Exploring the Life of St. Alphonsus Liguori and His U.S. Shrine
It isn't every day that we come across a National Shrine for a saint - in fact, we often recommend smaller churches, as the majority of saintly shrines are not even located here in the U.S.!
However, when we do find one, you know we will share it, especially when it coincides with the saint's Feast Day.
Enter St. Alphonsus Liguori, whose Feast Day we celebrate on October 30th:
St. Alphonsus Liguori was born in 1696 in Naples, Italy. Originally trained as a lawyer, he left behind a promising legal career to become a priest, dedicating his life to preaching, serving the poor, and guiding souls through his pastoral work. Alphonsus was a prolific writer, producing theological works, devotional prayers, and moral guides that are still widely used today. Among his most famous works are The Glories of Mary and The Way of the Cross.
In 1762, he was appointed Bishop of Sant’Agata dei Goti. Despite suffering from severe health issues later in life, he continued to write and minister until his death in 1787. Canonized in 1839, St. Alphonsus was later declared a Doctor of the Church for his significant contributions to moral theology and spirituality.
Join us now as we make a virtual pilgrimage to the National Shrine of St. Alphonsus Liguori:
Located in Baltimore, Maryland, the National Shrine of St. Alphonsus Liguori is known by its locals as "Baltimore's Powerhouse of Prayer," and for good reason!
Based on the design of St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna, St. Alphonsus Liguori is truly a jaw-dropping masterpiece, beginning with its exterior red brick and limestone, ornate steeples, and three-level bell tower.
In addition to its outer architecture, the National Shrine also boasts a gorgeous interior, complete with giant pillars and arches, stained glass windows, and a marble altar.
When you make your pilgrimage, you are invited to partake in everything that St. Alphonsus Liguori has to offer, including mass, confession, and their many special events.
(Special events at St. Alphonsus Ligouri include everything from special feast days, solemnities, and more.)
Mass at the National Shrine of St. Alphonsus Liguori is celebrated Monday through Saturday at 7 a.m., Tuesday through Thursday at 12:10 p.m., and Sunday at 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., and 11:30 a.m.
To learn more about the National Shrine of St. Alphonsus Liguori, please visit their website.