

In March of 1871, Pope Pius IX declared him a Doctor of the Church.

St. Alphonsus Liguori was canonized in 1839.