CONTENTS

Introduction 31

CHAPTER I.

Characteristics of St Alphonsus. — Antiquity and nobility of his family. — Piety of his parents. — Birth of Alphonsus. — His brothers and sisters. — Childhood of the saint — Remarkable prediction of St Francis Jerome, S. J. — Singular coincidence 1

CHAPTER II.

Early education of Alphonsus. — His first steps in piety. — Father Tannola's reminiscences of Madame Liguori. — Alphonsus as a boy. — With the Oratorians. — He attains to sublime prayer. — Remarkable incident 5

CHAPTER III.

Studies of Alphonsus. — His musical and poetical talents. — Painting and architecture. — Evidences of his general knowledge of liberal arts and sciences. — His success in jurisprudence. — He receives the degree of doctor. — His exploits at the chase, and fowling. — Lost time. — Increasing solicitude of his mother. — His love and gratitude towards her 11

CHAPTER IV.

Success of Alphonsus at the bar. — The rules which guided him. — His pious practices. — His retreats. — His love of purity. — His love for the congregation of St Philip. — The edification he gave to all who knew him. — Conversion of a Moorish slave. — Motive of his conversion. — His happy death 21

CHAPTER V.

Matrimonial projects. — Teresina Liguori. — Birth of her brother and consequent alteration in her prospects. — Negotiations abandoned and renewed. — Indignation of the young princess. — She enters a convent — Alphonsus becomes her biographer. — Indiscretion of our saint on one occasion. — Anger of his father. — Humility of the son. — Cooling of his fervor. — Testimony of Charles Cota — Retreat — Terrible incident — Effect on Alphonsus. — His devotion to the Blessed Sacrament — His zeal for decorating altars. — His gratitude to his friend, the Duke of Casabona, and to the Fathers of the Mission. Interesting letter

CHAPTER VI.

Retreat of Alphonsus and his father. — Effect on the latter. — Another matrimonial project — The interrupted duet — Alphonsus gains his mother to his side. — The lost cause. — Emotions of Alphonsus. — Measures of his parents. — His resolutions. — His opinion of the legal profession. — Why he renounced it 31

CHAPTER VII.

Alphonsus begins to lead a life of seclusion. — The anguish of his father. — Alphonsus refuses to transact the legal business of his family. — The birthday of the Empress Isabella. — Supernatural favor. — Final renunciation of the world. — Favorite church of our saint — His devotion to Our Lady of Mercy. — During his last visit to Naples he makes a novena in her church. — He acknowledges his indebtedness to the Mother of Mercy 37

CHAPTER VIII.

Evening of the memorable day. — Remark of Father Pagano. — Fervor of his penitent. — He remains three days without food. — Interior lights. — Holy impatience of the youth. — His father endeavors to persuade him to resume his profession. — Firmness of the saint. — Scenes between father and son which disturb domestic tranquillity 41

CHAPTER IX.

The parents. — Former friends. — M&io changes his opinions. — Domini Bruno. — Newer and truer friends. — Cheering prophecy. — Zeal of our saint for little children. — Contrast between Don Alphonsus the successful lawyer, and Alphonsus the catechiser of little ones 47

CHAPTER X.

Alphonsus applies himself to ecclesiastical studies. — He seeks the society of the most eminent churchmen. — His hymns become popular. — He becomes more austere. — He receives the tonsure and is ordained subdeacon. — New occupations. — He joins the congregation of the mission. — The rules he observed as a candidate for the priesthood. — His first sermon. — Illness. — Miraculous recovery. — Rules for a priest 50

CHAPTER XI.

Popularity of Alphonsus as a preacher. — Remark of Capasso the satirist. — The count hears his son preach. — He is deeply affected. — Pious practices of our saint. — Mode of life. — He unconsciously forms the plan of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer. — He begins to hear confessions. — His extraordinary gentleness. — Striking conversions. — Our saint as a confessor 58

CHAPTER XII.

Conferences. — Our saint's audiences. — Other priests take part in the good work. — What is new, not necessarily wrong. — The cutlets. — A captain of the Royal Guard mystified. — The governor orders the arrest of preachers and auditors. — The order executed. — Alphonsus appeals to the Cardinal. — False reports. — Good effected. — Fervent disciples 68

CHAPTER XIII.

