Topic:  Does a prayer written by St. Alphonso Liguori contradicts our beliefs about Mary?

Source of this posting: Moderator response

Date originally posted: May 29, 2005

Moderator who originally posted this source: Kathy Martyn

Question:  I was raised catholic, and am now in a serious relationship with a guy who is Christian. Since religion is a major part in both of our lives, we've thought about the effect it would have on our future. ie..marrige and raising a family. He has a lot of questions about the Catholic faith...one concerning the Virgin Mary. We've talked about it and done research so that he understands that we don't worship her, but ask her to intercede on our behalf. THen he found a prayer written by Saint Alponso of Ligeuri (spelling?), about Mary. I must admit, that the prayer and our beliefs of Mary contradict one another. How do i explain this? Any advice or help would be great. Thank you.

Answer: 

Hi and thank you for your question. I am not sure which paryer you are referring to in your question. Here is a little bio material about him though. I would only conclude that to become a saint, found an order of Priest would not be possible if St. Liguori's teachings were no in tandem with Catholic practices.

"Alphonsus Liguori, Saint, 1696–1787, Italian churchman, Doctor of the Church. He was named Alfonso Maria de' Liguori. In 1732 he founded the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (the Redemptorists) for religious work among the poor, especially in the country. He refused the archiepiscopal see of Palermo, accepting instead (1762) the poor country diocese of Sant'Agata dei Goti. He labored incessantly until 1775, when sickness forced him to resign. He worked for his order under great difficulties caused by an anticlerical government and overzealous monks. Goatherds of the mountains were his special care. St. Alphonsus was an accomplished musician and wrote many hymns and instrumental pieces. His point of view in casuistry [Lat., casus=case], art of applying general moral law to particular cases. Although most often associated with theology (it has been utilized since which has become standard, is called equiprobabilism. St. Alphonsus was unusual, even among Roman Catholics, for his great devotion to the Virgin. Feast: Aug. 2."