Today we celebrate Saint Alphonsus Liguori (1696–1787), a moral theologian and founder of the Redemptorists — most renowned for responding to a theological crisis of his time: Jansenism.
Jansenism was a seventeenth-century movement that led people to fear and, ultimately, avoid reception of the sacraments of Eucharist and Reconciliation, prompting papal condemnations. Alphonsus responded by developing a balanced moral theology —neither lax nor rigorist — grounded in free-will cooperating with grace. He encouraged frequent reception of the sacraments and trust in God’s mercy. He also emphasized that God desires the salvation of all people. Alphonsus also had a deep Marian devotion, combining deep theological insight with heartfelt trust in Mary’s intercession.
Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother and Saint Alphonsus Liguori, may the Lord grant that the People of God in the Diocese of Cheyenne will embrace a theology that is neither presumptive of God’s mercy nor scrupulous in fear of his justice. May we have the courage to be guided by truth and surrender to his mercy. Amen.