Barbarese continues the work of the conferences. — Reminiscences of Brother Angiolo. — The seed bears fruit. — Sentiments of our saint. — Exercises of his penitents. — He establishes a school for women. — Labors in the hospital. — Exercises for the patients. — Perseverance of Barbarese. — Meeting between him and Alphonsus. — Death of this good man. — Death of Nardone, 73

CHAPTER XIV.

The Chinese College. — Alphonsus in his new abode — Privations and Penances. — Spiritual dryness and obscurity. — Zeal for souls. — Father Ripa's testimony. — Extraordinary gifts of - Alphonsus as a confessor. — His penitent Mary. — Incessant labors of Alphonsus. — The epidemic of 1731. — Illness of our saint — The earthquake of La Pouille 90

CHAPTER XV.

Our Lady of Foggia. — The apparition. — Alphonsus preaches a novena. — Success. — Our Lady appears to him. — Picture of the Vision. — Alphonsus visits Mount Gargano. — He is reprimanded by Canon Torni. — His sweetness and gentleness. 96

CHAPTER XVI.

Alphonsus retires to Amalfi. — Proposal of the Vicar of Seals. — Alphonsus and his companions evangelise shepherds and goatherds. — Sermon 89

CHAPTER XVII.

Conflicting sentiments. — Opinions of Pagano. — Cutica and Manulio agree with him. — Opposition. — Gizzio and Torni. — Others deride our Saint. — The nun of Scala, Sister Celestina. — A miracle. — Father Fioriilo. — His letter to Alphonsus. — Embarrassment of our saint — He shows the letter. — Letter of Mgr. Falcoia 94

CHAPTER XVIII.

Fathers Pagano and Fioriilo decline the direction of Alphonsus. — Alphonsus places himself under the guidance of Mgr. Falcola. — Canon Torni endeavors to shake the resolution of Alphonsus. — Retreat for the clergy. — Missions. — Letter. — First disciples of Alphonsus 1Q4

CHAPTER XIX.

The germs of the new Congregation. — The missionaries in Scala. — Touching incidents. — Penitential life of the missionaries. — Alphonsus signalizes himself even among saintly men. — Pious customs he introduces. — Consoling letter of Canon Torni. — New persecutions. — The Archbishop defends the saint The flame of resentment is arrested but not extinguished. — Gratitude of Alphonsus towards his defenders 106

CHAPTER XX.

Te severest trial yet. — Odd proposals. — Firmness of the saint. — Withdrawal of Mandarini. — Letter. — Modest proposal of Mandaiini. — Secession. — Guef of St. Alphonsus. — Freezing Reception accorded by Bishop Falcoia. — Temptations. — Terrific struggle. — The pulpits resound with anathemas. — Deviled by all. — In Naples. — At Scala again 116

CHAPTER XXI.

The grotto near Scala. — Prospects brighten. — Don Xavier Rossi. — A foundation after the saint's own heart — An incident — Father Mazzini. — Loss of a novice. — The wonders of the Thebald renewed. — Tosquez becomes a financier. — Mandarini endeavors to make reparation 124

CHAPTER XXII.

Alphonsus preaches the Lent in the cathedral of Seals. — Singular incident — Reception of the Fathers at Ciorani. — Abundant fruits of th%t mission. — Retreat for the nobles. — Viliam joins the Congregation. — Trials 131

CHAPTER XXIII.

Imprudent suggestion of Don Andrew Samelli. — Evil consequences. — The Archbishop defends Alphonsus. — Terrific incident — Extraordinary success of the mission at Naples. — Interesting conversion. — Mission at Santa Lucia. — Violent persecutions. — Punishment of the persecutors 137

CHAPTER XXIV.

Another mission. — Apparition of our Lady to Alphonsus. — Castellamare. — The new house at Ciorani. — Scala relinquished. — Regret of the inhabitants. — The rain at Aquarola. - Priests. — 44 The Apostle." — Wonderful cure. — The standard-bearer of the Redemptorist Order. — Alphonsus writes his epitaph 111

CHAPTER XXV.

