Crtuenars EBftfon.
THE COMPLETE A8CETICAL WORKS
OF
ST. ALPHONSUS DE LIGUORI.
24 vols., Price, per vol., net, $1.23.
Each book i» complete in itself, and any volume will be
sold separately.
Volume I.
II.
" III.
IV.
V.
VI.
'< VIL,
" XII.
•' XIII.
" XVI.
41 XVII.
" XVIII.
41 XXII.
41 XXIII.
PREPARATION FOR DEATH ; or, Considerations on the Eter
nal Truths. Maxims of Eternity — Rule of Life.
WAY OF SALVATION AND OF PERFECTION : Meditations.
Pious Reflections. Spiritual Treatises.
GREAT MEANS OF SALVATION AND OF PERFECTION :
Prayer. Mental Prayer. The Exercises of a Retreat.
Choice of a State of Life, and the Vocation to the
Religious State and to the Priesthood.
THE INCARNATION, BIRTH AND INFANCY OF JESUS
CHRIST ; or, The Mysteries of Faith.
THE PASSION AND THE DEATH of JESUS CHRIST.
THE HOLY EUCHARIST. The Sacrifice, the Sacrament,
and the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ. Practice of Love
of Jesus Christ. Novena to the Holy Ghost.
VIII. GLORIES OF MARY: i. Explanation of the Salve
Regina, or Hail, Holy Queen. Discourses on the Feasts
of Mary. 2. Her Dolors. Her Virtues. Practices.
Examples. Answers to Critics. — Devotion to the Holy
Angels. Devotion to St. Joseph. Novena to St. Teresa.
Novena for the Repose of the Souls in Purgatory.
VICTORIES OF THE MARTYRS ; or, the Lives of the Most
Celebrated Martyrs of the Church.
XL THE TRUE SPOUSE OF JESUS CHRIST : i. The first
sixteen Chapters. 2. The last eight Chapters. Appendix
and various small Works. Spiritual Letters.
DIGNITY AND DUTIES OF THE PRIEST ; or, SELVA, a
collection of Material for Ecclesiastical Retreats. Rule
of Life and Spiritual Rules.
THE HOLY MASS : Sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Ceremonies
of the Mass. Preparation and Thanksgiving. The Mass
and the Office that are hurriedly said.
THE DIVINE OFFICE : Explanation of the Psalms and
Canticles.
PREACHING: The Exercises
Counsels. Instructions or
Sacraments.
SERMONS FOR SUNDAYS.
MISCELLANY. Historical Sketch of the Congregation of the
Most Holy Redeemer. Rules and Constitutions of the
Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer. Instructions
about the Religious State. Lives of two Fathers and of a
Lay Brother, C.SS.R. Discourses on Calamities. Re
flections useful for Bishops. Rules for Seminaries
XIX., XX., XXI. LETTERS.
LETTERS AND GENERAL ALPHABETICAL INDEX.
XXIV. LIFE OF ST. ALPHONSUS DE LIGUORI.
of the Missions. Various
the Commandments and
Benziger Brothers, New York, Cincinnati, and Chicago.
THE COMPLETE WORKS
OF
SAINT ALPHONSUS DE LIGUORI,
DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH,
Bishop of Saint Agatha, and Founder of the Congregation of the Most
Holy Redeemer.
TRANSLATED FROM THE ITALIAN.
EDITED BY
IRIEJ-V^ IE TJ O- IE INT IE G- IR I IMI T&,
Priest of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer.
THE ASCETICAL WORKS.
Volume XX.
LETTERS.
Volume III.
PART I.
(General (ZTorrespontence.
THE APOSTOLIC BENEDICTION.
RNDE PATER:
Memoriam gloriosi Congregationis SS. Redemptoris Fundatoris, centesimo,
*b ejus obitu, adventante anno, pio et admodum opportune consilio recolere
aggressus es, dum omnia ipsius opera anglice vertenda, et typis edenda curasti.
Summus itaque Pontifex, cui turn S. Doctoris exaltatio, turn fidelium utilitas
summopere cordi est libentissime excepit 9 volumina hue usque edita, qu« Ei
offerre voluisti. Ac dum meritas Tibi laudes de hac perutili tua cura prabet,
et gratias de filiali oblatione agit, Benedictionem, quam tuis obsequentissimis
litteris petiisti, Emi quoque archiepiscopi Baltimorensis commendationi
obsecundans, ex intimo corde impertiit.
Haec ad Te deferens fausta cuncta ac felicia a Domino Tibi adprecor.
Paternitatis Tuae,
Addictissimus,
M. CARD. RAMPOLLA.
ROMAE, die 4 Junii, 1888.
TRANSLATION.
REVEREND FATHER:
As the centenary of the death of the illustrious Founder of the Congrega
tion of the Most Holy Redeemer drew near, you conceived the pious and
appropriate plan of shedding a new lustre on his memory by translating all
his works into English and publishing them. The Holy Father, therefore,
who has at heart the spiritual advancement of the faithful, as well as the
exaltation of the holy Doctor, has most graciously accepted the nine volumes
thus far published, which you wished to present to him. While bestowing
upon you well-deserved praise for your useful labor, and thanking you for
the gift inspired by your filial love, he gives you from his heart the blessing
which you humbly asked for in your letter, complying also with the request
of the Most Rev. Archbishop of Baltimore.
As tho bearer of this, I wish you all happiness in the Lord.
I am, Reverend Sir,
Your obedient servant,
M. CARD. RAMPOLLA.
ROME, June 4, 1888.
LETTERS OF ST. ALPHONSUS
MARIA DE LIGUORI,
DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH,
Bishop of Saint Agatha, and Founder of the Congregation
of the Most Holy Redeemer.
TRANSLATED FROM THE ITALIAN.
EDITED BY
REV. EUGENE GRIMM,
Priest of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer.
PART I.
(General Correspondence.
Volume III.
NEW YORK, CINCINNATI, CHICAGO.
Printers to the Holy Apostolic See.
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APPROBATION.
By virtue of the authority granted me by the Most Rev. Nicholas
Mauron, Superior-General of the Congregation of the Most Holy
Redeemer, I hereby sanction the publication of the work entitled
" Letters", which is Vol. XX. of the new and complete edition in
English of the works of Saint Alphonsus de Liguori, called " The
Centenary Edition".
FERDINAND A. LITZ, C. SS. R.,
Sup. Prov. Baltimorensis.
BALTIMORE, MD., January 22, 1894.
WR3
Copyright, 1894, by Fp-"iinand A. Litx,
(L
LETTER OF MGR. MERMILLOD,
BISHOP OF LAUSANNE AND GENEVA. 1
FKIBOURG, October 6, 1889.
Feast of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary.
Reverend and Dear Father,
You have undertaken and are bringing to a suc
cessful close the publication of the Correspondence of St.
Alphonsus. Your labor of translation of the admirable Letters
of the holy Doctor has been performed in a faithful and in an
interesting manner.
This Correspondence should attract the attention of bishops,
of priests, and of all apostolic men; but it also deserves to
be known to the faithful. The soul of the great Bishop of
St. Agatha of the Goths, his high intelligence, his incompar
able activity, the fertility of his works, his spirit of faith, his
supernatural courage, are therein fully revealed and offer
lessons useful to those who love and serve the Church.
What especially strikes me in these Letters is their
eminently practical character. They show us the saint
in his struggles with innumerable difficulties, everywhere
meeting with an opposition that would have been insurmount
able for a soul less valiant and less holy than his. He
struggles for the foundation of his Order and for his
houses whose existence has been menaced ; he struggles to
reform his diocese in the midst of the most painful contra-
1 This is a translation of a letter addressed by Bishop Mermillod
to Father F. Dumortier, C. SS. R., the translator into French of
the Letters of St. Alphonsus. On the 23d of June, 1890, Bishop
Mermillod was created Cardinal by Pope Leo XIII.
vi Letter of Mgr. Mermillod.
dictions ; he struggles to propagate and defend the true
doctrine ; and when one should think that the time had come
for him to enjoy some repose after so many combats, the
saddest trials come upon him to crown his old age. There
was no longer a struggle, it was the most sublime resigna
tion that characterized this invincible soul, whom neither
age, nor illness, nor the most cruel misfortunes could dis
courage. What were the words that then escaped his lips !
THAT THEY HAVE DEPRIVED ME OF MY DIGNITY OF RECTOR
MAJOR, he said, I CARE LITTLE ; IT SUFFICES THAT THEY
HAVE NOT TAKEN FROM ME JESUS, MY SAVIOUR, AND MA
RY, MY MOTHER ! I know nothing more beautiful than this
answer of the holy Doctor; and no servant of the Church,
whatever may be the crosses that overwhelm him, can read
these touching pages without feeling himself impelled to
enter with renewed ardor upon the performance of his duty,
and to bow with perfect submission to the will of God.
The apostolic man, my dear Father, also appears most
marvellously in the Correspondence of St. Alphonsus ; and
this publication, from this point of view, assumes an oppor
tuneness that is truly providential. It is at a time when our
magnanimous Pontiff, His Holiness Leo XIII. , is preaching
to the entire world the Crusade of prayer and of Christian
associations, that you give us, in the Letters of the APOSTLE
OF PRAYER, of the Apostle of Italy in the i8th century, very
instructive details on these two important subjects. How
great will be the joy of the laborers of the Gospel, of the
pastors of souls, of the missionaries, of the souls consecrated
to God, to find in this beautiful work teachings that are
most appropriate to their state ! Nothing appears to me to
be more complete, more varied, more interesting for those
who truly wish to love and serve God.
I venture to congratulate the Sons of St. Alphonsus on
having added to the theological and ascetical works of the
holy Doctor, a publication that will be a real treasure for the
clergy and for the faithful. I congratulate you also on
having chosen for the issuing of your work the excellent
publishers who have already rendered so many services to
Letter of Mgr. Mermillod. vn
Christian letters ; they could not employ their artistic skill in
a better cause.
Continue, then, your beautiful labor, my dear Father ; the
sympathies of many sustain you, and I am supremely in
terested in the finishing of your work.
3? GASPARD,
Bishop of Lausanne and of Geneva.
CONTENTS.
PACK
APPROBATION, . . . . . . . . . iv
LETTER OF MGR. MERMILLOD, v
LETTERS OF ST. ALPHONSUS DE LIGUORI.
PART I.
GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE.
(Conclusion.)
A. D. 1774.
LETTER
755. To THE MUNICIPALITY OF AIROLA. — The saint insists
on having a preacher for Lent. — Arienzo, January 13, 3
756. To FATHER FRANCESCO A. DE PAOLA. — Foundation at
Ceprano. — Gratitude to the Bishop of Veroli. — Arien
zo, January 25, ........ 4
757. To FATHER A. VILLANI. — He invites him to an inter
view. — Arienzo, February 9, ..... 5
758. To THE SAME. — Foundation at Ceprano. — Details rela
tive to two postulants. — Arienzo [end of February], . 7
759. To FATHER FRANCESCO A. DE PAOLA. — Concerning
the future of the Congregation. — Particular counsels. —
[March], ' 9
760. To FATHER LUIGI CAPUANO. — He quiets his scruples
relative to the ministry of the confessional. — Arienzo,
March 3, . . . . . . . . .11
761. To THE ADMINISTRATORS OF S. NICOLA. — He asks
them to grant a larger remuneration for services rend
ered. — Arienzo, March 8, . . . . .12
762. To FATHER FRANCESCO A. 'PAOLA. — Concerning the
foundation at Ceprano. — Arienzo, March 12, . . 13
x Contents.
LETTER PAGE
763. To THE SAME. — Hopes in regard to the foundation at
Arienzo, March 24, ....... 14
764. To FATHER T. M. CAPUTO. — Expresses the desire to
see him. — About ordinations. — Arienzo, March 30, . 15
765. To FATHER FR. A. DE PAOLA. — Desires him to take
possession of the foundation at Ceprano. — Arienzo,
April 2 16
766. To FATHER A. VILLANI. — Proposes different subjects
for certain employments. — Arienzo, April 8, . .18
767. To SISTER M. ROSA GRAZIANO. — He exhorts her to be
patient. — Arienzo, April 24, . . . . .19
768. To A SUPERIOR OF NUNS. — He orders a separate build
ing for the pupils. — Arienzo, May 23, . . . .21
769. To FATHER A. VILLANI. — He makes efforts to save a
vocation. — Arienzo, June 6, ...... 22
770. To FATHER FR. A. DE PAOLA. — Foundation at Cepra
no. — Concerning some smaller theological works. —
Arienzo, June 12, . . . . . . . .23
771. To THE SAME. — Concerning the foundation at Ceprano.
— Arienzo, June 27, . . . . . . -25
772. To THE SAME. — The saint shares the affliction of Pope
Clement XIV. — The foundation at Ceprano. — Arienzo,
July 23 27
773. To THE FATHERS AND BROTHERS OF THE .CONGREGA
TION. — Recommendations relative to the love of Jesus
Christ, to vocation, and to regular observance. — [Ari
enzo], July 29, ........ 29
774. To DON MICHELE N. — Recommends conformity to the
will of God. — Arienzo, August 6, . . . . -35
775. To FATHER FR. A. DE PAOLA. — Seeks information
concerning the foundation at Ceprano. — Arienzo, Aug
ust 12, .......... 36
776. To THE SAME. — He rejoices at not being obliged to ac
cept a foundation at Rome. — Arienzo, August 25, . 37
777. To FATHER A. VILLANI. — The same subject. — [Arien
zo], August 25, ........ 38
778. To DON GIACOMO DI Nuzzo. — He invites him to come
to him. — Arienzo, August 30, . . . . '39
779. To MOTHER MARIA RAFFAELLA BELLA CARITA. — He
forbids her to return to Scala. — Arienzo, Septem
ber 3, 40
Contents. xi
LETTER PAGE
780. To THE REDEMPTORISTINE NUNS OF S. AGATA. —
Quiets their fears. — Arienzo, September 3, . . .42
781. To A PARISH PRIEST OF S. AGATA. — Charity of the
saint towards the poor. — Arienzo, September 3, . .44
782. To FATHER FR. A. DE PAOLA. — He asks for information
concerning the foundation at Ceprano. — Arienzo, Sep
tember 5, . . . . . . . .45
783. To FATHER B. GESSARI, O. P. — Missions to be given
in the diocese of S. Agata. — Arienzo, September 7, . 46
784. To FATHER FR, A. DE PAOLA. — Asks him to forward a
letter. — [The year 1774?] ...... 48
785. To THE SAME.— Death of Clement XIV.— The Ceprano
affair. — Arienzo, October 3, . . . . . .49
786. To FATHER A. VILLANI.— Efforts to save a vocation.—
Arienzo, October 8, ....... 51
787. To FATHER B. CORRADO. — Answers in reference to the
practice of poverty. — Arienzo, October 10, . . . 53
788. To FATHER A. VILLANI. — Answer given to Father Maz-
zini. — Mission at Foggia. — Arienzo, October 13, . 54
789. To FATHER FR. A. DE PAOLA.— He encourages him to
discharge well the office of Superior. — Arienzo, Octo
ber 13, • . 55
790. To CANON G. SIMIOLI.— He furnishes information and
expresses the hope of seeing him a Cardinal. — Arienzo,
October 20, ......... 56
791. To DON T. TRABISONDA.— Abuses to be reformed in the
Church ; qualities of a good Pope. — Arienzo, October
24 57
792. To DON MICHELE N. — Gives him salutary advice. —
Arienzo, November I, 61
793. To FATHER A. VILLANI. — Thinks of resigning his
episcopate. — Arienzo, November 9, . . . .62
794. To THE SAME. — Favorable news from Sicily. — Arienzo,
November 9, . . . . . . . . .64
795. To BROTHER MICHELE ILARDO. — He gives him various
commissions. — Arienzo, November 14, ... 65
796. To FATHER A. VILLANI. — Concerning affairs of the
Congregation, and the resignation of his episcopate. —
[Arienzo, November], 66
797. To A NUN. — Gives her salutary advice. — Arienzo, De
cember i, ... ,68
xii Contents.
LETTER PAGE
798. To PRINCE BELLA RICCIA. — He invokes his protection.
— Arienzo, December 7, ...... 69
799. To SISTER M. SERAFINA RUGGIERI. — He consoles her
in affliction. — Arienzo, December 13, . . . .70
800. To SISTER B. CARAFA. — He exhorts her to practise
obedience. — Arienzo, December 15, . . . .71
801. To FATHER A. VILLANI. — He asks his counsel. — Ari
enzo, December 18, . . . . . • • 73
802. To A FATHER CONSULTOR. — He asks him to come to
see him. — Arienzo, December 18, .... 74
803. To THE DUKE DI MADDALONI. — He excuses himself for
not being able to comply with his request. — Arienzo,
December 20, ........ 76
A. D. 1775.
804. To FATHER FR. A. DE PAOLA. — Firmness of the saint ;
necessity of observance. — Arienzo, February 4, . .77
805. To A PRIEST. — He solicits help for a mission. — Arienzo,
February 13, . . . . . . . . -79
806. To FATHER FR. A. DE PAOLA. — He asks him to sus
pend proceedings in regard to a foundation. — [Arienzo,
February], ......... 80
807. To DON L. CARFORA. — Zeal of the saint to repress
scandal. — Arienzo, February 23, . . . . .81
808. To FATHER A. VILLANI. — Concerning an appointment
and the resignation of his episcopate. — Arienzo,
March I, . . . . . . . . .82
809. To THE SAME. — Fears on account of his resignation. —
[Arienzo, March 9], . . . . . . .83
810. To THE SOVEREIGN PONTIFF, Pius VI. — Request to
have the recitation of the divine Office commuted to
other prayers. — [Arienzo], March, . . . .83
811. To FATHER A. VILLANI.— Lawsuit of Baron Sarnelli.—
Arienzo, March 20, ....... 85
812. To PRINCE BELLA RICCIA. — Seeks a favor. — Arienzo,
March 25, .87
813. To FATHER A. MAIONE. — About the Sarnelli lawsuit, —
Arienzo, March 29, . . . . ... .88
814. To THE SAME. — The same subject. — [About April 2], . 91
815. To FATHER A. VILLANI ANB OTHER FATHERS ON A
MISSION. — Recommendations. — [Arienzo, April 26], . 93
816. To THE LAWYER, DON M, TERRAGNOLI. — Asks his
Contents. xin
•TTER PAGE
services in the affair of his resignation of the episco
pate. — [Arienzo, April], . . . . . .98
817. To CARDINAL G. M. CASTELLI. — Request to support
his project of resignation. — [Arienzo, April], . . 100
818. To MGR. G. CALCAGNINI. — The same subject. — [April], 101
819. To THE SOVEREIGN PONTIFF, Pius VI. — Requests to be
relieved of the episcopate. — [April], .... 102
820. To FATHER A. MAIONE. — Concerning a lawsuit. — Ari
enzo, May 8, ......... 104
821. To FATHER A. VILLANI. — Fears in regard to the future
of his diocese. — [Arienzo], May 13, .... 106
822. To THE SAME. — Reasons why he should no longer re
main in his diocese. — Arienzo, May 14, ... 106
823. To FATHER A. MAIONE. — Concerning the Sarnelli law
suit. — [Arienzo, May 21], ...... 108
824. To THE SAME. — The same subject. — Arienzo, June 4, .no
825. To MGR. N. BORGIA. — Recommendation of a young
man. — [Arienzo, June 10], ...... in
826. To MGR. O. Rossi. — He invites him to an interview. —
June 17, H2
827. To MOTHER M. RAFFAELLA.— Salutary advice to her
Community. — Arienzo, June 27, ..... 113
828. To DON E. DE LIGUORI. — Informs him of his resigna
tion and requests a service. — Arienzo, June 29, . . 115
829. To THE CANONESSES REGULAR OF ST. AUGUSTINE. —
He bids them farewell. — Arienzo, June 29, . . . 117
830. To THE NUNS AT FRASSO. — He leaves them his last
recommendations. — Arienzo, June 30, . . . .118
831. To MOTHER I. M. AFFAITATI.— Excuse for not render
ing a service. — Nocera, September 14, . . . . 121
832. To THE FATHERS AND BROTHERS OF HIS CONGREGA
TION. — General admonitions. — Nocera, November 4, . 122
833. To FATHER A. MAIONE. — Difficulties relative to the
saint's pension and other matters. — Nocera, November
20, 125
834. To FERDINAND IV., KING OF NAPLES. — Petition re
garding the payment of his pension. — [Nocera, end of
November], . . . . ... . .127
835. To DON MICHELE N.— Letter of thanks.— Nocera, De
cember 22, 129
xiv Contents.
