Description
Saint Alphonsus Liguori, pastor and moral theologian
Alphonsus Liguori was born near Naples in 1696. Trained as a lawyer, he left legal practice, became a priest and in 1732 founded the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, the Redemptorists, to serve people neglected in rural districts. He became Bishop of Sant’Agata dei Goti in 1762 and wrote extensively on prayer, pastoral care and moral theology. Canonized in 1839 and declared a Doctor of the Church in 1871, he is patron of confessors and moral theologians. His feast is August 1.
Pectoral cross, episcopal dress and book
The saint wears magenta episcopal dress and a red zucchetto. He holds the pectoral cross close to his heart, emphasizing the redemptive love of Christ at the center of his spirituality. The large decorated book refers to his extensive theological and devotional writing; its ornament should not be identified with one specific title. His composed expression suits a teacher known for joining moral seriousness with mercy, sound conscience and practical pastoral judgment.
Crafted on linden wood in Poland
Made to order in Poland on a double-primed linden wood panel, the image is printed directly onto the prepared surface and finished with decorative gold-tone metal leaf. A certificate recording the year of production and a wall hanger are included. This is a contemporary devotional icon, not an individually hand-painted work.
For confessors, theologians and pastoral care
The icon belongs naturally in a confessional area, seminary, library, parish office, Redemptorist house or home prayer corner. Alphonsus provides a reliable patronal subject for confessors, moral theologians, canon lawyers, counselors and people discerning difficult duties. It can support prayer for mercy without laxity, truth without harshness and pastoral decisions shaped by both doctrine and the circumstances of real lives.