Mission m Naples. — Disagreeable incident — Firmness of the cardinal. — Alphonsus's Christmas hospitality. — Father Ca- faro becomes a Redemptorist — Proposals of the cardinal. — Rejected by the saint — He is mistaken for the cook. — His unselfishness. — Renewal of missions. — He originates the Novenas previous to our Lady's feasts. 120

CHAPTER XXVI.

The saint resolves to form his disciples into a regular community. — Reasons. — Withdrawal of Father Majorino. — His letter. — Poverty. — Ecclesiastical Dignities. — Obedience. — Vow of Stability. — Dispensation. — The saint leaves Naples. — Father Samelli replaces him. — Interview with the Cardinal. — He returns to Ciorani 156

CHAPTER XXVII.

The House at Pagani. — Humiliations. — Ambition of Count Joseph for his son. — Edifying letter. — A new foundation. — Miracle. — Wonderful fruits of the mission. — The Blessed Virgin sends a sinner to Father Liguori 161

CHAPTER XXVIII.

Obedience of Father Rossi. — A welcome postulant. — The saint is summoned to Naples. — His father comes to Ciorani to enter as a lay-brother. — The saint dissuades him. — Persecution in Nocera. — Alphonsus appeals to Mgr. Falcoia. — St Michael. — Death of Bishop Falcoia 167

CHAPTER XXIX.

The enemies of the Congregation. — Its friends. — The wicked triumph, but not forever. — Cantaldi's sister. — Pope Benedict XIV charges Cardinal Spinelli to inquire into the affairs of the Congregation. — Advice of Mgr. Dominic. — His death. — His successor 174

CHAPTER XXX.

Illiceto. — Alphonsus miraculously raised several feet from the ground. — Early days at Illiceto. — Happy death of Brother Vitus Curzius.- Grief of Alphonsus. — New trials. — Father Sportelli a match for his enemies. — Right victorious. — Might defeated 180

CHAPTER XXXI.

Missionary project of Benedict XIV. — Terrible example. — Our saint's countenance is radiant with heavenly light — Precious death of Count Joseph Liguori. — Illness of the saint — A liberal benefaction. — Gratitude of the founder. — He is again invited to Foggia. — A new foundation. — An inhospitable noble. — The saint sees from one foundation what is done in Spother. — Signor Corona. — Prophecy fulfilled 156

CHAPTER XXXII.

The foreign comedians. — Vision. — Our Lady sends a penitent to the missionaries. — Removal of the Novitiate. — Our stint begins to publish. — His devotion to St. Teresa. — His work on the episcopacy. — An opponent. — He refuses the mitre. — He pleads his cause before the King of Naples. — He refuses to receive Mandarini. — Insults. — Instructions on various subjects. — Sermons 193

CHAPTER XXXIII.

The saint repairs to Naples. — Tanned opposes him. — Illness. — A strange calumny. — Renewed efforts to procure the confirmation of his institute. — Mission. — fortunate circumstance for Alphonsus. — Incessant labors. — He gives a retreat in the cathedral. — Critirisro. — Changes suggested. — Father Villani in Rome. — Ruse. — Graciousness of the Pope to Father Villani 203

CHAPTER XXXIV.

An abbot resigns his mitre to follow Father Liguori. — First general chapter. Liberality of the gentlemen of Pagani. — The jubilee at Sarao. — Missionary. — Precious death of Fatnei Sportelli. — A beautiful flower on a barren rock. — "The Glories of Mary." — Other publications. — Sad events. — Letuii 211

CHAPTER XXXV.

Alphonsus resumes the mission. — A new sorrow. — Circular letter. — The saint's reception at Naples. — Illness. — Another annoyance. — Reaction. — Extraordinary conversions. — The saint pleads his cause before the king. — Insults. — His sojourn in the capital. — Prophecy. — His moral theology. — High opinion Pope Benedict XIV held of Alphonsus. — Offer of the king. — Mirade. — Death of Father Cafaro 222

CHAPTER XXXVI.