A. D. 1776.
836. To FATHER A. MAIONE. — He asks advice. — Nocera,
January 20, J29
837. To THE SAME. — Concerning the Sarnelli lawsuit. — No
cera, January 23, .... ... 132
838. To THE SAME. — Reasons why Tanucci should be called
upon. — Nocera, January 26, 135
839. To CAVON G. SIMIOLI. — About a plan of missions. —
Nocera, February 22, 137
840. To A NUN.— Spiritual advice. — Nocera, May 7, . . 138
841. To DON V. DI MAIO. — Seeks his mediation. — Nocera,
May 5 T39
842. To HIS COUSIN, SR. M. A. DE LIGUORI. — He thanks her
for a present. — Nocera, May 9, 142
843. To FATHER N. IN THE HOUSE AT SCIFELLI. — Concern
ing the future of the Congregation. — Nocera, May 30, 143
844. To FATHER G. CAIONE. — Concerning the projected
foundation at Torrice. — Nocera, June 5, . . .144
845. To DON MICHELE N. — Promise of prayers. — Nocera,
June 30, 145
846. To DON V. DI MAIO. — Concerning a Manual of Moral
Theology. — Missions etc. — Nocera, July 4, . . . 146
847. To SISTER M. A. R. GRAZTANO. — About her spiritual
affairs. — Nocera, July 14, . .' " .'' . . . 148
848. To DON V. DI MAIO. — Joy at the wise regulations of
the Archbishop of Naples. — Nocera, August 19, . . 149
849. To FATHER FR. A. DE PAOLA. — Concerning letters of
affiliation and the foundation of Frosinone. — Nocera,
September 18, . ''''I- . . . . . . 150
850. To FATHER A. MAIONE. — Concerning the lawsuit. — No
cera, October 4, . . .- . . . .152
851. To FATHER G. CAIONE. — He asks him to arrange a no-
vena in honor of St. Michael. — His book of Sunday
Sermons. — [About October 20], .... . 153
852. To FATHER P. P. BLASUCCI. — Confides to him the two
houses in the Pontifical States. — [Nocera, October 24], 155
853. To DON D. RUGGIERO. — He requests him to apply to
Father G. Caione for a mission. — Nocera, October 25, 159
854. To FATHER P. P. BLASUCCI. — About the house at Frosi-
Contents. xv
TTER PAGE
none. — Rejects the idea of establishing a house at
Rome. — [Nocera, October 27], . . . . . 159
855. To FATHER A. MAIONE. — Imparts some news. — [Noce
ra, October 28], ' 163
856. To THE FATHERS AND BROTHERS OF HIS CONGREGA
TION. — Regulations regarding the conduct of the Fa
thers on the missions and at home. — [Nocera, Novem
ber], . . .'•' 164
857. To FATHER P. P. BLASUCCI.— Fall of Tanucci — Rec
ommendations relative to the foundations in the Pon
tifical States. — Nocera, November 4, . . . .171
858. To FATHER A. MAIONE. — Concerning the Sarnelli law
suit. — Nocera, November 4, . . . . . • 174
859. To FATHER P. P. BLASUCCI.— Concerning the house at
Frosinone. — Nocera, November n, ... . . 176
860. To THE SAME. — Negotiations relative to the house at
Frosinone. — Benevolence of Pope Pius VI. towards the
saint etc. — Nocera, December 3, . . . . . 180
861. To MOTHER M. RAFFAELLA. — He exhorts a sick nun to
be patient. — Pagani, December 12, . . . 184
A. D. 1777.
862. To FATHER FR. A. DE PAOLA. — Kind disposition of the
Cardinal Archbishop of Benevento towards the Insti
tute. — Difficulties created by the government for reli
gious bodies.— Nocera, January 2. .... 186
863. To FATHER D. CRISCUOLI. — Forbids him to preach
Lenten sermons. — Nocera, January 14, ... 189
864. To FATHER FR. A. DE PAOLA. — The same subject. -
Nocera, January, . . . . . . . • 19°
865. To FATHER G. CAIONE. — Concerning Benevento. —
Apostolic labors asked for by Cardinal Banditi. — No
cera, January 23, . . ' , . . . • 19°
866. To FATHER FR. A. DE PAOLA.— Concerning the foun
dation at Frosinone. — [About January 24], . . 192
867. To THE SAME. — Happy news concerning the Congrega
tion. — Nocera, January 28, ...... 194
868. To THE SAME. — Concerning the affairs of Frosinone. —
Nocera, February 3, . . ... . . 197
869. To THE SAME. — The same subject. — Nocera, February 15, 199
870. To FATHER P. P. BLASUCCI. — Tells him to go to
xvi Contents.
LETTER PAGE
Naples. — Critical state of affairs of the Congregation.
Nocera, February 21, . . . . . . 202
871. To FATHER FR. A. DE PAOLA. — Concerning the con
tract relative to the house at Scifelli. — Nocera,
February 21, . . . . . . . . 203
872. To CARDINAL A. BRANCIFORTE.— Seeks his mediation.
— Nocera, February 21, , . . . . 204
873. To FATHER FR. A. DE PAOLA. — Complains of his
silence. — Nocera, March 7, . . » . . . . 205
874. To FATHER A. MAIONE. — Joy at the favorable turn of
affairs. — [Nocera, about March 9], . . . . 206
875. To FATHER FR. A. DE PAOLA.— Directions concerning
a contract. — The Pope's Bull. — Nocera, March 21, . 208
876. To THE SAME. — Various topics. — Nocera, March 27, . 209
877. To FATHER A. MAIONE. — Directions relative to a law
suit. — Nocera, April 5, . . . . , ...... 211
878. To DON V. DI MAIO.— Thanks for a present.— Nocera,
April 28, 212
879. To THE MEMBERS OF THE "CHINESE CONGREGATION."
Testimony to the holy life of Don Mattia Ripa. — [May
24], 213
880. To SIGNORA A. CASSANOVA. — Thanks for services
rendered to his Fathers. [Pagani, May 30], . . . 216
88r. To FATHER A. MAIONE. — Concerning the house at
Benevento. — Nocera, June 9, . . -, . 217
882. To FATHER G. CAIONE.— Joy afforded him by the foun
dation of the house of Benevento. — Nocera, June 10, . 218
883. To THE SAME. — Instructions as to the examination of
confessors and to the exercises at Benevento. — Nocera,
June 29 222
884. To FATHER G. B. DI COSTANZO.— Recommends frater
nal charity. — Nocera, July 7, . .... . 226
885. To FATHER FR. A. DE PAOLA. — Solicitude for the
houses in the Pontifical States. — Love of concord.
[Nocera, July 7] 228
886. To FATHER M. CORRADO. — Subjects of the Institute
must not sojourn with their families. — Nocera, July 15, 230
887. To A NUN. — Gives her news of his health and promises
a book of devotion. — Nocera, July 15, . . . . 231
888. To FATHER G. CAIONE. — Recommendations relative to
pious exercises. — Nocera, July 20, .... 232
Contents. xvn
889. To A NUN. — He sends words of encouragement to a sick
nun. — [Nocera], July 20, 233
890. To FATHER FR. A. DE PAOLA. — Reproof for having
mistaken his sentiments; various other topics. — [No
cera, July] 234
891. To HIS COUSIN, A. DE LIGUORI. — Solicitude for the
vocation of his niece. — [Nocera], July 28, . . 236
892. To FATHER A. MAIONE. — Reasons why he cannot go to
Naples. — [Nocera, September 2], .... 237
893. To THE SOVEREIGN PONTIFF, Pius VI. — Concerning
the state of his Congregation. — Solicits the privileges
of the Passionist Fathers. — September 12, . . . 238
894. To FATHER FR. A. DE PAOLA. — Asks for information
concerning the houses in the Pontifical States. — Noce
ra, September 19, ........ 240
895. To THE SAME. — Prohibition to build. — The celebration
of feasts. — Missions. — Nocera, October 5, ... 242
896. To THE SAME. — Interest of the saint in the houses of
Scifelli and Frosinone. — Nocera, October 9, . . 244
897. To THE CHAPTER OF S. PIETRO, AT FOOOIA — The
saint attests the truth of a miraculous apparition. —
[Nocera, October 10], ....... 247
898. To FATHER FR. A. DE PAOLA. — Reasons why he re
moved several subjects. — Encouragement. — Nocera,
October 12, . . 248
899. To FATHER G. CAIONE, — Announces the arrival of a
lay-brother. — Nocera, November 6, .... 252
900. To THE SAME. — Arrangements made in regard to cer
tain Brothers. — Nocera, November 10, ... 252
901. To FATHER FR. A. DE PAOLA. — Promises to assist him.
— Various recommendations. — Nocera [November], . 253
902. To FATHER G. CAIONE. — Joy at the success of the
missions in Benevento. — Nocera, November 19, . 256
903. To FATHER FR. A. DE PAOLA. — Various topics. — No
cera, November 24, » . . . . . 257
904. To THE SUPERIOR OF THE HOUSE OF ILICETO. — He
recommends a priest. — Nocera, November 28, . . 258
905. To FATHER FR. A. DE PAOLA. — Various recommenda
tions. — Nocera, December i, •-... . . . . 259
906. To SISTER B. CARAFA. — Gives her some advice. — Noce
ra, December 25, . . . . ..-».. 259
B*
xvin Contents.
A. D. 1778.
907. To BARON CASTILLETI. — Promises his prayers. — Pagani,
January 21, . 261
908. To THE SUPERIOR OF THE CONGREGATION OF MIS
SIONARY PRIESTS. — Various counsels for missionaries.
— Nocera, January 21, . 262
909. To FATHER A. TANNOIA. — On what condition he may
receive a postulant. — Nocera, February 20, . . 264
910. To FATHER G. CAIONE. — About the disposition of a sum
of money. — Nocera, March I, . . . . . 264
911. To ABBE C. F. NONNOTTE. — Congratulates him for
writing against Voltaire. — [Nocera, March], . . 268
912. To SISTER B. CARAFA. — Consoles and gives her advice.
— Nocera, April II, ....... 271
913. To THE REDEMPTORISTINE NUNS AT S. Ac ATA. — Ex
horts them to resignation. — Pagani, April 21, . . 273
914. To FATHER FR. A. DE PAOLA. — Counsels in regard to
a lawsuit. — [Nocera, April ?] ..... 275
915. To THE SAME. — The sending of pecuniary aid. — Other
topics. — [Nocera, end of April], ..... 276
916. To F. M. A. DE VOLTAIRE. — Joy on hearing of his sup
posed conversion. — [Nocera, beginning of May], . 278
917. To THE REDEMPTORISTINE NUNS AT S. AGATA. — Con
dolence. — Asks for information. — Nocera, May 12, . 279
918. To MOTHER M. ANGELICA. — He exhorts her to have
confidence in God. — Pagani, May 24, . . . . 281
919. To SISTER M. CELESTINA. — Utility of humiliations. —
Pagani, May 24, ........ 282
920. To MOTHER M. ANGELICA. — He does not think it ex
pedient for a Sister to return to Scala. — Nocera, May
28, '.283
921. To THE SAME. — Sends her a little work. — Pagani, June 5, 284
922. To THE SAME. — • He reassures her as to the validity of
her election. — Pagani, June 18, ..... 286
923. To DON L. CARFORA. — Joy at the opening of a new
church. — Nocera, June 19, . " . . . 287
924. To MOTHER M. ANGELICA.— He rejoices that peace has
been restored. — Nocera, July 8, 288
925. To SISTER M. G. BELLA CROCE. — Points out her con
duct in spiritual trials. — Nocera, September 18, . 288
Contents. xix
LETTER PAGE
926. To MOTHER M. ANGELICA. — Counsels regarding the ob
servance of a particular rule. — Nocera, October 7, . 289
927. To DON M. TEZZA. — Informs him of a restitution. —
Nocera, October 20, ....... 290
928. To THE MUNICIPAL COUNSELLORS OF CORLETTO. — Re
fers them to the Superior of Caposele for missionaries.
— Pagani, December 12, ...... 291
929. To MOTHER M. ANGELICA. — Answer to her Christmas
wishes. — Pagani, December 25, ..... 292
930. To A RELIGIOUS. — Conduct towards the confessor. — Pa
gani, December 26, ....... 293
A. D. 1779.
931. To FATHER FR. A. DE PAOLA. — He complains that he
is never consulted. — Nocera, February 19, . . . 294
932. To SISTER M. A. R. GRAZIANO. — He compassionates
her in her affliction. — Nocera, April 9, ... 296
933. To FATHER A. MAIONE. — Joy afforded him by the me
diation of some influential persons. — Pagani, April 22, 296
934. To THE FATHERS AND BROTHERS OF HIS CONGREGA
TION. — Recommendations relative to missions and reg
ular observance. — Pagani, July 10, .... 298
935. To THE STUDENTS OF THE CONGREGATION. — He asks
for volunteers for the Missions in Sicily. — Nocera,
August 16, 301
936. To FATHER P. P. BLASUCCI. — Fears regarding the
house of Girgenti. — Nocera, August 20, .. . . 302
937. To FATHER A. MAIONE. — Joy at receiving a favorable
decree from the king. — Nocera, August 23, . . . 303
938. To HIS BROTHER, DON E. DE LIGUORI. — Disapproval
of the proposed marriage of his nephew. — Nocera, Sep
tember i, ......... 3°5
939. To FATHER M. B. CORRADO. — Protests that he will not
tolerate any change in the Rule. — Nocera, September 4, 306
940. To MARQUIS D. A. ni AVENA. — Acknowledges the re
ceipt of a draft. — Nocera, September 20, ... 308
941. To DON M. A. D'AMBROSIO. — He recommends to him
his servant, Alessio Pollio. — Nocera, September 20, . 309
942. To THE FATHERS OF THK HOUSE AT CIORANI. — Orders
the demolition of the cupola and exacts obedience. —
[Nocera, October], . . . * . . . 3°9
xx Contents.
LETTER PAGK
943. To THE SUPERIOR OF THE HOUSE AT CIORANI. — Coun
termands the demolition of the cupola. — Nocera, No
vember 4, ......... 312
944. To FATHER S. LIGUORI. — Exhorts him to promote har
mony. — Nocara, November 6, ..... 314
945. To THE FATHERS OF THE CONGREGATION IN THE
KINGDOM OF NAPLES. — Recommends the work of the
Crusade. — [Nocera, November 8], .... 315
946. To FATHER G. B. ANSALONE. — Instruction concerning
the Bulls of the Crusade. — Nocera, November 19, . 321
947. To FATHER D. CRJSCUOLI. — Absolute necessity of obe
dience. — Nocera, December 8, ..... 322
948. To FATHER B. CORRADO. — He contradicts the rumors
about changes introduced into the Rule. — Nocera, De
cember 15, ......... 323
949. To FATHER A. TANNOIA. — The same subject. — Nocera,
December 17, ....*.... 324
950. To THE FATHERS OF THE HOUSE AT ILICETO. — Neces
sity of obedience. — Nocera, December 26, . . 325
A. D. 1780.
951. To MARQUIS D. A. Dl AVENA. — Reasons why he dis
missed a subject. — Nocera, January 14, . . 326
952. To FATHER G. CAIONE. — Various topics. — Nocera, Janu
ary 25, . 328
953. To FATHER B. CORRADO. — Regarding the Regolamento.
Nocera, March 3, ........ 330
954. To THE SAME. — Grief of the saint at the sight of the
changes introduced into the Rule. — Nocera, March 10, 331
955. To THE SAME. — Endeavors to repair the evil done by
the Regolamento. — Nocera, March 13, . . .331
956. To THE SAME. — Revokes the powers of Father Maione
and transmits them to Father Corrado. — [Nocera,
March 13], 332
957. To THE SAME. — Notifies him of his appointment. —
Nocera, March 13, ....... 335
958. To FATHER D. CRISCUOLI. — Informs him of a measure
he has taken and asks for prayers. — Nocera, March 16, 336
959. To FATHER A. MAIONE.— Kindness of the saint.— En
treats him to return to Ciorani. — [Nocera, March 20], 337
Contents. xxi
LKTTKR PACK
960. To FATHER B. CORRADO. — Reasons why he treated
Father Maione with kindness. — [Nocera, March 20], 339
961. To FATHER D. CRISCUOLI.— Points out the means of re
moving the difficulties caused by the Regolaniento. —
Nocera, March 28, ....... 339
962. To HIS NEPHEWS. — Exhorts them to the practice of
virtue and the love of study. — Nocera, April 4, . . 340
963. To FATHER G. CAIONE. — Condemns the Regolamento. —
Nocera, April 7, ........ 344
964. To FATHER I. LEGGIO. — Tries to calm the disquietude
of the houses in the Pontifical States. — Rules for the
Chapter. — Nocera, April 12, ..... 345
965. To FATHER G. B. ANSALONE. — Rules of election. — No
cera, April 12, ........ 348
966. To A FATHER OF THE CONGREGATION AT NAPLES. —
Measures taken to combat the fatal effects of the Rego
lamento. — Nocera, April 12, ...... 350
967. To FATHER A. FICOCELLI. — Principal points in which the
Rego la mento differs from the old Rule.-[Nocera, Apr. 16], 352
968. To FATHER C. PICONE. — Appoints a day for the open
ing of the Chapter. — Nocera, April 23, . . . 355
969. To FATHER G. CAIONE. — Ample powers should be given
his two deputies. — Nocera, April 25, . . . . 357
970. To FATHER A. FICOCELLI. — Manifests his financial dis
tress. — Advice relative to the approaching Assembly.
