Redemptorists Founded, 1732

On this day in 1732, St. Alphonsus Liguori founded the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer in Scala, Italy. Alphonsus was moved by the plight of rural peasants in southern Italy to found a congregation “to follow Christ the Redeemer in preaching the Gospel to poor,” especially through parish missions and retreats. During St. Alphonsus’ time, these shepherds and country peasants were the most downtrodden group in society: “they were not considered men as other men…, they were the disgrace of nature.” It was because of their lot in life that St. Alphonsus chose to be at their side, to share his life with them and to bring to them, in abundance, the Word of God. Redemptorist Missionaries continue the charism of Alphonsus in the Church and in society. There are over 5,500 Redemptorists; they work in 76 countries on all 5 continents.
(From the community website)