Circular letter. — A foundation in the States of the Church. — Retreat at Ciorani. — Discussion. — Death of the Countess Liguori. — Mission at Benevento. — Retreat to the Neapolitan students. — To the servants. — Other effects of the saint's Ml. — New publication 232

CHAPTER XXXVII.

The queen-mother consults our saint — Stratagem. — Work on the confessional — Criticisms. — The areas at Amalfi. — Earthquake. — Nola. — The Seminary. — Bi- location. — The saint loses his dear son Rossi. — Miracle. — Missions to Calabria. 239

CHAPTER XXXVIII.

Reformation of the Royal Hospital of Gaeta. — New publication. — The Sicilian mission. — The true spouse of Christ —

The fisherman. — The Fathers wrecked. — The young Calabrian. — His tragic end a fulfilment of Father Liguori's prophecy 244

CHAPTER XXXJX.

Alphonsus as a superior. — Humility. — Health. — Preaching. — Father de Meo's Sybils and Argonauts. — Confessors. — Example of a rigorist. — Father Rizzi obliged to apologize for an indiscretion. — Poverty and obedience. — Instruction on various matter. — Rules for a superior 252

CHAPTER XL.

The Congregation thirty years after its foundation. — Saintly members. — The vacant see at St. Agatha. — Father Liguori selected to fill it. — He declines the honor. — His intense love for his Congregation. — A command from Rome. — "The voice of the Pope is the voice of God." — Terrible agitation of the saint. — His heroic obedience. — He prophesies that he will return to die among his brethren. — Touching meeting of the saint and F. Fatigati. — The episcopal ring and cross. — The saint at Rome 262

CHAPTER XLI.

Bishop Liguori leaves Rome. — In Naples again. — The priest of Arienzo. — The equipage of the saint. — His shoe-buckles. — At Nocera. — His intense grief. — His entrance into his diocese. — Green pears. — The new bishop will not give sumptuous repasts. — His rule of life. — His circumspectness regarding women of ill repute. — Meals 276

CHAPTER XLII.

The Lives of the Saints. Pious exercises. The prelate's household. The diocese in a lamentable condition. Extra-ordinary zeal of the saint His last tooth extracted. He officiates pontifically. — Sad events. — Mildness of the saint — His firmness. Funeral of an excommunicated man 283

CHAPTER XLIII.

Episcopal visitation. — The seminary. — Judicious regulations made by the saint. — His rigid discipline. — Examples. — His severe but just censures of Genovesi. — He prohibits the use of his work in the Seminary 290

CHAPTER XLIV.

Spiritual exercises of the Seminarists. — Mortifications. — Vigilance of the saint. — The Seminary becomes a model. — Liberality to poor students. — Solicitude of the saint with reference to penance and the Holy Eucharist — The elaborately-curled wig straightened out by the saint — Minute regulations. — Neatness of the churches. — Dangerous illness of the bishop. Cases of conscience. — Confraternities. — Mental prayer. — New books 295

CHAPTER XLV.

The saint's mode of progress through his diocese. — Apt rejoinder. — He refuses a carriage. — Compares himself to a vender of fowls. — Kindness to a servant. — Accident — Miraculous cure. — Magnificent hospitality of the Prince of Ricda. — "The saint that smooths our way to heaven." — The little monk. — The saint's kindness to children and young people. — His vigilance. — His charity to the poor 303

CHAPTER XLVI.

Count Hercules Liguori marries a second time, desiring to have heirs. — Letters. — The saint's present to the bride. — The bridegroom's indignation. — Preaching. — Sermons. — Ecstasy. — Periodical missions. — Rigor more hurtful than indulgence. — Style. — Extraordinary meekness of the saint — "Poor Jesus Christ" — The famine. — Heroic charity 319

CHAPTER XLVII.

Alphonsus presides at a General Chapter of his Congregation. — His old opponent Patuzzi again attacks him. — Alphonses dedicates his defence to the reigning Pontiff. — Want of courtesy in Patuzzi. — Apology. — Proposed synod. — Decrees issued. — New arrangement of parishes 324

CHAPTER XLVIII.