Nocera, April 28, ........ 358
971. To FATHER B. M. CORRADO. — Regret at hearing of his
illness. — Nocera, April 30, ...... 359
972. To TWO FATHERS, ELECTED TO THE ASSEMBLY. — En
treats them to give up certain projects. — [Nocera, end
of April], ..-.-. . . . . . . 360
973. To FATHER G. CAIONE. — He formally orders him to
send the two deputies. — Nocera, May I, . . .361
•974. To MARQUIS D. A. DI AVENA. — Recommends a Canon
of Evoli for promotion. — Nocera, June 5, ... 362
975. To THE FATHERS AND BROTHERS OF THE KINGDOM. —
Act notifying them of the decisions of the General
Chapter. — Pagani, June 26, ...... 363
976. To CARDINAL F. BANDITI. — He begs him to intervene
with the Holy See in behalf of the Congregation. —
[Nocera, July?] 367
xxn Contents.
977. To FATHER P. P. BLASUCCI. — He begs him to go to
Naples in the interest of the Congregation. — Nocera,
August 19 . 368
978. To FATHER D. CRISCUOLI. — He asks for a small sum of
money. — Nocera, September i, . . . . 369
979. To SISTER M. S. PESCARA. — He promises to comply
with a request. — Nocera, September 25, ... 370
980. To MOTHER M. ANGELICA. — Recommends the daughter
of his servant Alessio. — Nocera, October 4, . . 371
981. To FATHER FR. A. DE PAOLA. — Requests to justify him
with the Holy Father and to further the reunion. — No
cera, October 8, ........ 372
982. To MGR. C. BERGAMO. — He invites him to an interview.
— [Nocera, about October 12], ..... 375
983. To CARDINAL F. M. BANDITI.— Gives him an explana
tion of the facts relative to the Regolamento. — [Nocera,
October 18], 575
984. To FATHER FR. A. DE PAOLA.— Gives him the history
of the Regolamento for the Sovereign Pontiff. — Nocera,
October 18, ....... 378
985. To THE SAME. — Sentiments of the government towards
religious Orders. — Nocera, November 10, . . . 380
986. To FATHER G. CAIONE.— Request to solicit the signa
ture of Cardinal Banditi to a letter addressed to the
Pope. — Nocera, November 10, . . . 382
987. To FATHER FR. A. DE PAOLA.— Invites him to a perso
nal interview. — Nocera, November 13, . . 38^
988. To HIS NIECE. — Exhorts her to leave the world.— [No- '
cera, November], ........ 384
989. To DON P. GAVOTTI. — The same subject. — [Nocera,
November 18], . . . . ~gf
990. To FATHER FR. A. DE PAOLA.— Proposal to solicit the
Sovereign Pontiff to approve a reunion. — Nocera, No
vember 25, ' . 386
991. To FATHER G. CAIONE. — Requests him to go to Rome.
[Nocera, November 25], 389
992. To THE SOVEREIGN PONTIFF, Pius VI.— Gives him the
history of the Regolamento and solicits a reunion. —
[Nocera, December 15], . . . 3gj
993. To THE KING OF NAPLES. — He solicits various con
cessions. — [Nocera, December], 30.7
Contents. XXTIT
994. To MARQUIS C. DE MARCO. — Requests him to present
his petition to the king. — [Nocera, December], . . 400
995. To HIS NEPHEW GIUSEPPE. — Christmas greeting. — No
cera, December 28, ....... 400
A. D. 1781.
996. To FATHER G. CAIONE. — Request of prayers. — [Nocera,
January 2], . 401
997. To HIS NIECE. — Exhorts her to study her vocation care
fully. — Nocera, January 3, ...... 402
998. To FATHER FR. A. DE PAOLA. — Reasons why he can
not reject the Regolamento. — Nocera, January 4, . . 403
999. To FATHER B. M. CORRADO. — Requests him to forbid
any appeal to the king. — Nocera, January 5, . . 405
1000. To FATHER FR. A. DE PAOLA. — Sends him a letter ad
dressed to an influential person. — Nocera, January 10, 406
1001. To MGR. A. PUOTI. — Answer to Christmas greetings. —
Nocera, January 15, ....... 408
1002. To FATHER B. M. CORRADO. — He asks for news. — No
cera, January 1 8, . . . . . . . 409
1003. To FATHER FR. A. PAOLA. — The same subject. — [No
cera, about January 20], . . . . . 410
1004. To THE SAME. — Advantages that would result from the
reunion. — [Nocera, January 29], ..... 411
1005. To THE SAME. — Promises not to interfere with his ne
gotiations. — Nocera, February 8, . . . . . 414
1006. To THE SAME. — Requests him to solicit a necessary
delay. — Nocera, February 18, . . . . .415
1007. To HIS NIECE. — Exhorts her not to return to the world.
— [Nocera, the year 1781], 416
1008. To A Pious MAIDEN. — Counsels concerning the choice
of a state: — [Nocera, 1781 ?] . . . . . . 417
1009. To FATHER B. M. CORRADO. — Joy at the success of his
petition to the king. — [Nocera, February 24], . . 418
TOIO. To FATHER C. DE ROBERTIS. — Orders thanksgiving for
the success of his petition. — Nocera, February 24], . 419
ion. To CARDINAL F. S. DE ZELADA. — Solicits his media
tion for the projected reunion. — Nocera, February 27, 420
1012. To FATHER G. CAIONE. — Complains of opposition on
the part of the Fathers in the Pontifical States. — Noce
ra, March 12, . .. . -. .-' -. .422
xxiv Contents.
1013. To A NOBLEMAN. — He solicits his protection against the
attacks of Sarnelli. — Nocera, March 12. ... 423
1014. To FATHER I. LEGGIO. — He begs him not to hinder the
reunion. — Nocera, March 24, . ... . . 424
1015. To FATHE FR. A. DE PAOLA. — Requests him to recall
Father Leggio from Rome. — Nocera, April 4, . . 425
1016. To CARDINAL T. M. GHILINI. — Begs him to have the
Pontifical decree of 1780 revoked. — Nocera, April 14, 427
1017. To HIS NIECE. — Counsels her to enter the religious life.
— Nocera, April 23, ....... 430
1018. To HIS NEPHEW GIUSEPPE. — Gives him good advice. —
Nocera, June 3, ........ 431
1019. To THE SOVEREIGN PONTIFF, Pius VI. — Begs him to
restore the favors of the Holy See to the houses in the
kingdom. — [Month of June], ..... 432
1020. To FATHER B. M. CORRADO. — Request to ask the Pope
for a favor. — Nocera, June 28, ..... 438
1021. To THE RECTOR OF THE HOUSE AT ILICETO. — Sends
him a subject for the novitiate. — Nocera, July 13, . 439
1022. To HIS NIECE. — Rejoices to hear that she has decided
to embrace the religious life. — Nocera, July 30, . . 440
1023. To FATHER D. CRISCUOLI. — He wishes the students to
observe the old Constitution. — Pagani, August 9, . 441
1024. To HIS NIECE. — Rules of conduct. — Nocera, August 19, 441
1025. To SISTER B. CARAFA. — Thanks for an act of kindness
and compassionates her on her brother's death. — Noce
ra, September 20, ........ 443
1026. To FATHER FR. A. DE PAOLA. — Joy at the success of
the Fathers in the Pontifical States. — Nocera, Oct. 25, 444
1027. To DON G. DI GERONIMO. — He disapproves a nun's de
sign of entering another Order. — Nocera, November 12, 445
1028. To FATHER FR. A. DE PAOLA. — He is pleased to hear
of new foundations. — Nocera, November 23, . . 446
1029. To FATHER G. B. DI COSTANZO. — Thanks for having
accepted an office. — Nocera, November 26, . . 448
1030. To SISTER M. A. R. GRAZIANO. — Censures the use of
figured music. — Nocera, November 29, . . . 449
A. D. 1782.
1031. To HIS NIECE. — Encouragement to consecrate herself to
God. — Nocera, January 3, ^ . . . . . 450
Contents. xxv
1032. To FATHER G. B. DI COSTANZO. — Concerning studies;
Abelly's Theology. — Nocera, January 17, . . 451
1033. To His NIECE. — Advice in regard to her stay in the
world. — Nocera, February 18, . • . . . . 451
1034. To SISTER B. CARAFA. — The way of the cross is the
surest to attain salvation. — [Nocera], March 9, . . 453
1035. To THE SAME. — Recommends Christian indifference. —
Nocera, May 15, ........ 454
1036. To HIS NIECE. — Encourages her in her pious designs. —
Nocera, May 25, ........ 455
1037. To FATHER FR. A. DE PAOLA. — Love of the saint for
his brethren in the States. — Nocera, June 21, . . 455
1038. To His NIECE. — Rejoices that she will soon take the
habit. — Nocera, September 16, ..... 457
1039. To FATHER A. DE MEO. — Appoints him Superior of a
mission. — Nocera, October 29, ..... 458
1040. To His NIECE. — Concerning the choice of a confessor. —
Nocera, November 8, ....... 460
1041. To CARDINAL N. — Requests to intercede for him with
the Pope. — Nocera, November 15, . . . . 461
1042. To His NIECE. — Answer to Christmas greetings. — Noce
ra, December 22, ........ 462
1043. To ONE OF His COUSINS. — Words of encouragement. —
[Nocera, 1782?] ........ 464
A. D. 1783.
1044. To FATHER B. M. CORRADO. — Concerning the Sarnelli
lawsuit. — Nocera, January i, ..... 465
1045. To SISTER B. CARAFA. — Counsels her to practise holy
indifference. — Nocera, January 6, .... 466
1046. To THE REPRESENTATIFES OF THE PARISH OF PERDI-
FUMO. — He refuses to dismiss a subject. — Pagani, Janu
ary 18, . . ,. 466
1047. To SISTER B. CARAFA. — Exhorts her to perform her
duties courageously. — Nocera, January 30, . . . 468
1048. To DON L. CARFORA. — The care of souls is not to be
sought of our own accord. — Pagani, February 19, . 469
1049. To HIS NIECE. — About the choice of a confessor. — No
cera, March 3, . . 470
1050. To THE SECRETARY OF THE SOCIETY " DEI BIANCHI".
Notifies him that he has fulfilled an obligation. — No
cera, May 8, , . . . , . . . 470
xxvi Contents.
LETTER PAGE
1051. To HIS NIECE. — Exhorts her to make an entire sacrifice
of herself. — Nocera, June 23, . . . . . 471
1052. To FATHER D. CRISCUOLI. — Important elections to he
held in the Institute. — Nocera, June 28, ... 472
1053. To His NIECE. — He congratulates her on her profession.
— Nocera, July n, ....... 473
1054. To FATHER D. CRISCUOLI. — He announces that the elec
tions have been postponed. — [Nocera, July], . -474
1055. To THE SAME. — Date fixed for the opening of the Chap
ter. — Pagani, July 26, . . . . . . 475
1056. To THE FATHERS AND BROTHERS IN THE KINGDOM. —
Decisions of the Chapter. — Pagani, August 30, . . 476
1057. To HIS NIECE. — Counsels regarding a change of confes
sors. — Nocera, November 20, ..... 485
1058. To SISTER B. CARAFA. — He consoles her in her trials. —
Nocera, December 5, . . . . . . 486
1059. To His NIECE. — Christmas wishes. — Nocera, December
25, .487
A. D. 1784.
1060. To THE SAME. — He recommends himself to her prayers.
—[Nocera, 1784?] . . ... . . . 488
1061. To THE SAME. — He recommends to her holy abandon
ment. — Nocera, August 17, . . . . . . 489
1062. To THE SAME. — He exhorts her to practise patience. —
Pagani, August 30, ....... 490
1063. To THE NEW SUPERIOR OF THE REDEMPTORISTINES AT
S. AGATA. — Advantages of peace in the Community. —
Pagani, September 20, 490
1064. To HIS NIECE. — Answer to Chrismas letter. — Nocera,
December 17, . 492
A. D. 1785.
1065. To THE KING OF NAPLES. — Information concerning
four young men. — [Nocera, October 19], . . . 492
SUPPLEMENTARY LETTERS.
I. To MGR. T. BASTA. — Concerning the ordination of a
deacon. — Nocera, March 13, 1753, .... 495
Contents. xxvn
2. To FATHER G. CAIONE. — Removal of a Brother. — The
Theology of Berti. — Nocera, January 5, 1757, . . 497
3. To DON FRANCESCO N. — Arrangements relative to a
mission. — Nocera, January 21, 1758, .... 499
4. To P'ATHER G. CAIONE. — Several recommendations. —
Nocera, August 17, 1758 500
5. To FATHER A. TANNOIA. — Solicitude of the saint to
save a vocation. — Nocera, July 17, 1760, . . .501
6. To A PRIORESS. — Points out the date of his arrival at
Arienzo.— S. Agata, July 17, 1762, . 503
7. To FATHER A. VILLANI. — There are cases in which one
must grant dispensations. ..... 503
in.
LAST YEARS OF HIS EPISCOPATE,
(1774— 1775.)
LETTERS OF
ST. ALPHONSUS MARIA DE L1GUORI.
PART I.
Correeponbence.
(Conclusion.)
LETTER 755.
To the Gentlemen Composing the Municipality of Airola.
The saint insists on having a preacher for Lent.
Live Jesus, Mary, and Joseph !
ARIENZO, January 13, 1774.
Gentlemen: I have just received your letter, and I regret
to hear of the distress in which the people of Airola are.
But you must know that my conscience troubles me; for I
would have great scruples, if I neglected to appoint a Father
to preach in your place during the coming Lent.
Hence, there is no other way left than that you inform
me at once, whether you wish me to select a preacher, so
that the time may not pass by, and I may be able to select
some one to labor for the benefit of those souls.
I bless you, and with renewed assurance I remain,
Your very devoted servant,
ALFONSO MARIA,
Bishop of Sant' Agata.
After a copy.
General Correspondence. [PART i.
LETTER 756.
To Father Francesco Antonio de Paola, Superior of the
House at Scifelli.
Foundation at Ceprano. — Gratitude shown by the saint to
the Bishop of Veroli.
Live Jesus, Mary, and Joseph !
ARIENZO, January 25, 1774.
For a long time I had been expecting a letter from you
and from Father Ciminoj I have just received both letters,
and am now fully informed of everything.
I admire the goodness which your bishop has shown to
us. Tell him from me, that I know not how to thank him
for it. I do not write to him, as I do not wish to weary
him ; but I should like to kiss his feet personally, and to
thank him for his great charity.
I hope that the Pope will grant the favor ; I have prayed
for this intention. However, Fiat voluntas tuaf [May
Thy will be done!] I hope that God will console the
good bishop.
I have written to Father Cimino at Rome, and have
charged, him with looking after the affair in regard to
Ceprano; in regard to the other matters, there is but
little hope. Let us always be united with the will of Jesus
Christ, and he will take care of everything.
I beg your Reverence not to omit to write to me from
time to time, especially when there is any particular news
concerning our affairs, or concerning the dispute at Rome
with the court of Naples.
I bless your Reverence and every one of my brethren ;
let them recommend me at Mass every day, because I am
I774-] Letter 757. 5
troubled with palpitation of the heart, which exposes me
every night to the danger of death.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
LETTER 757.
To Father Andrea Villani.
He invites him to an interview, in order to arrange some
apostolic labors.
Live Jesus, Mary, and Joseph !
ARIENZO, February 9, 1774.
I have just received your two letters, in which you bid me
send Father Mancusi at once to Nocera, in order to give
the exercises at the convent of the Purita.
But I have at this moment two grave matters on my
hands. The one is the monastery at Frasso where there
are two factions, one siding with the Prioress, the other
with the Assistant, and this monastery has become a real
hell of dissensions.
I wished to send thither Father Lauria to give the
exercises, but, it appears, this Father has been engaged
elsewhere. It was then arranged that I was to send him on
the first Monday of Lent.
The second affair, and for me the more important,
regards the monastery at Airola, which is also embroiled in
quarrels and factions. Now I have no one to send thither,
because I do not know whether Father Lauria will be able
to give the exercises after he has given them at Frasso ; for
I am told by Father Mancusi that Lauria's health is delicate.
I, therefore, thought of sending Father Mancusi himself.
However, if your Reverence can come here, we may settle
i*
6 General Correspondence. [PART i.
this and the other things, about which we shall have to
speak.
You tell me that I should appoint Father Caione for
Ceprano ; but Fathers Cimino and Caione write to me from
Rome, that I should appoint Father [Nicola] Grossi as
Superior at Ceprano, and as his assistant [Father Giuseppe
Maria] de Cunctis who is very popular with the inhabitants
of Ceprano. This appointment I have already made, but
it may be changed, and the circumstances, it seems to
me, are favorable, since some malcontents have created
trouble there. Father Cimino writes to me, that the
Bishop of Veroli is working for us, and is trying, I believe,
to break down the opposition.
If you come here, we shall regulate all these points.
Remind the Father, who has charge of the library at
Nocera, to send me the volume in duodecimo for which I
have asked him, namely: " Bossuet, Discorso sopra la
Storia Universale."1
I bless you, dear Reverend Father, and all your sub
jects.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
[P. S.'] The monastery at Sant' Agata has asked me for
Father Mancusi, at least for three days. I must then send
him there, before he departs from here. But, if Father
Lauria cannot go to Airola, I must necessarily send Father
Mancusi ; for, as I have said, the wants of the monastery at
Airola are more pressing than those of the Purita at
Nocera.
After an old copy.
1 " Discourses on Universal History."
I774-] Letter 758.
LETTER 758.
To the Same.
Foundation at Ceprano. — Details relative to two postu
lants.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
ARIENZO, [towards the end of February, 1774.]
Reverend Father: I send you a letter which has been
brought to me from Veroli by a young man of Turin,
of whom I will speak further on.
As I stated in my last letter to you, I had, by the
advice of Father Cimino, appointed Father Grossi to be
Rector of the house at Ceprano. In fact, I believed that
this Father had been assisting at the mission given at that
place, and that the people wished to have him. But
Father Grossi, as I have since learned, was not at Ceprano.
I have, therefore, written to Father Caione, as you coun
selled me to do, and have confided to him the govern
ment of that house, and have told him to take as his
companion, after having consulted with Father de Paola,
the Father of that place who may appear to him to be best
suited for this purpose.
The foundation at Ceprano was not yet definitively
settled, when I last wrote; by this time this has, most
probably, been settled, for the bishop has gone expressly
to Ceprano to arrange matters.
The chanter of Montecorvino came to see me. He is
thirty-six years old and is without education ; for I am told
that, if in his youth he has made studies at Naples, he
afterwards abandoned them. I did not, therefore, believe
that I could admit him. Nevertheless, Father Blasucci,
after having had an interview with him, told me that he
appeared to him to be a man of talent. I will, then, make
no difficulty in keeping him as a boarder for a year or two,
8 General Correspondence. [PART i.
the more so, as he assures me, that he will not in any way
increase the expenses of the house. Let him begin his
studies, so that we may see how he will succeed ; have him
observe all our Rules ; then we may decide whether we can
receive him. Reflect on this plan, and tell me what you
think of it.1
As for the young man of Turin,2 he is twenty-seven years
old and is deficient. He has, however, lived more than
three years in a seminary ; but ill health has prevented him
from studying much.
