Saint Alphonsus Liguori

I was born in 1696, in Naples, to a well-respected family. I was considered very intelligent and became a lawyer. I resigned from a brilliant career after ten years, because I realised that I had not placed God at the centre of my life. I became a priest, especially known as a preacher and confessor. I spoke in such a way that everyone could understand me and be inspired. I encouraged people to pray more. In 1732, I founded the Redemptorists, a new preaching order. I also wrote various books and hymns. In 1748, my book on moral theology was published, which became an important work. Thirty years later, I was appointed bishop. I died in 1787.