Dangerous illness of the saint. — Non recuso laborem. — Miracle. — The saint refuses to play on the harpsichord. — At Nocera. — Impatient to return to St Agatha. — Letter. — Bad books. — The saint's measures against their circulation. — His prophecy regarding the Free Masons. — Papal Infallibility. — The Assembly. — Society of Jesus. — Circular letter. — He endeavors to resign 332

CHAPTER XLIX.

Nuns of the Most Holy Redeemer. — Remarks of Archdeacon Rainone. — The Church of St. Nobody. — Sister Mary Raphael of Charity. — Additions. — Grand reception. — Our saint's attention to the wants of the Sisters. — Success of the new foundation. — Alphonsus conducts the retreat of the novices. — Liberality of the saint. — His kindness to the Sisters. — His way with them 342

CHAPTER L.

Zeal for material temples. — New persecutions. — "The truth of Faith." — The saint goes to Naples. — His urbanity. — His episcopal hat. — Accident. — An easy victory. — Apostolic labors. — The Abbot at Regina Coeli. — Christening of the saint's nephew. — His labors among the lower classes. — In convents. — His sister Lady Marianna Liguori. — His marvellous eloquence 357

CHAPTER LI.

The saint leaves Naples. — His emotion. — Letter. — Unreasonable complaints. — Calumnies. — Letter to Father Villani. — Fault finding. — The meekest of bishops accused of rigor. — Incident. — Murmurs against his works. — His reply. — Illness. — He makes his will. — Sufferings. — His tedious convalescence. — The Most Zealous Doctor. — New literary labors. — Treatise for men. — He again appeals to the Pope to ease him of the burden of the episcopate 371

CHAPTER LII.

The new Pope, Cardinal Ganganelli. — The Congregation persecuted in Sicily. — Interesting letter of the saint — His Moral Theology again attacked. — Increased alarm of the saint regarding his house in Sicily. — Incident. — Letters. — The saint refuses to moderate his zeal. — Remarkable cure. — Accidents. — "An old carriage, an old coachman, old horses, and an old Bishop." — Recreations. — He resumes the daily celebration of mass. — Regularity and austerity of his life 383

CHAPTER LIII.

Ever increasing zeal of the saint — The Seminary. — The Visitation of 1769. — The saint does more than a hundred ordinary bishops. — He defends his Grand Vicar. — He is accused to the King. — Letter. — The saint defends his conduct. — Reply of the King. — The saint's conduct towards his calumniator. — Absurdity of the charges preferred against the bishop

CHAPTER LIV.

The Count and Countess Liguori visit Alphonsus. — Prophecy — The saint and his god-children. — Death of one of his nephews. — The bishop comforts the afflicted father. — Advice regarding the surviving children. — Their mother Lady Marianna loses her senses. — Circular letter. — Tannucci. — New troubles in Sicily. — Apology of Alphonsus. — Maffei's expedient for regaining popularity. — The Fathers leave Sicily. — Request of the people 397

CHAPTER LV.

Clement XIV refuses to accept the saint's resignation. — Prophecy. — Circular letter. — New literary labors. — Foundations. — Gratitude of the saints. — Letters.-* — Work on the Psalms. — Criticisms. — Persecutions. — Revolution. — His grief at the suppression of the Jesuits. — He regards it as temporary. — His sympathy for the Pope. — He assists at his death-bed. — Bilocation proved. — The saint requested to write the qualifications necessary in the future Pope. — He complies 406

CHAPTER LVI.

Calumnies against Alphonsus. — His Moral Theology censured and defended. — Violent persecutions. — He refuses to go to Naples. — He prescribes means of obtaining the Divine mercy. — He refuses to seek the mediation of a lady. — Some gleams of sunshine. — Good Bishop Lanza. — The saint's administration. — Examples. — Testimony of Tannoia. — Extraordinary sweetness of the saint. — His zeal to prevent the slightest faults in priests. — His surveillance extends beyond his own diocese. — The regulars. — Vigilance over the laity. — Anecdote 491

CHAPTER LVII.