I told him that, in order to be admitted, he must neces
sarily obtain the consent of the Consultors ; but it seems to
me that he cannot be dismissed without a trial, since the
steward of Casamari sent him by your advice.
Be that as it may, the poor young man has responded to
the call, and with many dangers and at great expense made
a journey of six hundred miles. He says that he has
studied philosophy and Moral Theology, but I do not
believe him to be very strong in these matters. However,
he appears to me to have a very good intention, and is a
gentleman; his family is the first in the place, his brother
had for his portion ten thousand ducats ; he has no other
brother or sisters ; finally, and this is the chief considera
tion, he has been told to come, and, therefore, he cannot
be sent away. If God has not called him, he will leave
of his own accord. Consult your Fathers, and let me
know what they think.
In the meantime, I have sent the young man to S.
Angelo [a Cupolo]. This, as I have told you, was done on
the advice of Father Blasucci. The latter will set out to-
1 This chanter, a native of Montecorvino, was Gabriele Maiorino.
He was admitted to the Congregation, made his vows in 1775, an(^
died at Pagani, October 21, 1800.
2 This was the cleric Don Giuseppe Rustichelli, from the town
of Coazzolo, in the Province of Asti. He began his novitiate, April
2, 1774, but was not admitted to profession.
I774-] Letter 759. 9
morrow for S. Angelo, without knowing whether he is to
give a retreat to the clergy or at the Nunziata. At Bene-
vento he will learn what he has to do.
I send you the letter which was written to me from
Veroli.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
[P. S.] Father Blasucci will go to-morrow, Friday, to
Benevento. Father Mancusi will start for Airola where,
together with Father Lauria, he will give a retreat to the
nuns.
After the original in possession of Cavaliere Giancarlo
Rossi at Rome.
LETTER 759.
To Father Francesco Antonio de Paola, Superior of the
House at Scifelli.
Thoughts of the saint concerning the future of the Congre
gation. — Particular counsels.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph!
[March, 1774?]
I have read your long letter, and I, by no means, approve
the reasons that you allege in favor of a foundation at
Rome; my answer is ready in regard to every point. But
why should we lose time, when we clearly see that God
does not wish this foundation ?
According to what certain people say, when I shall have
gone, everything will go. I answer that the Congregation
is not my work, but is the work of God ; it is he that has
maintained it during forty-two years; it is he that will
continue to maintain it.
Why, then, should the King of Naples dissolve it? It
does not injure any one; all the bishops approve it; it does
not possess in its own right any revenues and, what is
of more importance, the king desires (these are the very
io General Correspondence. [PART i.
words of the decree of his Catholic Majesty) that this
Association maintain itself not only during the life-time
of Alfonso de Liguori, but indefinitely, provided that the
work of the missions does not degenerate from its primitive
fervor.
The question of duration, as far as we are concerned,
therefore, depends, in the first place, entirely on God;
then, on the manner in which we conduct ourselves. Hence,
we have but one thing to do: to live united with God, to
observe our Rules, to be charitable to every one, to be
satisfied in our miseries, and, above all, to be humble, for
a little pride can ruin us, as it has ruined others.
On this occasion, dear Father, I would beg you that,
during the time you discharge the duties of the office
of Superior, you show yourself humble and affable to every
one, above all on the missions, and show to the brethren
the greatest charity. They are, indeed, subjected to great
trials, are far from Naples, far from their relatives; you
must, therefore, be very charitable towards them. I repeat
the last injunction designedly, for your intentions are good
and your conduct is irreproachable; but, on the other
hand, your health is poor, you suffer from hypochondria,
and this malady renders one disagreeable to the brethren.
This was the only defect that was noticed in you, when you
were Rector at Sant' Angelo.
I compassionate you on account of your delicate state
of health; but I beg you to endeavor to treat every one
with meekness. Your house is, besides, a Community that
is now regularly established; and for this reason, I appointed
Father de Cunctis to be Admonitor and Fathers Costanzo
and Rastelli to be Consultors.
I will send you Father Capuano as you have desired me
to do.
I have been expecting Father Grossi to have an interview
1774- ] Letter j6o. 1 1
with him about the affairs of S. Cecilia [Scifelli] and of
Ceprano, but he has not yet come.
On his arrival I will tell him all that you have written to
me.
I have nothing else to write. I, therefore, bless you,
my dear Father, and I bless all your subjects, one after the
other.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
LETTER 760.
To Father Luigi Capuano.
He combats his scruples relative to the ministry of the
confessional.
Live Jesus, Mary, and Joseph !
ARIENZO, March 3. [1774?]
I have read your letter attentively.
Here is my answer: place yourself at the feet of Jesus
Christ and say to him : O Lord ! I wish to do what is
pleasing to Thee, and not what is pleasing to me.
Jesus Christ will answer you : What pleases me, is, that
you do what the Superiors command you ; Qui vos audit,
me audit [He that heareth you, heareth me. — Luke, x. 16.]
This ministry, you say, is for me a source of scruples.
But, my dear Luigi, find me a confessor with a timorous
conscience, who exercises his ministry without having
scruples. If your mode of reasoning were correct, no one
would hear any more confessions.
It is a rule that, after having heard confessions, the
confessor should not think of what he has done. It is
sufficient that he has not deliberately wished to commit an
error, I say deliberately.
12 General Correspondence. [PARTI.
You were at death's door, and God, as if by a miracle,
has restored you to health, so that you may use it in doing
his will, and do you now wish to withdraw from this duty?
When you feel some corporal indisposition, speak about
it to the Superior, then do what he tells you. As for the
scruples, be without disquietude: Bonum Domimim habe-
mus. [The Master whom we serve, is a good master.]
How can you imagine that God will send to hell a man
that strives to please him ?
Come, now, take courage ! Do what obedience tells
you, be without disquietude, and pray to God for me.
I bless you. Please recommend me to our Lord.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
After an old copy.
LETTER 761.
To the Administrators of the Church of S. Nicola.
He asks them to grant a large remuneration for services
rendered.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
ARIENZO, from our episcopal palace, March 8, 1774.
• Gentlemen : Signer Alessandro Manto has complained to
me of not having received sufficient fees for services
rendered by him to the church of S. Nicola, in his quality
of advocate. You can, without difficulty, grant him an
additional ten ducats ; require of him the usual receipt.
I give you my blessing, and beg you to believe me,
Your very devoted servant,
ALFONSO MARIA,
Bishop of Sant' Agata.
After an old copy.
1774-] Letter 762. 1 3
LETTER 762.
To Father Francesco Antonio de Paola, Superior of the
House at Scifelli.
Communication relative to the foundation at Ceprano. —
Forwarding of books.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
ARIENZO, March 12, 1774.
I learn through your letter that the bishop has gone to
Ceprano, whither he has called Fathers Caione and Cimino.
Let us, therefore, hope for good results. However, not
withstanding the favorable signs, the foundation, it seems
to me, does not appear to have been made.
I, at once, ordered the Brother to prepare to buy, if neces
sary, the four following works : The Truth of Faith, a
Dogmatic Theology, the Nun Sanctified, and the Retreat
to Priests [Selva]; we shall afterwards see when and how
we must send them.
If Father Cimino comes here, he will know how these
books may be sent to Monsignor. In the meantime, he
may tell his Lordship that the four works are ready. Send
me immediately any good news that you may hear.
I bless you, dear Father, and all your companions.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
14 General Correspondence. [PART i.
LETTER 763.
To the Same.
Hopes of the saint in regard to the foundation at Ceprano.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
ARIENZO, March 24, 1774.
I have carefully read Father Cimino's letter. He writes
to me that he is about to return to Naples.
There is no need of being disquieted at the opposition
that certain priests of Veroli make to the new foundation ;
for the Pope has given to the bishop the needed powers,
and the bishop, who takes great interest in the affair, will
know how to remove all difficulties.
If the things take a better turn, I am of opinion that you
should at once accept the foundation by a formal act ; for,
after the house is once definitely established, opposition
will cease.
On the other hand, I regard a foundation in the Pontifical
States as necessary, but I know not whether that of S.
Cecilia [Scifelli] can subsist in view of the few resources
that are at its disposal.
Have the enclosed letter of thanks forwarded to Mgr. di
Veroli. Read it ; then send it at once to his Lordship.
After having written my letter, Father Cimino arrived
with Father Caione.
I conclude by blessing you and all your companions.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
[P. S.~] I send you by the courier the works destined
for Mgr. di Veroli; namely: the Nun Sanctified, the
Truth of Faith, Selva, and the Dogmatic Theology.
After an old copy.
1774-
Letter 764. 15
LETTER 764.
To Father Master Tommaso Maria Caputo, of the Friars
Preachers, Superior of the Seminary of Sant' Agata.
He expresses the desire to see him. — News in regard to
the ordination at Pentecost.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
ARIENZO, March 30, 1774.
Reverend and Dear Father: My catarrh is diminishing
and the fever has left me. Nevertheless, I am still in bed,
and do not say Mass or the Office ; for I wish to avoid a
relapse and to get rid of my catarrh. Be so kind as to
come to see me as soon as possible after Easter; I must
confer with you on many points.
You may announce to your seminarians a piece of good
news. At the time of the next ordination, that of Pente
cost, I will confer the tonsure and the minor Orders upon
all whom your Reverence will designate, and who have been
found capable. From this last condition, those even who
have priests in their families, whether the latter be brothers,
uncles or others, will not be exempted. Let them know
that those who have not yet made their retreat, should
make it at S. Angelo a Cupolo.
I repeat, I am expecting you with impatience.
I give you my blessing, and beg you to believe me,
Your very devoted servant,
ALFONSO MARIA,
Bishop of Sant' Agata.
After the original preserved in the archives of the patri
archate of Jerusalem.
1 6 General Correspondence. [PARTI.
LETTER 765.
To Father Francesco Antonio de Paola, Superior at Scifelli.
He expresses the desire that possession should be taken as
soon as possible of the foundation at Ceprano.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
ARIENZO, April 2, 1774.
My dear Father Francesco: I have just received your
last letter, dated March 28. It is a long time since I sent
to Father Cimino at Rome the necessary power of attorney,
to accept the foundation at Ceprano. You now expect,
you tell me, my last instructions for putting the project in
execution. I, therefore, think I had better send you a new
power of attorney left blank ; it is destined for the person or
the Father, whom you will judge to be best to accept this
foundation in my name.
I have already told you in my last letter, I desire that
the Fathers should take possession as soon as possible;
thus they will, I hope, put an end to the numerous contests
that have arisen at Ceprano. The Canons of Veroli,
Father Cimino tells me, have represented to the Pope the
injury that the seminary would suffer, if the revenues of the
suppressed monastery were given to us; but the bishop has
presented to the Pope another petition, and this petition is
in our favor.
I hold for certain, that the Sovereign Pontiff will listen to
the bishop rather than to the Canons; but what is to be
done in regard to the opposition of these gentlemen, before
having obtained a decision from His Holiness? It does
not appear to me to be possible to go to Ceprano under
these circumstances ; the bishop himself would not permit
such a thing. But enough on this point. I send you en
closed the power of attorney. Take counsel of Monsignor,
and afterwards do what you think best.
I774-] Letter 765. 1 7
I have finally sent you, by the same post which brought
Father Ciinino, those of my books, which the bishop desired
to have. You have received them, I hope. Answer me
without delay, and tell me all that is going on.
Ask for me the Fathers, who are to go to Ceprano, to
show themselves affable towards every one, above all,
towards those who are opposed to us ; let them not display
any resentment.
In these beginnings we must be satisfied with everything ;
it is while ive walk that the burden adjusts itself to our
shoulders.
Father Caione has made me have a doubt about the
salubrity of the climate of Ceprano ; but Father Cimino tells
me that there is nothing to fear, and I hope that this is
true.
From what Father Cimino says, Signer Ferrari, who has
charge of the vessel, was to have written to me immediate
ly; but up to the present time nothing has come. But
enough ; let me know how affairs stand.
I bless you, my Reverend Father, and all your subjects.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
[P. SJ] I have been keeping my bed for the past two
weeks, having an attack of catarrh of the chest which
continues to torture me. May God have me in his holy
keeping !
If God wishes to grant me yet a few days here below for
the good of the Congregation, may he be blessed ! If he
does not wish this, may his holy name still be blessed!
After an old copy.
1 8 General Correspondence. [PARTI.
LETTER 766.
To Father Andrea Villani.
He proposes different subjects of the Institute for certain
employments.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
ARIENZO, April 8, 1774.
Yesterday, Thursday, the five Fathers and the Brother
took the Maddaloni road ; they have, I hope, started this
morning for the mission that is to be given at Gaeta.
As for Brother Michele della Torre,1 I have written to you,
on the word of several of our Fathers, that he did not
appear to me the man who was suitable to transact our
affairs at Naples; but yesterday I saw some of his writing
in a note addressed to Brother Francesco Antonio,2 and it
is better than that of Brother Francesco, that blessed soul
of Paradise? Father Corrado writes to me that he also
knows how to keep accounts. If things are so, no change
need be made, and the Brother may remain.4
1 La Torre della Nunziata, a village situated near Naples.
2 Francesco Antonio Romito.
3 Brother Francesco Tartaglione, who for twenty-five years trans
acted at Naples the business of the Congregation, had died March
21, of this year, 1774. St. Alphonsus knew of his death in a
supernatural manner. " I cannot doubt," says Aniello Vertucci in
his deposition in the process of beatification (Summar. n. 31, § 103),
" that the servant of God knew in a supernatural way the death of a
Brother of his Congregation, named Francesco Tartaglione ; for he
one day said to Brother Francesco Antonio Romito: 'Do you know
that Brother Francesco Tartaglione has passed to another life?'
Brother Francesco Antonio was extremely surprised on hearing
these words, for knowing the affection that the servant of God bore
toward Brother Tartaglione, he had purposely hidden the news
of his death."
4 Brother Michele Ilardo, in fact, succeeded the deceased Brother
Francesco in his laborious duties, and he continued in them during
1774-
Letter 767. 1 9
For the process, a Father should be appointed who
understands such a thing. The best one, perhaps, would
be Father Maione; for Father Corrado is Rector,1 and he
could hardly attend to affairs in the morning.
I was thinking of taking Don Paolo Sarnelli for our
lawyer against Ciaramella;2 but Father Corrado tells me
that Celano has begun to set our affair going, and that he
is a friend of the Commissary Carusi; we must, therefore,
avoid giving him offence. Besides, it is Celano who is to
defend us against the baron.3
I bless you, dear Father, and all your subjects.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
After the original preserved in the archives of our house at
Pagani.
LETTER 767.
To Sister Maria Rosa Graziano, in the Monastery of the
SS. Rosario.
He exhorts her to be patient amid contradictions.
Live Jesus, Mary, and Joseph !
ARIENZO, April 24, 1774.
I understand all that you tell me in your letter.
I regret that you entertain antipathy towards those
religious that are annoying you in concert with the Superior,
while you are able to merit much by bearing this persecu
tion patiently.
The thing is done ; let the past be forgotten ; henceforth
let calmness reign in your heart. Ask God's pardon for
eighteen years. From Naples he passed to our house at Ciorani,
where he died in the odor of sanctity, in the month of April, 1795.
Fourteen years later his body was found incorrupt.
1 Rector of the house at Ciorani.
2 In the process concerning the chaplaincy of Ciceri. See letter
of March 31, 1772, vol. ii. of Letters, page 445.
3 Baron Nicola Sarnelli.
2O General Correspondence. [PART i.
not having embraced this cross for the love of him, and
pray to him without ceasing for those that have done you
any wrong. Every time that you see them, recommend
them to God, and say within yourself: They are my
Sisters, and God wishes that I should love them as myself;
to please God, I will love my Sisters in spite of the devil.
Hereafter be firm, and do not permit yourself to be any
longer overcome by temptation ; endeavor to obey punct
ually and cordially your Superior, and the others that may
give you an order.
Ah! my dear Sister, if you wish to participate in the
joys of heaven, you must possess many virtues, especially
the virtue of humility. Hence, be humble in your behavior
to your Sisters. I recommend you to God, that he may
give you patience, and may fill you with love towards him
and your neighbor.
As for the sacristy, which has been entrusted to your care,
prepare yourself for this new cross. When the time comes to
attend to it, say to the Superior : / am not fit for this office;
tell me, what do you wish that I should do ? Then you will
have to bear with many reproaches and tribulations; but
virtue consists in bearing all in peace. If, instead of suf
fering with patience, you become agitated, you will greatly
please the devil and greatly displease Jesus Christ. On the
contrary, when one loves God, one seeks something to
suffer in order to please him.
Give my regards to your aunt and to your Superior.
Ask them to recommend me to God ; I will render them
the same service.
I bless you, and pray you to recommend me to the Lord.
Believe me, dear Sister,
Your very devoted servant,
ALFONSO MARIA,
Bishop of Sanf Agata.
After an old copy.
I774-] Letter 768. 2 1
LETTER 768.
To a Superior of Nuns of his Diocese.
He orders that a separate building be constructed for the
pupils.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
ARIENZO, May 23, 1774.
My Very Reverend Mother : I have learned with regret,
that your monastery does not contain separate apartments
for the pupils. This is, however, a condition expressly
imposed by the faculties sent from Rome; without this, the
faculties say, no pupil, whoever she may be, will be allowed
to enter.
I have a profound veneration for your monastery, and
much more, for your very worthy person ; but I believe that
I cannot in conscience place myself in opposition to what
has justly been prescribed by Rome.
I pray you, therefore, to make up your mind to erect a
special building for the pupils; for I cannot in conscience
grant to young persons, who wish to enter among you, the
necessary permission; and I should regret to be obliged to
cause you any pain.
May you and your whole Community pray to the Lord
for me, as I do for all of you.
I conclude by blessing you in the name of Jesus Christ.
Believe me, my very Reverend Mother,
Your very devoted servant,
ALFONSO MARIA,
Bishop of Sant* Agata.
After the original in possession of Cavaliere Rosetti, at
Naples.
22 General Correspondence. [PART i.
LETTER 769.
To Father Andrea Villani.
He makes an effort to save a vocation.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
ARIENZO, June 6, 1774.
My Dear Father Andrea: Father Telesca1 has called
upon me here, perfectly resigned. But I could not come
to a decision, and I told him that I must first speak to you.
Be so kind as to come to see me as soon as possible.
We may then also speak to him, and shall see, whether it
be possible to set the broken limb. Let us try to recover
this subject who was already lost to us.
He would be a useful subject, and could render services
if he would reform ; but herein lies the difficulty.
I, therefore, expect you, and if you cannot come now,
point out the day on which you will be able to do so ; we
shall then treat of this and of several other affairs of which I
have taken note.
I give you my blessing, and I remain ....
