St. Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787)

Born to the nobility, Alphonsus was a child prodigy, receiving a law degree at age sixteen. After several years practicing law, which left him unsatisfied, he was ordained a priest at age 29. As a priest he became famous for his simple, clear, direct style of preaching, and his gentle, understanding way in the confessional.In 1732, he founded founded the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, whose members are known as the Redemptorists. In 1762 he was named a bishop, working to reform the clergy and revitalize the faithful in a diocese with a bad reputation. He was afflicted with severe rheumatism, and often could barely move or raise his chin from his chest. In 1775 he resigned his see due to ill health.

In 1777, the royal government threatened to disband the Redemptorists on the grounds that they were covertly carrying on the work of the Jesuits, who had been suppressed in 1773. Alphonsus successfully defended the Redemptorists, but by this he was nearly blind, and was tricked into giving his approval to a revised Rule for the Congregation, one that suited the king and the anti-clerical government. When Pope Pius VI saw the changes, he condemned it, and removed Alphonsus from his position as leader of the Order. This caused Alphonsus a crisis in confidence and faith that took years to overcome. However, by the time of his death he had returned to faith and peace.In 1839 he was canonized and in 1871 he was declared a Doctor of the Church.

(From saints.spqn.com)