The saint's zeal to convert women of irregular lives. — He establishes prisons for the incorrigible. — He exiles some. — An objection answered. — Examples. — He reproves his secretary's remissness. — He replenishes the wardrobe of one of his protegees. — One of the "ninety-nine just" reproaches him. — Marriages. — His care to reserve the innocence of his lambs. — The gold necklace. — The Most Zealous Doctor. —

The office of a bishop. — The saint and the amateur actors. — He will not allow women to be instructed in the priest's house. — Letter to the king against duelling. — Burthen of the episcopate. — Brother Welcome. — The saint's strictness regarding the Paschal 433

CHAPTER LVIII.

Supernatural lights of the saint. — Example. — Testimony of one of his officials. — Incident. — Persecutions. — The saint's goodness towards his enemies. — His patience. — His exquisite tenderness of heart. — The doctor. — Trouble in the episcopal kitchen. — The saint a hero to his valet. — His extraordinary meekness and humility. — Instances. — The saint a thorough gentleman. — His deference and politeness towards his priests. — He refuses his likeness to his publisher. — Alexis obtains it. — The device of the Congregation. — Episcopal immunities not claimed by the saint's household. — His deference to members of his own Congregation. — Father Majone refuses to live at St Agatha 444

CHAPTER LIX.

Wonderful charity towards the poor. — The saint's present to his sister-in-law. — He does not wish her to remain too long at his palace. — His preference for the poor. — The Cair at Maddalon. — Alphonsus's care of the bashful poor. — Instances. — The poor noble. — How a bishop should act with regard to giving charity. — How the saint acted when poverty was an occasion of sin. — His privileged poor. — His charity to pilgrims and strangers. — To members of his household. — Testimony of an eye-witness. — Prisoners. — St Misery. — Mario. — All misfortune appeals to the saint — Letters. — Indignation of the saint at the imprisonment of one of his servants. — The smuggler. — The Albanian soldiers 455

CHAPTER LX.

The saint's hospitality. — The archpriest and his companions. — The bishop's coachman. — The saint's disinterestedness. — Instances. — His advice to Bishop Rossi. — His care of the episcopal property. — His dislike of lawsuits. — Letter. — His elegant courtesy towards the Duke of Maddalon. — His efforts to improve his lands, &c. — His interest in the culture of olives, mulberry trees, &c. — The raising of silk-worms. — He beautifies the episcopal gardens 465

CHAPTER LXI.

How the saint practised holy poverty. — He wears out the old clothes of Bishop Danza. — He replenishes his wardrobe from an old clothes shop. — Putting in new sleeves. — "Old things suit an old bishop." — Letter of Don Spota. — Why the saint practised economy. — Details. — Opinion of the Bishop of Caserto. — The saint's episcopal ring. — He will use only the produce of his own diocese. — His mortification. — Incident — He takes vinegar for wine. — Fruit sent to him does not stop at its destination. — Why he did not keep caged birds. — The harpsichord. — Rubini's testimony 470

CHAPTER LXII.

Doubts and fears of the saint as to his resignation of the bishopric. — Regret of the people. — A general mission. — Wonderful vigilance of the saint. — His resignation accepted. — Letter. — Grief of the clergy. — Sentiments of the retiring bishop. — Of the citizens of Naples. — The weight of Mount Taburao removed from the saint's shoulders. — The vacant see. — Monsignote Rossi. — The pension . — Characteristic disinterestedness 498

CHAPTER LXIII.

The saint's last visitation. — Touching scene. — The art of arts. — Anecdote. — He visits his religions communities. — His present. — Mother Raphael. — An alms. — The church. — Miracle. — The saint's departure from St. Agatha. — His constant residence during his administration. — A melancholy ovation. — Reception in Nola. — Miracle. — Enthusiastic reception in Nocera. — Eased of one burden to assume another. — Touching letter. — New persecutions. — Discipline relaxed. — The saint endeavors to restore perfect observance. — His labors among the people. — The Carminello. — His apartments 487

CHAPTER LXIV.

New work. — Opinion of Bishop Cervone. — Other works. — Letters from Pius VI. — Persecutions. — Prophecy. — Gratuitous counsels. — Tanucci retires from office. — De Leon's animosity. — His ironical prediction fulfilled. — "Time is a courteous gentleman." — Honor done to the missionaries. — Letters. — Circular. — Untimely death of two of the saint's persecutors. — The Baron of Ciorani ceases to afflict God's servants. — Alphonsus victorious over all his enemies 498

CHAPTER LXV.