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
After the original preserved in the archives of our house at
Pagani.
1 There were in our Congregation Domenicoand Teodosi Telesca;
they were natives of Avigliano, diocese of Potenza. The first, born
November 20, 1739, made his profession, May 15, 1760, and died a
holy death at Ciorani, June 30, 1761. The second, of whom men
tion is made in this letter, was born, January 5, 1739, made his
vows, April 20, 1758, but unfortunately left the Institute, probably
during the year 1774.
1774.] Letter 77 'O. 23
LETTER 770.
To Father Francesco Antonio de Paola.
Foundation at Ceprano. — A small theological work com
posed by the saint.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
ARIENZO, June 12, 1774.
I have received your last letter, dated June 5. I hoped it
would announce to me the arrival of the Brief of confirma
tion.1 But as it has not yet come, ask Mgr. [di Veroli]
whether Mgr. Macedonio 2 has at least forwarded to the
Pope the report of the Ordinary.
More than a month has now passed, and no answer from
Rome has been received ; but I do not believe that the
Pope will recede from his decision, after the excellent report
which was addressed to him by Monsignor.
However, had the Brief arrived, I should have regretted,
if we had been obliged to go to Ceprano, when Don Arduino
Ferrari was not there. The latter found it necessary to live
at Rome for some time, in order to carry on a lawsuit,
which he has now gained.
He has again written to me a very courteous letter. I
have also answered him courteously, and I send you my
answer, which you will please forward to him.
I do not direct this letter to Arpino, but to S. Cecilia
[Scifelli] to which place, I hope, you have ere this retired,
as the heats of summer have come and the time for missions
is over. To give missions during the hot weather would be
to risk the health of more than one subject; and when once
a subject has trouble with his head, he can no longer
render any service. In future take care to finish the
missions at the beginning of June, or a few days later.
1 The Pontifical Brief authorizing the foundation at Ceprano.
2 Mgr. Vincenzo Macedonio was Secretary of Memorials.
24 General Correspondence. [PART i.
I will follow your recommendation relative to the direc
tion of letters ; I will always write Sora only.
My work on the Psalms is nearly finished ; as soon as it
is ready, I will send it to you and to the bishop ; but I do
not know which courier to choose ; because I do not know,
whether the one of Naples goes so far as Sora, or, whether
he stops at Naples ; and I should not like the copies to be
lost. I spoke to you about this in my last letter.
When you have finished the mission, I wish you to keep
with you the two Fathers who are destined for Ceprano ;
you may write to the Father Vicar that I have given you
permission to do so. If the foundation at Ceprano does not
come to pass, they will be sent back to Nocera.
Let me know how Don Carlo, the Frenchman, is doing,
and where he is.
Thank God, my head is better; but I have suffered
much.
In the Heart of Jesus I bless you and every one of your
subjects, one after the other.
When you see the bishop, give him my kind regards,
and tell him that I will soon send him a translation of the
Psalms. It has cost me a great deal of labor, and perhaps
ruined my head forever.
With this translation, and under the form of an appendix
to the volume, I will send you a little work of four
leaves.1 I have been obliged to send a reply to a certain
Abate Magli, Canon of Martina (city in the province
of Taranto). He has written much against the system that
I sustain, namely : a doubtful law is not obligatory, because
it is not sufficiently promulgated.
This Magli has invented a new system by which he tries
1 This is a very important little work. It is entitled : " Exposi
tion of the System Sustained by the Author regarding the Rule
of Moral Actions; to which is joined an answer to some New
Objections."
1774-1 Letter ff i. 25
to refute my opinion. He says that my opinion is true,
if there is question of a law which has for its origin the will
of God ; but that it is false, if there is question of a law
founded on the very nature of man, that is, if there is
question of natural right, which is habitually promulgated
to man from his infancy. To refute these assertions clearly,
I have been obliged to labor during seven months; for I
had to refute them by reasons which I have not found in
any Catholic work. Be it said between ourselves, the
system and the reasoning of Magli are quite new and extra
vagant; but the author is subtle, and he has made me
sweat.
I hope that Mgr. di Veroli will read this little work with
pleasure.
I again bless you and all your subjects.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
After an old copy.
LETTER 771.
To the Same.
How and at what time he should take possession of the
house at Ceprano.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
, ARIENZO, June 27, 1774.
I believed, or rather, I hoped, that your next letter
would bring me the news, that the Pope had confirmed the
foundation at Ceprano; but the Lord has not willed to
grant me this consolation.
However, I will never believe that, after the very
favorable report of our Bishop [of Veroli], the Pope could
have changed his mind. I believe rather that the Holy
Father is not very well, or that he is greatly disturbed by
the affairs of Spain. This last fact seems to me to be very
26 General Correspondence. [PART i.
probable, for the Superior of the Chinese College * said so
on his return from Rome.
The Pope, he said, was plunged in grief. This is,
besides, quite natural, since there is not a shadow of hope
that peace, which is so much desired, will be restored.
Your Reverence is right, when you say that, if the rescript
should arrive from Rome during the dog-days, there would
be no reason, why the Fathers should then go to live at
Ceprano. In fact the air, my confreres tell me, is not
of the best, though it is not bad, and it would be dangerous
to go to live there, while the season is changing.
The heats being, therefore, very great, I with others are
of opinion, that it is not prudent to go to live at Ceprano,
should the rescript of the Pope arrive before the dog-days.
The Fathers will wait till autumn, when no sudden change
of the weather need be feared. The health of our brethren
should be preferred to all other advantages.
If, however, the Pontifical rescript should arrive between
this and then, the Fathers might go early in the morning on
any day of the week, to take possession of the house, without,
however, sleeping there in the afternoon. The Fathers will
declare that they belong to the house of S. Cecilia [Scifelli],
and two ends will thus be obtained at the same time. But,
when there is question of going to live at Ceprano, I
absolutely wish that my advice be first asked.
In the meantime, Reverend Father, keep yourself recol
lected in union with our Lord, for in the last campaign
you labored much, perhaps even too much.
Send me news about Don Carlo, and as soon as you
hear anything touching the affair of Ceprano, let me know
it. Pray also for the Pope whose affliction is so profound.
God knows how much I compassionate him in his sor
rows.
I bless you and all your subjects, one after the other.
1 Father Gennaro Fatitjati.
1774.] Letter 772. 2 7
Do not forget to tell me, by what courier I should send
the copies of my new wrork, as soon as it is published.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
LETTER 772.
To the Same.
The saint shares the affliction of Pope Clement XIV. — The
foundation at Ceprano.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
ARIENZO, July 23, 1774.
Mgr. Rosetti l lately arrived from Rome. As he keeps
nothing secret from me, and is very well acquainted with
affairs at Rome, he has confirmed what you told me at the
end of your letter. Yes, the Pope is in extreme affliction,
on account of the difficulties raised against him on the part
of Sardinia, Spain, Naples, and above all, Venice.
He also feared death, which had been prophesied to him
by a nun imprisoned in the castle of Santangelo.2 Accord
ing to what this nun said, he was to die on July 16; but
the 1 6th has passed by and the Pope is not dead. Let us
hope then, that God may preserve him for the holy Year and
for many others.
I can only repeat : Poor Pope ! poor Pope ! Afflictions
overwhelm him on all sides, and I am always praying to
the Lord to help him.
It is not, therefore, astonishing that he does not dispatch
any affairs, and that he even forbids any one to speak to
1 Mgr. Niccolo Rosetti received episcopal consecration at Rome,
July 3, of this year, and then went to Arienzo, his native place. It
is thus that St. Alphonsus had the opportunity to hear him speak
of the affairs at Rome.
2 Bernardina Renza di Valentino, a pretended prophetess.
28 General Correspondence. [PART i.
him. This is the reason why the affair of Ceprano is kept .
in suspense. Mgr. Macedonio probably does not dare to
say a word to him about it.
The Pope continually keeps his room, and will not grant
audience to any one. We must, therefore, pray in a
special manner for him and for the Church.
Why, then, should we continue to urge Mgr. di Veroli ?
Let us wait till the Pope has somewhat recovered his tran
quillity, and till he begins again to attend to affairs.
As for the companions whom you have with you, I
compassionate you. But what will you do? You live a
Community-life ; there will always be subjects who will not
walk on the right road. Consequently, we must have
patience and prudence.
I send you a circular, which I have sent to the other
houses. Read it and have it read in common on Thursday,
when the greater part of your subjects are at home; it may
take the place of the usual discourse.
Tell all that this foundation is new and situated in another
kingdom. In all new foundations religious must suffer,
and suffer much on account of poverty, but especially
because they must treat with people with whom they are
not much acquainted. Tell your Fathers to read what the
saints have suffered in their first foundations ; it is thus that
they became saints before God.
It is well that you go from time to time to pay your
respects to the French priest;1 but do not press him to
return soon.
My book has not yet appeared. As soon as I have it, I
Tvill send it by the courier of Sora, and to the address
of Don Giovanni Marzani, in compliance with your wish.
Remind all your subjects, that they should in a special
manner recommend me every day to Jesus Christ; for my
1 L'Abbe Louis Arnauld.
I774-] Letter 77 j. 29
death is near. Please, dear Father, pray particularly for
this intention. I bless you and all your subjects, one after
the other.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
After an old copy.
LETTER 773.
To the Fathers and the Brothers of the Congregation of the
Most Holy Redeemer.
Recommendation relative to the love of Jesus Christ, to
vocation, and to regular observance.
Live Jesus, Mary, and Joseph !
[ARIENZO,] July 29, 1774.
My dearest Brethren in Jesus Christ: The principal thing
that I recommend to you is the love of Jesus Christ. Very
much are we bound to love him.
For this end he has chosen us from all eternity, and
called us into his Congregation, there to love him, and to
make others also love him. What greater honor, what
greater mark of love could Jesus Christ have shown us?
He has snatched us from the midst of the world, in order
to draw us to his love, and that, during the pilgrimage
of this life, by which we must pass into eternity, we might
think of nothing but of pleasing him, and of bringing those
crowds of people to love him who, every year, by means
of our ministry, abandon sin, and put themselves into the
grace of God.
It is generally the case that, when we be^fin a mission,
the greater number of the people of the place are at enmity
with God, and deprived of his love; but five or six days
have scarcely elapsed, when, behold, numbers, as if roused
from a deep sleep, begin to listen to the exhortations, the
instructions, and the sermons ; and when they see that God
offers them his mercy, they begin to weep over their sins,
30 General Correspondence. [PART i.
and conceive the desire of being reconciled to him ; the way
of pardon is opened before them, and, seeing it, they
begin to abhor the manner of life that they had previously
loved; a new light begins to shine upon them, and a peace
hitherto unknown touches their hearts. Then they think
of going to confession, to remove from their souls those
vices that have kept them separated from God ; and where
as, before a Mass of a quarter of an hour appeared to them
too long, and five decades of the Rosary too tedious, and a
sermon of half an hour unbearable, now they gladly hear a
second and a third Mass, and they are sorry when the
sermon, which has lasted an hour and a half, or perhaps
two hours, is over.
And of whom does the Lord make use, if not of us, to
work such wondrous changes, and to bring the people to
delight in those very things that before they despised, so
that when the mission is over, we leave in the place to love
Almighty God two or three thousand persons, who before
were living at enmity with him, and were not even thinking
of recovering his grace ?
If, therefore, God so highly honors us as to choose us to
be the instruments of his glory, and of bringing others to
love him, — an honor that no monarch of the earth possesses,
— how greatly ought we not to thank and love him! Let
others labor to acquire the reputation of men of honor and
of talent; but let us endeavor to advance every day more
and more in the love of Jesus Christ, and to find occasions
of pleasing him by offering to him some mortification, or
some other act that will be acceptable to him.
And, if we wish to attach ourselves always more and more
to the Heart of Jesus Christ, let us always put ourselves in
the last place, and guard against wishing to appear. The
more we try to live hidden among men, the more united
do we become to Jesus Christ. A member of the Congre
gation would show too great ingratitude to Jesus Christ,
1774 ] Letter 773. 3 T
who should love him with reserve, and should neglect to
live as strictly united to God as he might.
My Brethren, when death comes, the light of the candle
will disclose to us the graces that the Lord has bestowed
upon us, in keeping us in the beautiful vocation that he has
given us.
I say the truth. I feel an extreme compassion, when I
think of those that were once our brethren, and that lived
in peace, and under obedience, united to God, and con
tented with everything that happened to them : and now
they are in the midst of the world, in confusion and dis
turbance. They have, indeed, the liberty to go where they
like, and to do as they like ; but do what they may, all is
without regularity, without interior spirit, and without
quiet. From time to time, they will think of making medi
tation; but when their infidelity to God, and their ingrati
tude to him in having abandoned their vocation, stares
them in the face, the remorse of conscience that they feel is
too sharp ; and hence it comes to pass that, in order to
avoid the bitterness of that remorse, they often give up
prayer; and so their lukewarmness and their disquiet
of mind increase more and more.
Their misfortune did not begin with grievous faults, but
with little defects ; and the devil made use of these to bring
them little by little to the loss of their vocation.
I repeat, I pity them from the bottom of my heart ; for I
am certain that their whole life is nothing but confusion and
disquiet; and if their life is full of straits, much more so will
be their death.
Some years ago I had hard work to comfort one of these,
who at the thought of the loss of his vocation despaired,
and cried out in a frenzy that he was damned, and that
there was no salvation for him, because he had voluntarily
lost his vocation.
Their misfortune, therefore, should make us be deter-
32 General Correspondence. [PART i.
mined to suffer everything rather than the loss of vocation ;
and the first means is to avoid little faults, especially those
against the Rules. He who makes no account of the Rules,
makes no account of the love of Jesus Christ ; and experi
ence proves that he who commits a fault against the Rule
with his eyes open, and especially if this fault is repeated,
soon becomes dry and cold in the love of God.
You already know that the most efficacious means to
enable us to bear contradictions, is a great love for Jesus
Christ; but, for this very much prayer is necessary. To
love Jesus Christ is the greatest work that we can perform
on this earth ; but it is a work and a gift that we cannot
have of ourselves: it must come to us from him, and he
is ready to give it to those who ask him for it ; so that if we
are wanting in it, it is through our own fault and our own
negligence that we have it not. It was for this reason that
the saints were continually occupied in prayer; and there
was nothing to which they paid so great attention.
I am certain that Jesus Christ looks most lovingly on our
little Congregation, and regards it as the apple of his eye ;
and experience shows us that in the midst of so many
persecutions, he does not cease to allow us to promote
more and more his glory in so many places, multiplying
his graces towards us.
I shall not live to see it, because my death is nigh ; but I
have the most certain confidence that our little flock will
always go on gradually increasing, not, indeed, in wealth
and honors, but in promoting the glory of God, and in
spreading by our labors a greater knowledge and love
of Jesus Christ among others.
A day will come, as we may well hope, when we shall
see ourselves all united together in that eternal home, never
more to be separated from one another, and where we shall
find united with us many hundreds of thousands of souls,
who at one time did not love God, but who, brought back
'774] Letter jj j. 33
to his grace by means of us, will love him, and will be for
all eternity a cause of glory and gladness to ourselves.
Should not this thought alone spur us on to give ourselves
wholly to the love of Jesus Christ, and to making others
love him ?
I bless all and each in the name of the Most Holy Trini
ty, and I pray Jesus Christ, by his merits, to increase
always in each one who is living, and shall hereafter live, in
the Congregation, the gift of his divine love ; so that, like
the seraphim, all on fire with love, we may praise God for
all eternity in heaven, and sing the mercies he has shown
towards us.
Let us, moreover, never cease to recommend ourselves
to the divine Mother, since the Lord gives us the honor
and the joy of proclaiming everywhere her glories, — a
source of much consolation to me, and which gives me a
great hope that this good Mother will never cease to have a
most special care for each one of us, and will obtain for us
the grace to become saints.
I finish, but I could go on forever, from the desire that I
have to see you all filled with love for Jesus Christ, and
working for his glory ; especially in these unhappy times,
in which we see Jesus Christ so little loved in the
world.
I am not alarmed by the fear of poverty, or of sickness,
or of persecutions ; the only thought that terrifies me is, lest
any one of you should one day be seduced by some passion
to leave the house of God, and should go into the midst
of the world, as has happened to so many, who were once
in the Congregation, and who now are out of it, and live
without peace. And even if some of these should save
their souls, they, nevertheless, will find that they have lost
that beautiful crown which God had prepared for them in
heaven, if they had persevered in their vocation.
Therefore, my dearest Brethren, let us always pray to
3
34 General Correspondence. [PART i.
Jesus Christ, and to our Mother Mary, that God of his
mercy may grant to us all the gift of perseverance.
I beg each one to recommend me especially to Jesus
Christ, that I may have a good death, which I am expect
ing from day to day. I, miserable though I be, pray for
each one of you many times during the day; and, having
obtained my salvation, as I hope I shall, I will not cease to
do the same for you in heaven, better than I do now.
Next, I recommend, in particular and first of all, the
common acts and the three meditations. He who has
little love for prayer, has little love for God; and when
prayer is wanting, the religious spirit is wanting, good
desires are wanting, and courage to make progress is
wanting.
I recommend the spiritual reading, which is the insepar
able companion of meditation.
I recommend the devout celebration of holy Mass, and
that the divine Office be recited with the proper pauses,
and without mixing up one verse with the other.
I recommend the love of poverty : consider, that in all
our houses we live, as it were, by miracle ; since, as you
know, there is no fixed income. What little we have, is
scarcely sufficient to make up four or five grains * for each
one, and, indeed, does not amount to so much; so that
each one must be satisfied with that little which he receives
as a pure alms from God. It is a wonder to see how each
day there is bread for every one upon the table.
I recommend silence. Where there is no silence, there
is no recollection; and where there is no recollection,
there is nothing but disturbances and sins. One of the
greatest blessings, wrhich we enjoy in the Congregation, is
the silence ; and he who breaks the silence, does harm to
himself and to the others.
Next I recommend obedience to Superiors on the mis-
1 From 17 to 21 centimes.
1774.] Letter ; 7 '4. 35
sions. Obedience keeps up the good order of the missions ;
and even when something, that the Superior orders, might
be better arranged, nevertheless, when you obey punctually,
and without murmuring, all goes well. God lends his aid,
and the mission has a great success.
Moreover, let each one take care not to annoy his
brethren with words and sharp expressions, which may
wound charity; and, likewise, not to undertake any of
fice on the missions, for which he was not designated by
the Superior, without asking for it. How will God bless
that exercise, which a subject has the pretension to do out
of his own head ? He who should have such pretensions,
would deserve never again to go on missions. And this
punishment will certainly be given to those that are rash
enough to undertake some office to which they are not
appointed. This submission is the cause of the success
of our missions; but I have learned, to my very great
sorrow, that on this point there has been some disorder.
I bless once more all of you, and each one in particular.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
LETTER 774.
To DonMichele N.
He recommends to him perfect conformity to the will of
God.
Live Jesus, Mary, and Joseph !
ARIENZO, August 6, 1774.
