Two routes: a path of contemplation and a glimpse of sumptuous beauty, through the places where Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori lived and worked, amidst architectural wonders and works of art.
A route that links together places that bear witness to the presence, life and preaching of the Neapolitan Saint here in Sant’Agata, starting from the Diocesan Museum, a small 16th-century church now used as a museum and enriched with artistic testimonies, which introduces us to the context in which the Holy Bishop worked during his years here in the village.
Some of the works that can be admired during the walk, following the two routes.
Saint Alfonso Maria de Liguori
Born in Naples on 27 September 1696, he was a bishop, composer, author of literary and theological works and famous melodies.
He had St. John Joseph of the Cross as his spiritual father and confessor.
When he was only 12 years old, he enrolled at the University of Naples and four years later obtained a doctorate in civil and canon law, after taking an exam with the philosopher and historian Giambattista Vico.
In 1732, at the age of 36, he founded the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer. In 1762 Pope Clement XIII wanted him to be Bishop of the diocese of Sant’Agata de’ Goti.
Beatified in 1816, he was proclaimed a saint by Pope Gregory XVI in 1839.
Bishop
Pope Clement XIII appointed him bishop of the diocese of Sant’Agata de’ Goti, today the diocese of Sant’Agata de’ Goti – Cerreto Sannita – Telese Terme
Doctor of the Church
Pope Pius IX proclaimed him Doctor of the Church in 1871 only 84 years after his death
Composer
Composer of several works, including Quanno nascette Ninno, the Christmas carol from which “Tu scendi dalle stelle” was derived
Author
He was the author of over 100 theological, apologetic and ascetic works. Among them the well-known Theologia Moralis