The saint's zeal for the houses outside the kingdom. — He insists upon each religious having a cell to himself. — Letter. — Favors granted by Pius VI. — The saint's solicitude for the health of his sons. — His great love for them. — His endeavors to promote perfect charity. — He wished superiors to show great gentleness towards them. — His work on "Fidelity of Subjects to their King." — Extract — His zeal for the great. — He destroys letters received from sovereigns. — He stirs up the zeal of his literary friends. — Correspondence with Abbe Nonnote. — Voltaire. — Conversion of Metastasio 509

CHAPTER LXVI.

The greatest evils done the Congregation. — Efforts of the founder. — " Edify or go." — Family matters. — Little Joseph. — Interesting letter. — Death of Count Hercules Liguori. — Resignation of the saint. — Cure of Don Gavotti. — The Lady Teresa Liguori. — Letter. — The Lady Antonia Liguori. — His anxiety about his niece's vocation. — His usual advice to noble spinsters. — Teresa becomes a nun. — Her visit to her uncle. Her profession. — The young Count Joseph 521

CHAPTER LXVII.

The severest trials of Alphonsus. — The protection afforded the Church by the mighty ones of earth. — Treachery. — The saint refuses to be convinced. — Letters. — Father Villani conceals from Alphonsus the treachery of Majone. — How the saint suffered from his friends. — Terrible scene. — Profound dejection of the holy Founder. — Letter. — Important document — Letter to Majone. — Astonishing meekness of the saint — Obstinacy of Majone. — Unavailing efforts of the saint to restore concord. — Indignation of his subjects. — Alphonsus had foreseen all 535

CHAPTER LXVIII.

Alphonsus takes a bold step. — He proves that his intellect is as sound as ever. — Testa begins to relent. — A turbulent member. — A new conspiracy. — Stormy scene. — The founder invited to resign. — His re-election. — He is calumniated at Rome. — Consequences. — Action of the Pope. — Ingratitude of some of the saint's children. — F. de Paul coolly accepts the office of general. — Hypocrisy of Leggio. — Resignation of the saint — His fearful temptations. — His charming frankness. 547

CHAPTER LXIX.

Alphonsus unconsciously justifies himself. — The last touches given to his sanctity. — The saint displays his most noble qualities. — His submission to the new rector-major. — His meekness towards Majone. — "Servant of the Church till death." — The Pope's words absolute. — He reads the Life of St. Joseph Calasansa. — He will not allow his sons to appeal to the king. — The respect and obedience he compels them to evince towards the Pope 569

CHAPTER LXX.

Incessant efforts of the saint to bring about a reunion. — He appeals to the king, who grants his request.- -The protection accorded by kings. — Letter to Leggio. — New trials. — Arrogance of Leggio. — Scruple. — Division. — The Pope calls Alphonsus a saint — He does him full justice only after death 570

CHAPTER LXXI.

Prosperity of the Congregation. — Touching letter. — Alphonsus utters no reproach. — Paroxysms of grief. — Heroic confidence in God. — He is universally regarded as a saint — Petition. — Audacity of Leggio. — The missionaries acquitted by the royal council after nineteen years' litigation. — Gratitude of the saint. — The most diabolical of all works. — The Sicilian subjects choose a general for themselves. — The Neapolitan Fathers elect a coadjutor for Alphonsus, with right of succession. — Change of sentiments. — The last drop. — Perfect submission. — The German house. — Last days and deeds of Leggio

CHAPTER LXXII.

The saint's marvellous gift of eloquence. — His continued interest in the missions. — In the Church in general. — His gratitude for being a child of the Church. — Gratitude for the hospitality shown the Jesuits by Catherine of Russia and Frederick of Prussia. — His conviction that the suppression would not continue long. — He defends them. — His hatred of the Jansenists. — Amauld. — The Blessed Eucharist. — "Mercy to sinners." — How to deal with sinners who come to confession badly disposed. — His perpetual sermon, avoid sin. — His last visit to the nuns of Nocera. — Obedience. — His occupations. — His politeness. — Accident — He sells his horses. — Temptations 588

CHAPTER LXXIII.

