Alphonsus Rodriguez facts for kids
Quick facts for kids SaintAlphonsus Rodríguez S.J |
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| Confessor | |
| Born | 25 July 1532 Segovia, Spain |
| Died | 31 October 1617 (aged 85) Palma, Majorca, Spain |
| Venerated in | Catholic Church (Society of Jesus) |
| Beatified | 5 June 1825 by Pope Leo XII |
| Canonized | 15 January 1888 by Pope Leo XIII |
| Major shrine | Jesuit College Palma, Majorca, Spain |
| Feast | October 30 |
Saint Alphonsus Rodríguez (born July 25, 1532, died October 31, 1617) was a Spanish Jesuit. He was a religious brother, not a priest. Today, he is honored as a saint in the Catholic Church. Alphonsus was born in Segovia, Spain. Even though he faced many sad times in his life, he had a big positive effect on everyone he met.
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Life Story of Alphonsus Rodríguez
Alphonsus Rodríguez was the son of a wool merchant. When he was young, a famous Jesuit named Peter Faber visited his city. Faber stayed with the Rodríguez family and helped prepare young Alphonsus for his First Communion.
Early Life and Family Challenges
At age twelve, Alphonsus went to a new Jesuit school in Alcalá. But he left two years later because his father died. He needed to help his mother run the family business. When he was 26, he married María Suarez. They had three children together.
Sadly, when Alphonsus was 31, his wife died. Two of their children also passed away. After these sad events, he started to live a life of deep prayer. He also practiced spiritual self-discipline, focusing less on worldly things. When his third child died, he decided he wanted to join a religious order.
Joining the Jesuits
Alphonsus had met Jesuits before, including Peter Faber. But it was hard for him to join the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits). He did not have much formal education. He had only studied for a short time at a college in Alcalá de Henares.
At age 39, he tried to go back to school in Barcelona. But it did not work out. His strict spiritual practices had also made him less healthy. After some delays, he was finally accepted into the Society of Jesus. He joined as a religious brother on January 31, 1571, when he was 40 years old. It is said that a Jesuit leader believed Alphonsus could become a saint, even if he wasn't qualified to be a priest or a regular brother.
His Role as a Porter
Alphonsus started his training in Valencia or Gandia. After six months, he was sent to a new college on Majorca. He stayed there for 46 years. His job was a humble one: he was the doorkeeper.
As the doorkeeper, Alphonsus had many duties. He greeted visitors to the college. He found the priests or students people wanted to see. He delivered messages and ran errands. He also comforted people who were sad or troubled. He gave advice and helped the poor. Alphonsus believed that every time the bell rang, it was God asking to enter.
He had a huge positive impact on everyone he met. This included people from the town and even other Jesuits. One famous Jesuit, Peter Claver, lived with Alphonsus for a while. Peter Claver followed Alphonsus's advice to go on missions to South America. Alphonsus made his final vows as a Jesuit in 1585, when he was 54.
His Spiritual Life and Influence
Alphonsus practiced very strict spiritual self-discipline. He also often felt worried or unsure about his faith. But he was always very obedient to his superiors. He was deeply focused on spiritual things, even when he was busy with his daily tasks.
His Jesuit leaders saw the good he was doing. They wanted his positive influence to spread. So, on special days, they often let him speak in the dining hall. Sometimes, the community would sit quietly past dinner just to hear him finish his talks.
Alphonsus had a special love for the Blessed Virgin Mary. He especially honored her as the Immaculate Conception. He would even make copies of the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary for people who asked. It is said that he experienced special spiritual moments, like visions of Jesus, Mary, and the saints.
Later Years and Passing
Alphonsus became very weak when he was in his eighties. In his last months, his memory started to fail. He could not even remember his favorite prayers. He passed away on October 31, 1617.
He left behind many writings. Some of these have been published as Obras Espirituales del B. Alonso Rodríguez. These writings were not meant for publication. He wrote them down, or dictated them, because his superiors asked him to.
Becoming a Saint
Alphonsus Rodriguez was declared "venerable" in 1626. This is the first step towards becoming a saint. In 1633, the city and island of Majorca chose him as one of their special protectors.
In 1760, Pope Clement XIII said that Alphonsus's good deeds were "heroic." However, the Jesuits were later forced out of Spain in 1773. This delayed his beatification (the second step) until June 5, 1825. He was beatified by Pope Leo XII. His canonization (being declared a saint) happened on January 15, 1888. This was done by Pope Leo XIII. His remains are kept in Majorca.
His Lasting Impact
Even though Alphonsus faced many personal challenges, he had a strong positive effect on everyone he met. He served with so much love that even opening a door became a special, holy act for him.
There is a church named after Saint Alphonsus Rodriguez in Woodstock, Maryland, USA. A famous Jesuit poet, Gerard Manley Hopkins, wrote a poem about him called "In Honour Of St. Alphonsus Rodriguez Laybrother Of The Society Of Jesus".
See also
In Spanish: Alonso Rodríguez para niños
- Saint Alphonsus Rodriguez, patron saint archive
