A Poem in Honor of St. Alphonsus Liguori

Every now and then I write poetry, not especially good poetry, mind you, just flights of fancy. It happens a lot when I'm on five-day silent retreats. Perhaps I'm a bit stir crazy by the fourth day, but I have lots of poems in the back of my retreat journals.

Yesterday at adoration I took a book for meditation, Champions of the Rosary. I hadn't read it in a long time. My "bookmark" was a 2023 schedule for a women's day of reflection in 2023, and on the back was a poem I wrote in honor of St. Alphonsus. I don't remember writing it, but it's in my handwriting. I don't remember what inspired the particular focus on that marvelous saint. He was a voluminous writer and I have many of his books, but haven't made a serious study. Like a dilettante I dabble. Nevertheless, I wrote him a poem and am asking today for his intercession.

Consider this a time out for a saint commercial. I'm also focused on St. Barnabas today on his feast day. I would like to be an evangelist for the faith like he was and like St. Alphonsus was. They both inspire in hearts a deep love for the faith. Perhaps I'll write a poem for St. Barnabas today.

St. Barnabas, please pray for me.

St. Alphonsus, please pray for me.

In Honor of St. Alphonsus Liguori

St. Alphonsus Liguori is a dear friend of mine.

We haven't met yet, but I read him online,

And in books and articles galore.

No matter how much I read, I always want more.

He says to love God and do what you please.

He quotes Francis de Sales, a lover of bees.

He says to love God means doing His will,

In dryness and sorrow to do His will still.

I love this dear saint and ask to be friends.

In life we all need holy friends to the end,

Who teach us to love God with all of our heart,

And mind, and soul and never depart

From God's holy presence in both joy and sorrow.

Let us do it today and not wait til tomorrow.

Now that you've read my poem, I offer you a great gift from St. Alphonsus, his night prayer. I plan to copy it and add it to my night prayer.

LORD Jesus Christ, my God, I adore Thee
and thank Thee for all the blessings which Thou hast conferred upon me this day.
I offer Thee my rest and all the moments of this night,
and I beseech Thee to preserve me from sin.
Therefore I place myself in the most sacred wound of Thy side,
and under the protecting mantle of Mary my Mother.
May Thy holy angels assist me and preserve me in peace.
May Thy blessing be upon me forever more.