My Dear Sir: I have read your letter, and truly I have
nothing particular to say to you ; for, as to the pious
exercises, that unite the soul to God, such as pra}^er and
the frequentation of the sacraments, you already practise
them.
36 General Correspondence. LPART i.
Take care always to keep yourself united to the will
of God in all contrarieties.
Fiat voluntas tua! [May Thy will be done !] These are
the words that have made all the saints. Ask without
ceasing for the love of God, perfect conformity to the divine
will, and perseverance in prayer.
Pray also for me, as I myself am praying for you and
your family.
Believe me, my dear Sir,
Your very devoted and grateful servant,
ALFONSO MARIA,
Bishop of Sant' Agata.
After an old copy.
LETTER 775.
To Father Francesco Antonio de Paola.
He asks for information regarding the foundation at
Ceprano. ,
Live Jesus, Mary, and Joseph !
ARIENZO, August 12, 1774.
I received this morning a letter from Father Grossi.
The opinion of Father Vicar, he tells me (an opinion
shared by Father Cimino), is, that before accepting the
foundation at Ceprano, we should wait for the cession
of the largest part of the property, namely, that of the
Signori Caravotti, and not take our chances only with the
part that belongs to Ferrari.
Please, my dear Father, give me some explanations on
this point ; for, in fact, if the part belonging to Ferrari were
by itself too miserable, and if the whole revenue from the
seminary, appropriated for our use, were to yield only the
insignificant sum of fifty or sixty ducats, as that of S. Ceci
lia [Scifelli], this sum would scarcely suffice to support two
I774-J Letter jj6. 3 7
subjects, a Father and a Brother. Hence, I should make
great difficulty in accepting the house at Ceprano.
But the idea first suggested to me by Cimino and Grossi
was, that we should have (at least after a certain time) an
assured income of about three hundred ducats, if I mistake
not. Please, then, give me some explanation on this point ;
for, I see very well that the cession of the Signori Caravotti
is uncertain ; it is, therefore, not prudent to rest the foun
dation upon it.
This is all that I wish to say to you. I expect your
answer, and I give you my blessing.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
After an old copy.
LETTER 776.
To the Same.
He rejoices at not being obliged to accept a foundation at
Rome. — The Ceprano foundation.
Live Jesus, Mary, and Joseph !
ARIENZO, August 25, 1774.
I received your last letter.
I was very sure that at the present time no news could
have come from Rome concerning Ceprano; for I learn
from various quarters that the Pope is troubled, that he
remains shut up in his apartments, and that he does not
attend to any affairs. Let us, therefore, pray to God to
deliver the Pope from this state of melancholy.
But this morning I received a note from Father Vicar, to
the purport that Mgr. Macedonio is reported to have said
to Terragnoli 1 that the Pope was thinking of intrusting to
us the church of the Gesu at Rome, but that his advisers
had dissuaded him from doing so.
Gloria Patri! What should we do in Rome? Fare-
1 The lawyer Melchiorre Terragnoli.
3'
38 General Correspondence. [PART i.
well, then, to our work, farewell to our Congregation !
We should all become courtiers.
Nevertheless, let us thank God for the good opinion that
the Pope has of us. If Mgr. di Veroli, our bishop, should
wish to urge Mgr. Macedonio a little to conclude the
Ceprano affair, the occasion would be favorable.
Be then so kind, Reverend Father, as to tell me what I
asked you in my last letter, namely: what revenues we
should have at Ceprano without the cession of Signori
Caravotti ; for Father Andrea is of opinion that we should
not accept this foundation, before having the cession of the
Signori Caravotti; now the cession is a doubtful thing.
Tell me, then, to what the revenue of Ceprano would be
reduced without this cession.
I impatiently expect your answer, and I bless you.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
After an old copy.
LETTER 777.
To Father Andrea Villani.
The same subject.
Live Jesus, Mary, and Joseph !
[ARIENZO], August 25, 1774.
The news that you send me of Mgr. Macedonio gives me
pleasure, since it indicates the good intentions that the
Pope has in regard to us. But, let us thank God and
the advisers of the Sovereign Pontiff, that the project was
not carried out.
If the Pope had persisted in his intention,1 I would have
written him in strong terms that he should change his
resolution, though I should thereby risk having the whole
Congregation against me.
1 Clement XIV., as we have seen, wished to intrust to our Insti
tute the church of the Gesu.
1774-1 Letter J j8. 39
What should we do at Rome? Such a thing would
destroy our Institute; for, if our missions are once neglected,
and the Institute diverted from its end, the Congregation
would cease to exist. There would remain a monster with
two heads, and what good purpose would it serve ?
A thousand others at Rome could do what we should
do; and, in the meantime, what would become of our work?
Our Congregation is made for the mountains and for the
villages. As soon as we are placed among prelates, cava
liers, ladies, courtiers, good-bye to the missions, good-bye
to country places! We should become courtiers ourselves.
I pray to Jesus Christ to preserve us from such a mis
fortune.
However, let us thank God for the favorable opinion that
the Pope has of us. ...
Tannoia, "Life of St. Alphonsus," Book iii, Chapter li.
LETTER 778.
To Don Giacomo di Nuzzo, Parish Priest at Forchia.
He invites him to come to see him.
Live Jesus, Mary, and Joseph !
ARIENZO, August 30, 1774.
Reverend and Dear Sir : Come to see me without delay,
come as soon as possible ; we shall speak about the means
of remedying the scandal that is given by Andreanella
Valentino, of your parish.
Come without fail and promptly.
I bless you.
Yours very affectionately,
ALFONSO MARIA,
Bishop of Sant' A gat a.
After the original found at S. Maria a Vico, in possession
of D. Michele de Lucia.
40 General Correspondence. [PART i.
LETTER 779.
To Mother Maria Raffaella della Carita, Superior of the
Redemptoristines of Sant' Agata de' Goti.
He forbids her to return to Scala.
Live Jesus, Mary, and Joseph !
ARIENZO, September 3, 1774.
My Very Reverend Mother: I have read the two letters
of the Bishop of Scala. Please to read that which I have
addressed to him, then close it and forward it to him.
You will remark in my letter that the Pope, who is my
Superior and that of the Bishop of Scala, has expressly
ordained in his act of approbation that the three foundress
es, and especially you who have been the chief one, shall
continually reside at the new monastery of Sant' Agata, as
long as the Bishop of Sant' Agata shall think it neces
sary.
Now, at the present time, this necessity is clear, and is
evident to every one. I should believe myself guilty
of mortal sin, if I permitted your departure under the
present circumstances.
The Bishop of Scala writes that he feels obliged in
conscience to order your return to Scala, by reason of the
engagement that you have made to return thither, when
there should be need of you.
But there is no mention made of this engagement in the
Pontifical rescript, which I have before me, and I know not
how the Bishop of Scala imagines that it exists. Even
if this engagement existed, I would know how to induce
the Pope to declare that it cannot be effective in the
present case, since such a thing would compromise the very
existence of the new house of Sant' Agata. This founda
tion would, therefore, be sacrificed, because of the neces-
1774 ] Letter 779. 4 1
sities of the house of Scala — necessities of which I know
nothing.
I omit to mention other obvious reasons that I could
adduce. I would have to draw up a special statement, in
order to demonstrate that this necessity is not real, and
that your presence could do little or nothing to remedy the
evils that exist at Scala.
Hence, in order to free you from every scruple in regard
to the command of the Bishop of Scala, I forbid you in a
formal manner, under pain of a grievous sin, to think
of going thither ; — a grievous sin, from which you could not
be excused, since it is evident that your departure would
cause the ruin of this house.
The language, that your daughters have used, pierced
my very heart, but did not surprise me, because they are
still tender plants, and are but little grounded in virtue ; do
not, therefore, be astonished at the answer that I have
addressed to them, for this answer is to serve as a correc
tion.
Devote yourself to the cultivation of these young plants
as long as God gives you life. I regret that your days
cannot be greatly prolonged, since you are, like myself,
advanced in age ; but when we are gone, God will provide.
We must, therefore, at the present time cultivate the vine
yard that has been intrusted to us, so that it may become
perfect ; and God will do the rest.
I also entreat you to take care of your health. Now that
the winter season is approaching, you must omit going to the
choir in the morning, whenever you think that going there
would probably aggravate the chest trouble from which you
are suffering ; and when you are in doubt, whether your
presence there would hurt you much, remain away without
scruple.
I herewith bless you ; recommend me to Jesus Christ.
42 General Correspondence. [PART i.
My life cannot last much longer; when I am dead my
successor will act as he thinks fit. At present, you are
under my jurisdiction according to what the Pope has
declared ; it is to me only that you owe obedience.
Believe me, my Reverend Mother,
Your very devoted servant,
ALFONSO MARIA,
Bishop of Sant' Agata.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
LETTER 780.
To the Redemptoristine Nuns of the Convent of Sant' Agata
de' Goti.
He re-assures them in their fears and exhorts them to the
love of Jesus Christ.
Live Jesus, Mary, and Joseph !
ARIENZO, September 3, 1774.
My very Dear Daughters and Sisters in the Lord: Do
not fear; I have written to Mother Maria Raffaella, and
have formally forbidden her, under pain of grievous sin, to
leave the monastery.
Be assured, therefore, as long as I live, I will not
consent that she should depart ; and if the Bishop of" Scala
obtained an order from the Pope, to make her return to
Scala, I should know how to take measures to have the
order revoked ; for the reigning Pontiff listens to me and is
very favorable towards me.
When I am dead, and this may be expected soon, God
will take care of you.
In the meantirrie, think only of obeying your Mother,
of sanctifying yourselves, and of becoming more closely
united to Jesus Christ.
I feel compassion for you for the words that have escaped
1774 ] Letter 780. 43
you on this occasion; but your words, you must know,
pierced my very heart.
What would you do, if God should call to a better life
your Mother, who is advanced in age and very feeble in
health ? Would you then repeat the fine words that you
have spoken ?
You should always be disposed to accept the things that
God arranges, to love him, and never to cease being
entirely devoted to him, even if the Turks should come,
should kill your Mother, and should destroy the monastery.
All that God does, is good.
What has been the conduct of the martyrs? They were
always ready to lose all, even life itself, in order not to
abandon Jesus Christ. Let each one of you pray to him
every day for me ; I give you the command to do so, since
I am so near death ; moreover, you should love Jesus
Christ very much. To the one that loves Jesus Christ
much, every pain, every sorrow, every infirmity, is sweet
and agreeable. The love of Jesus Christ makes sweet all
the afflictions of this life, and even death itself.
I conclude by blessing each one of you specially, and I
pray Jesus Christ to inflame you all with his holy love, so
that you may think only of loving and pleasing him, and
that at every moment and in all your actions you may only
occupy yourself with Jesus Christ, address to him acts
of love, speak to him, and desire without ceasing soon to
go to see him in Paradise, there to love him with all your
strength and during all eternity.
Believe me always,
Your very devoted servant,
ALFONSO MARIA,
Bishop of Sanf Agata.
After an old copy.
44 General Correspondence. [PART i.
LETTER 781.
To a Parish Priest of Sant' Agata.
Charity of the saint towards the poor.
Live Jesus, Mary, and Joseph !
ARIENZO, September 3, 1774.
You ask me to assist N. N., who is poor, by granting
him a monthly allowance; but you know that I must,
before all, help the poor of my diocese, the number
of whom has so increased, that I no longer know how I
can relieve them.
Nevertheless, ask in my name Canon Gioacchino di
Cesare to give this man four carlini a month. I will
keep an account of this sum and return it with interest.
Since Sabetta [Elisabetta Conti] has gone back to your
parish, tell her from me that, if she behaves well, and if I
hear no more unpleasant news about her, I will give her six
carlini J a month. I will, however, not assign them to her
at present, for I wish first to assure myself of her per
severance.
Keep an eye upon her, and in future let me be carefully
informed of all that she does.
I bless you, etc.
After the Roman edition.
1 2.25 frs.
I774-] Letter 782. 45
LETTER 782.
To Father Francesco Antonio de Paola.
He asks for information before accepting the foundation
of Ceprano.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
ARIENZO, September 5, 1774.
I received your last letter, dated August 2 1 .
The difficulty in regard to Ceprano lies not in the
climate, but in the fact that there is no way of living, if the
Caravotti do not make that concession of land. Now it is
doubtful, whether they will do this, and without such a
concession, we should have for revenue only a few ducats.
This I already told you in my last letter, and I await your
answer, in order to know what revenue is assured us ;
otherwise I really cannot accept this foundation, since all
our confreres are most strongly opposed to it.
That no news about Ceprano has been received from
Rome is not surprising ; for the Pope is afflicted and trans
acts no business.
As for missions, you can, it appears, give few of them
this year, since you must accompany Monsignor in his
pastoral visits ; but we must obey the bishop and the order
of the Pope. You may, however, do good during these
visits, for you will remain at least three days in each place ;
and who will prevent you from giving here and there a
little mission in those places that have not yet had the
exercises ?
Enough about this point; have an understanding with
the bishop whom, according to the Rule, we are obliged to
obey.
I bless you and all your subjects.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
After an old copy.
46 General Correspondence. [PART i.
LETTER 783.
To Father Benedetto Gessari, Dominican.
Missions to be given in the diocese of S. Agata.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
ARIENZO, September 7, 1774.
Reverend and Dear Father: I have received a letter
from your much respected Father Prefect. I am, at the
same time, in receipt of a letter from your Reverence, and I
thank you for the trouble that you have taken on my
account.
Father Prefect writes that he allows me a month for the
two missions of Sant' Agata and Airola. This favor affords
me great pleasure; but I have written to Father Prefect
that, if the mission began on Monday, November 12,
nearly all the days of this week till Sunday would be
lost. Experience proves, indeed, that, if a mission is
begun on a working-day, few people come to the church
before the following Sunday.
I formerly made the same mistake ; but since that time I
have made a vow never more to begin missions on a work
ing-day.
Try then, Reverend Father, to comply with the desire,
which I have already expressed to you, and send me the
preachers at least two days before the Sunday. In any
case, let them come a day in advance, but two days would
be better, for then they might stay a day in my house, at
Arienzo. But if, after leaving Naples, you wish to
go to Sant' Agata, or to Airola, you are perfectly free to
do so.
A favor, Reverend Father, I would most earnestly ask
of you is, that in these two cities a mission also be given
for the hamlets depending on them, as they are large
1774 ] Letter 783. 47
places. At all events, a mission should be given in the
environs of Airola, and is usually given in a place far from
the city, that is, in the village of Moiano, where all the
inhabitants of the neighboring hamlets meet together.
You say that your idea is, after leaving S. Agata, to go
to S. Maria a Vico, then to Airola. Would to God,
Reverend Father, that such a thing would be possible.
But Father Prefect is of a different opinion ; and, on the
other hand, in order to preach at S. Maria a Vico, I should
not like you to omit evangelizing the hamlets, at least, as I
have said, that of Moiano, which is the large hamlet
of Airola. For, after all, as to S. Maria a Vico, I will try to
provide by applying to the Dominican Fathers of the
convent of the Santa, since I know not to whom else to
apply.
You tell me, finally, that, having once arrived here, you
would try whether you could evangelize still another place.
Ah ! my very dear Father Benedetto, would to God that
such a thing might be done! for I frankly declare to you,
that this year I have been really disappointed. I had
arranged the order of the missions for my diocese in
concert with your Fathers, that is, with the predecessors
of Father Provincial and Father Prefect. I was then with
out anxiety, and I asked for no other missionary bands,
and now it is impossible to secure a single band, all having
been engaged. May God fulfil your desire ! But, how
can I hope that several missions will be given, when we
have no more than a month before us? However, I
repeat, may it be God's will that such a thing may be
done!
As for the necessary preparations for the missions,
of which Father Prefect has spoken, be without uneasiness.
I am going at once to have the churches, beds, etc., put in
order.
48 General Correspondence. [PART i.
Pray to Jesus Christ for me, and please accept the ex
pression of profound respect with which I have the honor to
be, my dear Father
After the Roman edition.
LETTER 784.
To Father Francesco Antonio de Paola.
He asks him to forward a confidential letter to a subject.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
[The year 1774.]
(Confidential letter?)
The enclosed letter has been addressed by me to Father
Cimino. Read it, and then give it to that Father, if he is
with you; if he is not with you, address it and send it to
him.
Do not tell others, that the letter contained a discourteous
answer from Cardinal Carafa; for you would discourage
them. May God have us in his keeping!
But I hope, that all that this Cardinal says, is not true.
He simply wished to spare himself the annoyances this
affair creates, and, therefore, he answered in so bad a
humor. May God make him a saint !
Send me some news about your affairs.
I bless you and all your subjects.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
After the original preserved in the house of Father General
at Rome.
1 774-J Letter 785. 49
LETTER 785.
To the Same.
Death of Clement XIV.— The Ceprano affair.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
ARIENZO, October 3, 1774.
You also write to me about Father de Cunctis, but do
not be troubled; the matter has been decided, he will
return hither as soon as the Fathers have arrived at your
place.
I greatly praise your charity and your patience in regard
to him, and I am very happy that you are satisfied with
the other Fathers.
I do not know which subject Father Vicar has destined
for this place ; I have left the matter with him.
As for the Ceprano affair, it is useless for Monsignor
to go to Rome, since the Pope is dead.1 The con-
1 Clement XIV. died, September 22, miraculously assisted at his
death by St. Alphonsus. The following is the narration of this
extraordinary fact, as given by Father Tannoia :
" In the morning of the 2ist of September, 1774, after Alphonsus
had finished Mass, contrary to custom, he threw himself into his
arm-chair; he was depressed and silent; he made no movement
of any kind, never articulated a word, and said nothing to any one.
He remained in this state all that day and all the following night,
and during all this time he took no nourishment and did not attempt
to undress. The servants, on seeing the state in which he was, did
not know what was going to happen, and remained near the door
of his room, but no one dared to enter.
" On the morning of the 22d, he had not changed his position ;
and no one knew what to think. The fact was, that he was in a
prolonged ecstacy. Suddenly, as if he had been roused from a
profound sleep, he rang the little bell to announce that he wished to
say Mass. This signal was answered by Brother Francesco Anto
nio, according to custom, and at the same time, all the people in
the house hurried to him with eagerness. On seeing so many
people, the bishop asked with surprise what was the matter. ' What
4
50 General Correspondence. [PART i.
cession made by the Sovereign Pontiff in favor of Ceprano
has not been annulled by any contrary order; the bishop
can, therefore, freely assign the revenue.
The only difficulty that remains, is this : will Caravotti give
up a part of the land, and will this concession be temporary
or permanent?
Let us behave well, and Jesus Christ will protect us ; do
not cease to repeat this to those around you. But, if we
commit faults, he will abandon us, wherever we may be.
In case of suppression, we may take refuge at S. Cecilia
[Scifelli] and Benevento.
I bless you, my dear Father, and all your subjects.
I conclude with a very important matter. As soon as
Father Capuano reaches your house, hand him the letter
from me, which you will receive from Father Cimino.
