Pope Benedict XVI School of Prayer catechesis 40: Saint Alphonsus Mary Ligouri
·7 min
This episode of the Pope Benedict XVI School of Prayer podcast features Fr. Jim Chern discussing a catechesis from 2012 by Pope Benedict XVI on St. Alphonsus Mary Liguori. The reflection was given on August 1st, the feast day of St. Alphonsus, during the pope's summer siesta at Castel Gandolfo outside Rome. St. Alphonsus was an 18th-century saint known for his teachings on prayer and the sacrament of penance, advocating for a merciful approach during a period of rigorism. His treatise 'The Great Means of Prayer' from 1759 is highlighted as his most useful work, where he describes prayer as essential for salvation. The catechesis focuses on St. Alphonsus's maxim that 'those who pray will be saved, and those who do not will be damned,' underscoring prayer's necessity. He taught that prayer is a means to reach the goal of full life intended by God, which sin has distanced, and only God's grace can restore. St. Alphonsus argued that without prayer, salvation is difficult or impossible, but with prayer, it becomes secure and easy, placing responsibility on individuals to pray. He emphasized that prayer is required in all life situations, especially trials, and encourages confident appeals to God. The episode delves into what is truly necessary in life, with St. Alphonsus pointing to health of soul and graces from Jesus, received through prayer. Prayer is presented as enabling people to discern good and strengthen their will to act on it, addressing the common struggle of knowing but not doing good. St. Alphonsus cited St. Philip Neri's example of praying for God's protection upon waking, illustrating humility and reliance on divine help against temptation. He also noted that through prayer, the poor become rich in God's grace, following St. Augustine's encouragement to seek God's power for doing good. The relationship with God is framed as fundamental, brought into being through daily personal prayer and sacramental participation. This relationship grows divine presence, guiding and illuminating one's path even amid difficulties. The episode concludes by reinforcing that without this relationship, life lacks a core element, making prayer indispensable for spiritual safety and peace.