Diabolical phantoms. — The Neapolitan missionary. — The phantom-priest — Another temptation. — Heavenly favors. — Supernatural instinct — The feast of the Blood of Jesus. — The mental power of the saint not impaired. — The act of love. — Saintly coachmen. — God glorifies the sanctity of His servant — The burning mountain. — The little children. — The saint's testimony to Father de Meo's sanctity. — Gift of prophecy. — Humility of the saint — His heroic obedience. — His gentlemanly demeanor among his brethren. — "Always crooked." — Advice to a young cleric. — Pious practices. — Vacant sees 601

CHAPTER LXXIV.

God alone. — Incorrect conclusion. — Vigor of the saint's intellect — His fear of God's judgments. — His exalted idea of the sacerdotal dignity. — His consummate tact — Celebration of his ninetieth birthday. — Young men of ninety. — Foreshadowing. — Interesting details. — The saint is visited by his absent children. — "By thy words thou shalt be justified." — Visit of Count Joseph Liguori. — "Save your soul." — Parting benedictions. — Brother Gerard. — Delicate attentions of the Neapolitan bishops. — Universal grief for the hopeless condition of the saint — Miracles 613

CHAPTER LXXV.

Details. — "Give me the Madonna." — The saint can no longer articulate. — He is visited by our Lady herself. — Answer to his prayers. — The crucifix. — His prayer to die among his beloved brethren. — It is beautifully answered. — He dies in an ecstasy of love. — His soul among the seraphim. — His personal appearance. — Character. — Obsequies. — Veneration of all classes, especially the clergy. — Funeral honors, devised by the Bishop of Nocera, dispensed with. — Masses celebrated without intermission. — The funeral. — Miracles 623

CHAPTER LXXVI.

Honors shown to the saint's memory. — Testimony of the Archbishop of Palermo. — Of Cardinal Benediti. — Of the Archbishop of Amalfi. — Letter of Monsignore Lopes. — Magnificent obsequies. — Letter from the Bishop of Nusco. — The Superior-General of the pious workmen. — Mother Raphael. — The modem Francis de Sales. — Cardinal Spinelli. — The Archbishop of Salerno. — Other distinguished testimony. — Alphonsus a model for all orders of the clergy. -rHis extraordinary sweetness towards sinners. — His life-long propensity to magnify the mercy and goodness of God 636

CHAPTER LXXVII.

Alphonses as a child. — His three great sins. — Early sympathy with the humbler classes. — As a priest. — "Keep your rules." — As superior. — Remarkable instances of his kindness and compassion. — A model for bishops. — His excessive clemency. — His love for his subjects. — His unbounded confidence in them. — Instance. — Alphonsus as a theologian. — His attachment to Ins clergy. — Their love for him. — Instances. — Accused of laxity. — Characteristic defence 64a

CHAPTER LXXVIII.

Miracles attest the sanctity of Alphonsus. — Magdalen de Nundo. — Francis de Octajana. — Antoinette Tarsia. — The nun of Salerno. — The saint's countrywoman, Doha Giordani. — Miracle wrought on the Lady Louisa Palatella. — Two processes. The saint declared Venerable. — Proceedings suspended. — Alphonsus is beatified. — Canonization. — Indulgences granted. — The city of Naples chooses him for patron. — Respect paid to him by the Royal family and people of Naples. — High esteem of several popes for Alphonsus, especially Pius IX. — Raised to the Doctorate. — Conditions. — The excellence of all the Doctors reunited in our saint — Extraordinary pomp and splendor of the saint's beatification and canonization. — Decree - 658

CHAPTER LXXIX.

The undying characteristic of St. Alphonsus. — The work most cherished by Alphonsus. — Sketch of the early days of the order in Northern Europe. — A prophecy and its fulfilment — Vocation of F. Hoffbauer. — Hiibl. — Various persecutions. — Splendid testimony. — Prisons and death. — Death of the second General. — His successors. — Jealousies of the Neapolitan government — Present state of the Congregation. — Father Passerat — His holy death. — Prayers and prophecies 696