Give it to him immediately.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
is the matter?' they replied, ''you have neither spoken, nor eaten
anything for two days, and you ceased to give any signs of life.'
' That is true,' replied Alphonsus, 'but you do not know that I have
been with the Pope, who has just died.' In fact, it was soon learned
that Pope Clement XIV. had passed to a better life, on September
22, about eight o'clock in the morning, at the very moment, when
Alphonsus camie to himself." (Tannoia, "Life of St. Alphonsus,"
bk. iii. chap. Iv.)
This fact was examined and proved in the process of the beatifi
cation of the saint. See Positio super virtitt. Responsio ad animadver-
siones R. P. Promotoris, p. 125.
I774-] Letter 786. 5 1
LETTER 786.
To Father Andrea Villani.
Solicitude of the saint to save the vocation of a subject.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
ARIENZO, October 8, 1774.
I have, without hesitation, told Father Giovanni [Lauria]
that he is not obliged to return home, and that neither the
temporal, nor the spiritual wants of his family oblige him
to do so.
It is useless for me to write you all that I have told him.
Ask him to repeat to you everything ; he will tell you all.
If the reasons in favor of his stay with his family — a stay
that must either be perpetual or last for a good many years
—if, I say, these reasons were valid, perhaps most of our
members would be obliged to leave the Congregation.
Here is what St. Thomas says (and I have given the
text to Father Giovanni to read): Even in the case
where a father and a mother are reduced to a grave
necessity by the absence of their son, the latter, if bound by
the vow of perseverance, is not obliged to break his vow by
going to assist his parents; he cannot even do this in con
science. How much more is this true, if there is question
of distant relatives !
After all that has been said and done, one might have
recourse to the following means of quieting Father Giovanni in
regard to the temporal wants of his family, which appear to
be more pressing than the spiritual wants (for the nephew,
nineteen years of age, is a bad young man who will hardly
amend, even with his uncle at his side; and as for the
nieces, no one is obliged to abandon his vocation, in order
to dispose of them in marriage) ; I say, one could, finally,
in order to free him from all anxiety, permit him to
52 General Correspondence. [PART i.
give his family the honorarium- of the Mass that he cele
brates.
I have not yet spoken to him about this ; I say it only to
you, my dear Father, so that you may grant this favor to
him, if you think it necessary, in order to calm him.
Father Giovanni is, indeed, a very valuable subject to the
Congregation; hence he deserves, more than others, a
privilege, which in the past has already been allowed to
several.
You must let me know, what you have decided to do in
this case.
But, here is something that is more important. It seems
to me that you should at once appoint as Master of novices,
Father Garzia, and take Father Giovanni with you to the
mission at Taranto. For this last measure there are a
thousand good reasons: the mission will distract him from
the cares of his family, and, besides, he will no more
receive letters from home; you will then order all the
letters, sent by his relatives, to be forwarded to you, and
will not say a word to him about them.
I also wish, that, even after the mission at Taranto, you
should always keep him with you, or that you should send
him as Superior to other missions. Such is my opinion.
I bless you, my dear Father, and all your subjects.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
[P. S.~\ I have told Father Giovanni to write to his
family these words: / am dead; think no longer of me.
The more briefly he writes, the better it will be.
I send with him two copies of my new work on the
Psalms; I positively forbid that they should be given to
others outside of the house, for whatever reason.
I send another copy with ornamented binding; have it
forwarded to Canon de Simone.
If afterwards you receive from Naples two other copies
Letter ?8 ? . 53
of the Psalms, sent by Brother Michele [Ilardo], have
them transferred to me immediately, for I have had only a
small number of them printed.
Send me Father Grossi and Father Carbone to regulate
the missions. Five Fathers are too many; four of them
are sufficient, for I can count upon obtaining some good
priests here.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
LETTER 787.
To Father Bartolomeo Mattia Corrado, Rector of the House
at Ciorani.
Answer in reference to the practice of poverty.
Live Jesus, Mary, and Joseph !
ARIENZO, October 10, 1774.
I have read your letter about handkerchiefs, snuff-boxes,
and a third habit.
You write me that there are different views held by your
subjects.
As for two simars, I think that they are absolutely for
bidden in all the houses, and you may say that such is my
order. As regards handkerchiefs and snuff-boxes, correct
the abuse as you think best. You may permit them to use
whatever is already in the hands of the subjects, but do
not grant this in future.
Moreover, it appears difficult, that for the articles that
are destroyed by use, one can adopt and maintain in all the
houses a uniform rule applicable to all the subjects.
The poor, such as we are, make use of whatever they can
4*
54 General Correspondence. [PART i.
get; but we should receive everything from the hands
of the Minister. It is a great abuse, to wish to retain an
article, that one has procured for one's own use. Even
if one receives it as a present, it should be given to the
Rector or to the Minister. It would also be well, never to
allow the subjects to use the things that have been given to
them in particular, and even much less, those things that
they have procured for themselves.
I bless your Reverence and the whole Community.
After the Roman edition.
LETTER 788.
To Father Andrea Villani.
Answer given to Father Mazzini. — Mission at Foggia.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
ARIENZO, October 13, 1774.
Father Mazzini, who has again been attacked by head
ache and fever, earnestly begs me to assign Nocera as the
place of residence of Father de Cunctis.
I answered him as follows: "The care of assigning to the
Fathers their place of residence concerns Father Villani,
and I have nothing to do with that matter. Father de
Cunctis may, therefore, remain at Nocera, but then he
should do whatever Father Vicar may decide."
We are living in troublous times; let us then have
patience.
You are going, it appears, to give a mission at Foggia.
Remember that the mission will require at least fifteen
subjects. Do the best you can. It is quite possible that
the Mgr. of Taranto will keep you in his diocese during the
whole of the carnival.
May we do what is most pleasing to God !
I774-] Letter 789. 5 5
I bless you, my dear Father, and all your subjects.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
LETTER 789.
To Father Francesco Antonio de Paola.
He encourages him to discharge well the office of Su
perior.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
ARIENZO, October 13, 1774.
I have received your letter, and rest assured that I
believe all that you tell me. I knew, when I wrote you,
that the state of your health was bad ; but I merely wished
to induce you to do whatever you can. One must, I know
it, in dealing with subjects, at the present time, have the
patience of a saint. Even then one does not succeed in
satisfying them. I pity the poor Superiors ! But, what
can we do ? Let us steer the vessel as well as we can.
However, if it is necessary to inflict punishment, above
all for certain faults that give scandal, we must inflict it,
happen what may ; so much the worse for the guilty ones.
If we do not punish them, God will punish them.
Father Capuano will soon be with you. On his arrival
give him the confidential letter that I have sent him ; and
if, perchance, this letter has not yet come to hand, give
him that which I send you enclosed ; its contents are the
same, only they are more briefly stated.
I bless you.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
\_P. S.~\ Keep me informed of any important event that
may happen at your place.
After an old copy.
56 General Correspondence. [PART i.
LETTER 790.
To Canon Giuseppe Simioli, at Naples.
He furnishes him with information. — He expresses the
hope of seeing him one day a Cardinal.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
ARIENZO, October 20, 1774.
Very Reverend and Dear Sir: I have received your
much esteemed letter concerning the priest, D. Benedetto
de Sanctis.
It is true, this priest is from Airola, and he belongs to
my diocese. His morals are good, and it was I who
ordained him priest ; but I know not, whether he possesses
knowledge sufficient to hear confessions and to be an as
sistant. I hardly found him capable of being invested with
the priesthood. I ordained him priest only on account
of his good conduct ; he showed himself very weak in his
examination for jurisdiction. It may be that he studied
afterwards ; but I attest only what I know.
I learn, my dear Canon, that you will probably go to
Rome ; I hope then to see you one day wearing a cassock
of another color.1
In speaking thus, I, by no means, desire to wound your
modesty and your humility. I simply express a desire that
I wish to see realized for the good of the Church. It is
said that, at present, in the whole Sacred College there is not
a theologian among the Cardinals.
Learned Cardinals are necessary to the Church, for they
must assist and counsel the Head of the Church. But, I
repeat, I wish in no wise to wound your humility.
However, if you go to Rome, do not forget me in your
Mass, and ask Jesus Christ to grant me the grace of a
1 Canon Simioli was a very learned professor of the University of
Naples.
1 774-] Letter jgi. 57
happy death. My end is near; and if you go to Rome,
you will on your return surely not find me among the living.
Please accept, my very dear Canon, the expression
of profound respect, with which I have the honor to be,
Your very devoted and grateful servant,
ALFONSO MARIA,
Bishop of Sant' Agata.
After an old copy.
LETTER 791.
To Don Traiano Trabisonda.l
He hints at the abuses that should be reformed in the
Church, and the qualities that should be possessed by the
Pope, whose election is at hand.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
ARIENZO, October 24, 1774.
My very Dear Sir: You desire to know my opinion
regarding the present affairs of the Church, and the elec-
1 This important letter was elicited by Cardinal Castelli, who
wished to use it in the conclave, destined to give a successor to Pope
Clement XIV. "This prince of the Church," says Father Tannoia,
" knew what credit Alphonsus enjoyed on account of his sanctity,
and what authority it had assured him on the part of the Cardi
nals. He, therefore, determined, that before the conclave began,
the saint should point out in a letter, which would be regarded as
having been written by a friend, the principal abuses, the removal
of which should be followed up, and the other points that should be
taken into consideration in the election of the new Pope. The
Cardinal solicited this letter that he might produce it in the con
clave, and thus cause the election of a Pontiff, such as the circum
stances demanded. Alphonsus was covered with confusion by such
a request. Nevertheless, his zeal for the glory of God and his
desire to oblige a Cardinal, whom he so highly esteemed, made him
accept the proposition, and, after having recommended himself to
God, he wrote on October 23, 1774, the following letter." (Tan
noia, bk. iii. ch. Iv.)
58 General Correspondence. [PART i.
tion of a new Pope; yet, what opinion can be expected
from an ignorant old man, such as I am, of a man whose
understanding- is so very limited ?
I would only say: We must pray and pray much; for, all
classes of society, without exception, have fallen into such
relaxation, and into such disorders, that no science, no
human prudence can furnish a remedy to the evils that
desolate the Church : the all-powerful arm of God is
needed.
Among the bishops there are but few that are animated
with a true zeal for the salvation of souls.
As for the religious Communities, nearly all, and let us
even say, all of them, are relaxed; for, the present general
disorder that reigns, has caused a decay of observance in
the bosom of religious Orders, and ruined obedience among
them.
As for the state of the secular clergy, it is still worse ;
hence, it is absolutely necessary that a general reform
should be begun among all ecclesiastics. Then only can be
healed the frightful corruption of morals that prevails
among seculars.
On account of all these reasons, we must pray to Jesus
Christ that he may give us as the Head of his Church, a
man, less remarkable by his science and human prudence,
than by his fervor and his zeal for the honor of God ; a
man, absolutely inaccessible to every intrigue, who is above
all human respect. For, if wre have the misfortune to
have a Pope elected, who is not a man that seeks only the
glory of God, the Lord will aid us but little, and in the
present state of things all will go from bad to worse.
Prayer, then, is the only remedy that can heal evils so
great, by obtaining from God that he may intervene and
himself heal our wounds.
I have, therefore, written to all the houses of our humble
1774] Letter 79 1. 59
Congregation, and have enjoined upon them to pray with
more than ordinary fervor for the election of a new Pope.
I have, moreover, ordered all the secular and regular
priests of my diocese, to say during Mass the prayer Pro
electione Pontificis; I should wish that the Lord might
inspire the Sacred College to impose the recitation of this
prayer upon all the priests of the world through the nun
cios in all the Catholic kingdoms. Such is the advice that
can be given by a miserable man like myself.
Besides, I myself pray, and several times a day, in
behalf of this election of the Pope ; but what can my poor
prayers avail? Nevertheless, I place all my trust in the
merits of Jesus Christ and of the Blessed Virgin, and I
hope that the Lord will grant me the consolation of seeing
before my death, the Church delivered from all these evils.
My death is, however, very near, to judge by my advanced
age and the infirmities with which I am afflicted.
A few words more. As much as yourself, my dear
friend, I would 'like to see disappear the innumerable
abuses that reign at the present time, and a thousand
thoughts on this subject come to my mind ; these I should
wish to communicate to you. But, when I consider my
nothingness, I have not the courage to announce them, in
order not to have the appearance of wishing to reform the
world. Yet, I will speak to you in all confidence, and for
my own relief, I will express to you my desires.
I would desire, in the first place, that the future Pope
should choose among the subjects, that are proposed to
him for the cardinalate (and the vacancies are many at this
moment), that he should choose, I say, those that are the
most learned and, at the same time, the most zealous for
the interests of the Church. He should even in the first
letter that he writes to the princes, to announce his election,
inform them in advance that they should propose to him for
60 General Correspondence. [PART r.
the cardinalate only those who are of tried piety and
learning; without this, he should add, he cannot in con
science confirm their choice.
I would also desire that he should firmly refuse to confer
benefices upon those that are already sufficiently provided
with ecclesiastical goods, and who can conveniently live
according to their state. He should on this point baffle
every intrigue with sovereign energy.
He should also, in my opinion, repress extravagance in
prelates, and determine for all (else nothing can be rem
edied) the number of persons, whom they may have as
servants, as many of them as would be suitable for each
rank of prelates : so many valets, and not more ; so many
servants, and not more; so many horses, and not more.
This will be the means of reducing the heretics to silence.
He should also show himself more severe in the confer
ring of benefices, by granting them not to ordinary indi
viduals, but only to those that have served the Church.
It is on the bishops that chiefly depend, both the
religion of the people and the salvation of souls. He must,
therefore, be extremely attentive when there is question
of appointing them, and must obtain information on all
sides, whether the candidates join to good morals the
knowledge necessary to govern a diocese. If there is
question of bishops already in office, the metropolitans and
others should be obliged secretly to denounce those that
occupy themselves too little with their flock.
He should also, in my opinion, boldly proclaim that
negligent bishops, that fail in their duty as to residence, as
to the too great a number of servants, or as to useless
expenses incurred in the purchase of furniture, in feasting,
and the like, shall be suspended or temporality replaced by
vicars apostolic. And from time to time, he must make an ex
ample according as is needed. An example of this kind would
oblige all negligent prelates better to regulate their conduct.
1774- ] LetterjC}2. 61
I should also wish that the future Pope would not easily
grant certain favors that enervate good discipline ; for ex
ample, to permit nuns to leave their enclosure, when they
solicit this permission merely through a desire of seeing the
curiosities of the world. He should also not readily consent
to the secularization of religious, on account of the evils that
result from such a practice.
I would desire, above all, that the Pope would recall all
religious, without exception, to the primitive observance
of the Rules of their Institute, at least on all important
points.
But I will not try your patience any longer. We can do
nothing more than to pray to the Lord to give us a Pontiff
who is filled with the spirit of God, and who is best adapted
to procure the glory of Jesus Christ, and can bring about
the reforms of which I have sketched an outline.
Please accept, Reverend Sir, and dear friend, the ex
pression of my very humble respect and entire submission,
with which I have the honor to be,
Your very devoted and grateful servant,
ALFONSO MARIA,
Bishop of Sant ' Agata de^ Goti.
After the original preserved at Florence in the professed
house of the Pious Schools.
LETTER 792.
To Don Michele N.
He gives him salutary advice.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
ARIENZO, November i, 1774.
My Dear Michele: I have at present a severe catarrh,
which troubles me a great deal. Pray to God for me ; I
will not omit to pray to him for you, for your father, for
your whole family.
62 General Correspondence. [PART i.
Many thanks for the craw-fish that you have sent me;
this act of kindness has afforded me great pleasure. I shall
be happy to oblige you in return.
I hope that you desire to become a saint. Be patient
and submissive amid all adverse circumstances, do the will
of God, do not omit your ordinary exercises of piety, keep
yourself united with God, and firmly hope that you will
attain sanctity. The Lord will bless your good intention.
Please give my regards to your father, and accept the
acknowledgment of my profound consideration.
Your very devoted and grateful servant,
ALFONSO MARIA,
Bishop of Sanf Agata.
[/*. S^\ I send you herewith a little work. You will
find it full of faults ; but the booksellers directed the printing
of it ; and I am obliged to correct it continually.
After an old copy.
LETTER 793.
To Father Andrea Villani.
He states his desire of resigning the episcopate, and the
reasons that appear to him to militate for and against resig
nation.
[ARIENZO], November 9, 1774.
The thought of resigning the episcopate has returned
to me.
Read this letter attentively, and recommend the affair to
the Lord, because I do not wish to follow my own will, but
to do what is pleasing to God ; hence, I wish to act under
obedience. For the present, there is no need of speaking
about this matter; I will wait till a new Pope is elected.
On the one hand, the government of my diocese fills me
with very great fear. Sick and paralytic, as I am, I cannot
1774.] Letter 793. 63
make my pastoral visits ; scruples beset me on all sides,
and I am in perpetual uneasiness. I, therefore, should like
to return to die in the Congregation, as I have only a few
days to live.
On the other hand, if it is really impossible for me to
make my pastoral visits, I believe that my Vicar-General
can adequately take my place.
Besides, notwithstanding my infirmities and my weak
ness, my head is still clear, and my letters, it seems to me,
sufficiently supply my presence. I have, besides, a watchful
eye upon all the disorders that are to be remedied.
I am carefully attentive to extirpate every wicked inter
course, and for this purpose invoke the aid of the magis
trates and of the police. My priests fear me, for I punish
in accordance with justice. The seminary, the examination
of the candidates for ordination, are objects of my attention,
and all those, whom I have ordained, are capable of hear
ing confessions and of taking care of parishes. As for
benefices, I confer them on the most worthy, after having
taken a thousand precautions. Finally, I am very particular
in regard to the monasteries of nuns, so that all may walk
in the right path.
If I speak to you thus, I do not do so through vanity,
but merely for the purpose of submitting the whole case to
your consideration.
I also think that I can better serve the interests of the
Congregation by remaining in my charge, than in leaving
it. Here arises my ' perplexity. On the one hand, I
should like to take some rest; on the other hand, it seems
to me that, when I retire, I shall not do one half of what I
am doing as a bishop. I must, however, acknowledge that,
when I have once returned to one of our houses, I may be
useful to the subjects, particularly to the young men ; and
this is what perplexes me.
I recommend myself to God, and I beg you, my dear
64 General Correspondence. [PART i.
Father, to recommend, to him this affair; for on your
return, and when the new Pope has been elected, we shall
examine the whole matter with Mgr. Borgia, in order to
adopt a definitive resolution.
In the meantime, I shall take measures to have all the
missions in my diocese finished this winter. On your
return we shall speak about all that, for I only wish to do
the will of God.
I bless you, my dear Father, and all your subjects.
Tannoia, Book iii. Chapter Ixxiii.
LETTER 794.
To the Same.
Favorable news from Sicily. — Circumspection of the saint.
Live Jesus, Mary, and Joseph !
