This week, the Church celebrates the anniversary of the birth of St. Alphonsus Rodriguez, the patron saint of Majorca, Spain. Although he suffered extreme personal losses during his life, including a failed business and the death of multiple family members, Alphonsus never turned his back on God. Today, we invite you to learn more about his life and legacy and discover where you can find him portrayed in the Basilica.
Early Life and Business
Nearly 500 years ago, St. Alphonsus Rodriguez was the second child born to a prosperous textile merchant and his wife in Segovia, Spain, on July 25, 1533. From his youth, Alphonsus expressed an interest in religious life. His father was acquainted with Father Peter Faber, who helped found the Society of Jesus, and also offered guidance to Alphonsus before the boy received his First Holy Communion. After his 12th birthday, Alphonsus enrolled at the Jesuit college in Alcalá, which he attended until the death of his father forced him to return home. Rather than complete his education, Alphonsus began managing the family textile business with his mother.
Tragedies and Changes
When he was 27 years old, Alphonsus wed a young woman named Maria Suârez, and together the couple had three children. Tragically, by the time Alphonsus was in his mid-thirties, Maria and all three of their children died, and his business collapsed. Discouraged and downhearted, he sought solace once more in his faith, and realized that he desired to become a Jesuit priest. The first time he applied to the order, they denied his entry due to his lack of education and frail health. But Alphonsus would not give up so easily. For the next two years he studied to become a priest and reapplied to the Society of Jesus once more. This time, although he was denied the ability to pursue priesthood, he was permitted to join the order as a lay brother.
A Doorkeeper for Christ
Following his acceptance on January 31, 1571, Alphonsus was sent to the island of Majorca to study at the college of Montesión, where he completed his novitiate. Eight years later, Alphonsus was selected to be the doorkeeper at the college, a seemingly insignificant yet important position which enabled him to reach countless individuals and offer them comfort and spiritual guidance during trying times. In addition to welcoming visitors to the school, Alphonsus was in charge of conveying messages and completing other small tasks for both the students and the Jesuits, and became known across campus for his kindness and warmth. When students needed life advice, they would often seek him out, as they knew that he would be a compassionate listener and encourage them with his response. One such student was Peter Claver, whom Alphonsus took under his wing and eventually advised to pursue mission work in South America – a position which led Peter to baptize over 300,000 converts! During his off-hours, Alphonsus could be found praying or writing his own religious treatises, and he also experienced several spiritual visions. On October 31, 1617, he succumbed to an illness and passed away.
St. Alphonsus Rodriguez was canonized in the late 1800s and is recognized as the patron saint of Majorca. You can find St. Alphonsus portrayed in a Trani marble statue in the West Apse of the Great Upper Church at the National Shrine.
Sources:
“Alphonsus Rodriguez,” The Jesuits Global.
“Saint Alphonsus Rodriguez,” Franciscan Media.
“Six Things to Know about St. Peter Faber, Pope Francis’ Favorite Jesuit,” The Jesuits.
“St. Alphonsus Rodriguez,” Catholic.org.