St. Alphonsus Ligouri was born in Naples, Italy in 1696. In his early life, he was renowned as a doctor of both Canon and Civil Law, but he left his profession to enter the priesthood. As a priest, he concentrated his life on pastoral efforts, parish missions, hearing confessions and forming Christian groups.
In 1732, St. Alphonsus founded the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, also known as Redemptorists. This order was made up of priests and brothers living in common life, dedicated to the imitation of Christ, and working mainly in parish missions for parishes in rural areas.
Much of Alphonsus' life was spent doing pastoral reform. He gained renown as a compassionate and simple confessor and preacher. At the age of 66 Alphonsus was made bishop and continued his pastoral reform on a diocesan level.
Alphonsus died in 1787. He is known now for his moral theology and his many writings. He is the patron saint of theologians.