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St Alphonsus Liguori

November is the month in which St. Alphonsus Liguori gathered a few men with the same ideals, and started the Redemptorist Congregation.  It was on November 9, 1732, when they gathered in a little rented room in a place called Scala, up the mountain from Naples. The first Redemptorists wanted to respond to a need and bring God’s Word to some abandoned persons.  The first were goat herders in the mountains, and they quickly reached out to others in the outskirts of Naples in southern Italy.

The  Redemptorist Congregation had a rough start.  After a short while, all but one of the first members found the life too challenging and they left St. Alphonsus. One faithful Brother remained with him.  To add to their hardship, there was opposition by the King, plus many promises of contributions to support the ministry which did not materialize.  In later years, a political dispute between the King of Naples and the Pope divided the first Redemptorist communities in the Kingdom of Naples from those in the Papal States.  Saint Alphonsus Liguori died at the age of 91 before the division could be healed. 

The reunification did take place years later. In the meantime, the Congregation spread to northern Europe via St. Clement Hofbauer.  From there, on to the USA in1832 and lands beyond.

It's been 279 years , and who would have predicted that Redemptorists  would  today be spread all over the world, with over 5,000 members? 

The ministry of the Redemptorists is the Lord's work.  Friends like you have made it possible for us to continue various ministries in parishes, retreat centers, shrines, foreign missions and formation houses.  We give thanks for you!  May the good things of life be yours in abundance, and may God bless you and your family generously at Thanksgiving and throughout the coming year.