ARIENZO, November 9, I774-1
I have just received from Naples a letter, which gives me
good news concerning the affairs of Girgenti.'2 This news
affords me the greatest consolation ; for much good is done
in that country, and still more will be accomplished, now
that the storm has passed and things can be put on a better
footing ; all this will be for the glory of God, and this
should be our only desire.
However, let Father Blasucci not imagine that I am
going to send back the Fathers at once ; for I wish first to
set things in order, so that we may not become involved in
the same difficulties, from which we have just escaped.
May God's will be done, even if we should die !
I beg of you not to expose yourself to the danger of
contracting any disease by wishing to hasten your return,
1 The date makes one believe that this letter is a fragment or
postscript of the preceding letter.
2 The royal decree, which recalled our Fathers to Sicily appeared
in fact on the 3d of the following December. — Tannoia, bk. ii.
I774-] Letter 795. 65
or travelling in rain or snow. Take a conveyance that you
may travel comfortably. Have a care of your health, for
this is at present very necessary ; my days are numbered
and I must soon go to my grave.
I bless you, dear Reverend Father, and all your sub
jects.
After the Roman edition.
LETTER 795.
To Brother Michele Ilardo, at Naples.
He charges him with various commissions.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
ARIENZO, November 14, 1774.
Carry immediately the enclosed letter to Don Gaetano
Vitolo, at the archiepiscopal chancery of Naples. Go there
in the morning, in order to find him ; otherwise you will
have to carry it to his residence, in one of the houses of the
Signori Viola, in the street della Madonna delli Setti Do-
lori.
I bless you.
Tell Father Blasucci that I wish to know what is the
news at present from Girgenti.
Carry at once the enclosed letter to Don Ercole. It is
not the writing of Brother Francesco [Romito], because he
is confined to his bed ; I had it written by some one else.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
66 General Correspondence. [PART i.
LETTER 796.
To Father Andrea Villani.
He speaks about the affairs of the Congregation. -
Doubts that beset him concerning the resignation of the
episcopate.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
[ARIENZO, November 1774.]
I am altogether of your opinion.
It was only last evening that I had a conversation with
my Vicar-General [Giovanni Nicola Rubini] ; and I begged
him to write to his brother Pasquale Rubini, not to say
another word to Canelli about the decree (for he had
spoken to him about it), and to let the matter rest. I do
not wish that there should be any more said about it; for
we have on hand that affair of Vargas, and Vargas will
drag with it that of Invitto.
May God make a saint of Father Maione ! He did not
even leave me suspect that the Chamber had been charged
with issuing this first decree. Had I known this, I would
not have composed a new memorial.
The following are the circumstances under which I drew
up this memorial. The secretary of Tanucci, who is very
much in the good graces of his master, arrived here; he
induced me to compose it; I did so and gave it to him, in
order to prove to Tanucci that it is by no means true that
we possess seventy thousand ducats, as he has been made
to understand, but that, on the contrary, we are not far
from dying of hunger. I afterwards sent in a petition to
obtain permission to gather alms ; and what do you think
Tanucci did? He insisted upon again examining whether
we have made any purchase ! May God make them all
saints !
You are right; I believe with you that we should not
I774-] Letter 796. 67
rest our hopes on the decree that the Chamber is to issue ;
for the Chamber has to unravel the question in regard to
our purchases, and thus we would again become involved
in the ordinary disputes. I say then with you and in the
same words : // is better to remain as we are, and God will
help us.
I hoped that your answer would have transmitted to me
the opinion of Mgr. Borgia concerning my resignation ; but
you do not say a word on the subject. Please, then, inform
me whether you have received the long letter that I have
written to you on this question; if it has not reached you, I
will write again. In that letter I explained to you the
motives that appeared to me to require a prompt solution,
and I begged you to submit them to Mgr. Borgia.
His Lordship, I remember, saw in the bad state of af
fairs an obstacle to my project; but these affairs of the
crown are at present so confused (I asked you to write this
to Monsignor) that peace is very far from being concluded.
Why then should we wait longer? The more so, since it
appears that Simioli went so far as to say, that at my age
and with my infirmities I gave a kind of scandal by not
resigning my office.
If, then, you have not written to Mgr. Borgia, write to
him now, and send him a messenger; I will pay the ex
penses. I ardently long for the moment of my deliverance ;
but this desire of rest makes me fear that I am not doing
the will of God.
I bless you, my dear Father, and all your subjects.
Above all, if it is decided that I should send in my
resignation, it will be necessary that we have an interview
with each other; for I have many things to tell you,
particularly in regard to the missions. I would wish to
have all the missions given before I leave my diocese, so
as to be free from all disquietude.
Your sojourn here would, moreover, favor the rees-
68 General Correspondence. [PART i.
tablishment of your health, for the change of air would be
better than all remedies. But once more, I am astonished
that you do not say a word about these matters in your last
letters. Now write to me without delay by way of Naples.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA,
of the Most Holy Redeemer.
After a copy.
LETTER 797.
To a Nun.
He consoles her in her infirmities and gives her some
advice.
Live Jesus, Mary, and Joseph !
ARIENZO, December i, 1774.
I have read your letter in which you tell me about all
your infirmities, and I must say that these console me;
because I see in them a proof that God loves you.
Abandon yourself, then, to the divine will, either for
life or for death.
In all difficulties that present themselves, depend en
tirely on obedience ; this is the surest way of pleasing- God.
I will not leave off recommending you to God ; please to
pray also for me, for I am now seventy-seven years of age,
and am at present sick in bed, from day to day awaiting
death, which is constantly before my eyes.
I bless Maria Antonia, and I rejoice at the bodily pain
that she has suffered; it is a present sent her by her
heavenly Spouse.
Let her be so kind as to pray for me, and I promise to
pray also for her. No more for the present. I bless you.
After the Roman edition.
I774-] Letter 798. 69
LETTER 798.
To Prince della Riccia.
He invokes his protection in favor of the Congregation.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
ARIENZO, December 7, 1774.
Your Excellency: I stand in need of your kind media
tion.
On Saturday next, the loth of this month, there is to be
pleaded at the royal Chamber a very important lawsuit
which Baron Sarnelli has brought against our Congrega
tion. He who thus persecutes us, maintains that we have
infringed the ordinances of the king, our master, — pure
imagination, in which there is not a shadow of truth.
We all beg your Excellency to be kind enough to write
a few lines to the Counsellor Paoletta, the commissary
of the cause, to request him to treat us as favorably as
possible out of regard for your Excellency.
Be so good as to forward immediately the note to the
bearer of this letter. I say immediately, in order that
Signor Paoletta may have it soon and before Saturday.
I am with profound respect,
Your Excellency's most humble,
devoted and grateful servant,
ALFONSO MARIA,
Bishop of SanV Agata.
After the original preserved in ojur convent of Bishop-Eton
(diocese of Liverpool) in England.
70 General Correspondence. [PART i.
LETTER 799.
To Sister Maria Serafina Ruggieri, a Nun in a Monastery at
Naples.
He consoles her in affliction.
Live Jesus, Mary, and Joseph !
ARIENZO, December 13, 1774.
Sister Maria Angela Rosa has already informed me that
the Lord has deprived you of your spiritual Father. She
has also told me that you are greatly afflicted on this
account, and you have confirmed this by your letter. But
you should know that every good thing, that we have here
below, comes from God. Now, if it is God who has sent
you this good spiritual Father, and if it is this same God
who has taken him from you, why should you be so
afflicted?
In order to have a part in Paradise, it is necessary that
we wish what God wishes ; and if God has wished to take
from you what he himself has given to you, why should
you not be satisfied?
It is true, there is question of a spiritual guide ; but as
you should conform yourself to the divine will, you should
become tranquil, and not grieve ; for you should hope that
the same Lord will not fail to send you another director,
who will conduct you to heaven perhaps even better than
your former one.
We must have a good intention to do good and to love
God; then, everything will become easy, and will turn out
well. Be, therefore, at your ease, and bless God for what
he has done for that good soul ; for, as he is in heaven, he
will not fail to pray to the Lord to send you another guide.
For my part,J will not cease to recommend you to
Jesus Christ, in order thiatilB^*iay deign to console you by
I774-] Letter 8 (fo. 71
giving you his holy love, and all that you desire for the
benefit of your soul.
In the mean time, pray to God for your deceased di
rector, and say to him : O Lord ! I wish what Thou wish-
est.
As for the portrait that you have had made, you may
keep it in your room, in order that by reminding you
of the good advice, that has so often been given you by
your spiritual guide, you may make it the object of your
reflections and the rule of your conduct.
According to your wish I will celebrate ten Masses, and
I will pray in the holy Sacrifice for- the soul of your confes
sor and for you.
Continue to love God ; for he should be our only good.
I bless you, and remain, my Reverend Mother,
Your very devoted servant,
ALFONSO MARIA,
Bishop of Sant' Agata.
After an old copy.
LETTER 800.
To Sister Brianna Carafa, in the Monastery of S. Marcellino
at Naples.
He exhorts her to practise obedience.
Live Jesus, Mary, and Joseph !
ARIENZO, December 15, 1774.
First of all, I most sincerely thank you for the exquisite
sweetmeats, of which you made me a present. My infirmi
ties hinder me from eating them ; but I have received them
with great pleasure and have destined them for a person
of distinction, to whom I am under obligations.
I have been expecting for a long time to hear from you.
72 General Correspondence. [PART i.
I wished to know the state of your soul ; for I have always
great solicitude about your advancement, because I know
that God loves you in a special manner, and wishes to raise
you to a sublime degree of sanctity and of love.
I see with pleasure your retired life ; it is to that which
God calls you.
Do not expect in this retirement sweetness, sensible
fervor, or full assurance of the worth of your actions.
It suffices that you learn from your director that all goes
well, and that under your burden you are moving onward,
though you are moving onward by force, in spite of your
self, in the midst of contradictions that are inevitable. I
should regret to see you applauded and praised as a
saint.
Do not be uneasy about what the Abbess may say or
think: respect her, thank her, and do what your director
tells you, either in regard to the door or any other thing ;
and let others say what they please. And as to yourself,
never omit to ask God for the grace to do what he com
mands you, and be apprehensive lest you fail in doing what
he tells you to do.
I presume that your director has positively forbidden
you to speak of your past confessions, and even to think
of them. As for myself, I forbid this most strictly ; and
if you speak of it, I shall deprive you of Communion.
Do not forget to recommend me daily to Jesus Christ,
that I may obtain a good death.
You will do well to read from time to time the Pious
Reflections that form the second part of the book on the
Passion of Jesus Christ, which I have sent you. I think
they are most suitable for your state.
Let us love Jesus Christ, especially now that so few love
him ; and let us pray every day for the good of the Church,
I774-] Letter 8o i. 73
which is being devastated to such an extent as to excite
compassion.
Believe me,
Your very humble servant,
ALFONSO MARIA,
Bishop of Sant' Agata.
After an old copy.
LETTER 801.
To Father Andrea Villani.
He asks his counsel under a pressing necessity.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
ARIKNZO, December 18, 1774.
( Confidential letter^
The Sarnelli lawsuit is at present exposing us to great
danger. I have ordered all the Consultors, that can come,
to meet here this week, and we shall reach a decision
together, for I do not wish to act alone.
The case was to be argued on Saturday a week ; but it
has been postponed till after the holidays; this, I believe,
is a favor from heaven.
It is, above all, yourself, my dear Father, whom I
should wish to see here, in order to avail myself of your
counsel ; but I cannot make up my mind to tell you to
come, for this would be spoiling a mission, which is so
successful. If, then, you cannot come, we must come to a
decision in the best possible way, according as God will
inspire us.
At least, write to me and give me your opinion in general
as best you can. The circumstances are such that they
make me fear the complete ruin of the Congregation ; but I
74 General Correspondence. [PART i.
cannot confide to paper the details. Under circumstances
so perilous, it will be better to lose a hand than risk the
whole body; this is a certain maxim. About this I cannot
say more.
Tell me what is going on around you and at what time
you will return ; but your return will be surely too late for
the present need.
I am everywhere asking for prayers, I am having Masses
said, and I know not what more to do. Memorials are
being drawn up, Celano gives information to the ministers,
but the danger is great and is imminent.
For this purpose have the people recite before the eve
ning sermon a Hail Mary to your intention ; ask the con
vents and whomsoever you can, for their prayers.
I bless you, my dear Father, and all your companions.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
LETTER 802.
To a Father Consultor.
He asks him to come to see him about a very important
affair.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
ARIENZO, December 18, 1774.
(Confidential letter to be read at once and entirely?)
I send you a messenger to announce to you that Fathers
Blasucci and Maione will arrive next Saturday. Please,
therefore, my dear Father, to be here without fail on
Tuesday or Wednesday; for these Fathers will then come
from Naples, and we shall deliberate together about the
Sarnelli affair, an affair of the highest importance.
Take a conveyance at my expense.
If Father Corrado is with you, let him accompany you.
I774-] Letter 8 02. 75
But, if he is at Ciorani, send the bearer of this letter to
that place ; I have given him a note for Father Corrado, in
case this Father should be at Ciorani.
The affair is of first importance, and the present circum
stances make us justly fear that the Congregation will be
entirely destroyed, if we do not yield to the storm. The
reasons for this are numerous ; but they cannot be intrusted
to a letter.
Now, it is a certain maxim that it is better to lose an arm,
than to take the probable risk of losing one's life.
At first, I regarded this danger as far off, but it now
appears to me to be very probable. Hence I do not wish
to come to a conclusion all alone, nor leave this world with
the reproach of conscience of not having hindered our
complete ruin.
Speak to Father Mazzini in these general terms; but
if one does not exactly know all the circumstances, such as
I know them and have set them down in writing, one
cannot form a judgment about this affair. A decision must,
therefore, be promptly reached without waiting for the
debates of the Chamber.
That the case has been postponed till Saturday a week
is, I believe, a special grace of God ; the Lord has deigned
to give us these few days of grace in order to deliberate.
But, we must deliberate promptly, and before the end
of the Christmas holidays; for Sarnelli, seeing that the
time is favorable, presses for an examination of the affairs
by the Council.
I expect you, therefore, without fail on Tuesday or
Wednesday.
Let us act with prudence, as God wishes that we should
do; then, let us submit ourselves to the disposition of di
vine Providence.
If Father Corrado is not at Nocera, send him this letter
to spare me the trouble of repeating the same things ; in
76 General Correspondence. [PART i.
this way he also will be informed. It will be necessary for
us to accomodate ourselves to the circumstances in which
we are, — and may God take care of us !
I salute Father Mazzini ; I bless you and all the rest.
I would also like to see Father Caione ; but he is far
away, and I hesitate to make him come during this bad
weather. However, if you and Father Mazzini think that
he should be called, send him at once a letter by mail, to
tell him from me that he should come here without fail.
I have nothing more to say at present, and I again bless
you.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
LETTER 803.
To the Duke di Maddaloni.
He excuses himself for not being able to comply with his
request.
ARIENZO, December 20, 1774.
Your Excellency: To-day, the 2oth instant, I received
the letter that you did me the honor of writing to me.
I must state that several days ago I disposed of the
canonicate, made vacant in my cathedral by the death
of Canon Pietro Ricoli, and the new titulary has already
taken possession. May your Excellency, therefore, please
excuse me for not being able to serve you.
I profit by this occasion to wish you a very merry
Christmas and a happy New Year.
Believe me entirely at your command, and accept, I beg
I775.J Letter 8 '04. 77
you, the expression of profound respect, with which I have
the honor to be,
Your Excellency's very humble,
devoted and grateful servant,
ALFONSO MARIA,
Bishop of Sant' Agata.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
LETTER 804.
To Father Francesco Antonio de Paola.
Firmness of the saint in regard to the members of his
Institute; necessity of observance.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
ARIENZO, February 4, 1775.
I should be very happy to see the foundation at Torrice
established ; but at least two hundred ducats of an income
would be needed.1
As for Capuano, I will tell you under greatest secrecy
what I have written to him. " If you wish to return to
Naples," I told him, "you had better leave the Institute.
I am ready to grant you a dispensation from your vows."
More than this I cannot say either to your Reverence or to
him.
You may, however, speak to him about the letter, that I
have written to him ; but it will be useless to ask him about
anything more. My death is near; when I shall be no
1 This foundation at Torrice was never established for want
of revenues. For the same reason that at Ceprano was not
made.
78 General Correspondence. [PART i.
more, let things be arranged with my successor. For the
present, I cannot say more.1
Father [Cipriano] Rastelli remains true to the Congrega
tion, and he is resigned; but he must not be allowed to
return to the Romagna. I have my reason for this.
The present is not the time to have recourse to the king.
This is my maxim concerning the Congregation, or, if you
wish, concerning the subjects: "It is God who has made
the Congregation; it is God who will preserve it. But
if we commit faults, we all expose ourselves to the danger
of being disbanded." Often speak to all our brethren
of this danger which threatens us ; speak of it openly, in
order that every one may carefully obey the Rules and the
Superiors.
We are in God's hands, and we may see the Congrega
tion destroyed at every moment; only prayer can save us.
For this reason I tremble when I learn that faults are com
mitted.
I bless you, my dear Father, and all your subjects.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
[P. 5.] I cannot inform you by letter of all that, occurs
daily.
A word more about the Sarnelli affair. I at first feared
for the final result; but the ministers are now well-disposed
towards us, and we are morally certain that we shall not be
destroyed. The pleading is fixed for the end of the month.
Let us, therefore, continue to pray, since on this process
depends the future of our Congregation.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
1 Father Luigi Capuano, who had at first so generously responded
to the call of God (see Letters 213, 215, 217, 219) left the Congrega
tion during this year.
I775-] Letter 805. 79
LETTER 805.
To a Priest.
He solicits his help for a mission.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
ARIENZO, February 13, 1775.
My dear Don Nicola: As a mission is to be given at
Cancello, I asked Don Pasquale Bartolino to come to
preach the evening sermons ; but Don Pasquale excused
himself, because he has to preach Lenten sermons.
Come, then, I beg you to preach the evening sermons at
Cancello. You will have to begin on Sexagesima Sunday,
the iQth instant. But if you cannot come on next Sunday,
it will be sufficient, if you arrive on the Sunday after.
When this work is finished, you might give a little mission
at Caiano. As for this last place, ask Don Crescenzo
Romeo, whether he will come to preach there.
Please give me a decided answer, so that the necessary
preparations may be made.
I bless you.
I send you a messenger, and I expect your answer.
If, after the mission at Cancello, you could preach the eve
ning sermon on one of the Sundays of Lent without in
conveniencing Romeo, I would also be pleased.
Yours very affectionately,
ALFONSO MARIA,
Bishop of Sant' Agata.
After the original in possession of Don Carlo de Filippis
at Naples, n. n Forno Vecchio Street.
8o General Correspondence. [PART i.
LETTER 806.
To Father Francesco Antonio de Paola.
He asks him to suspend proceedings in regard to a foun
dation. — Various recommendations.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
[ARIENZO, February, 1775.]
Although I have sent my authorization for the foundation
at Torrice, yet there have come to my mind certain difficul
ties touching the mode of its establishment.
Please, then, my dear Father, to conclude nothing be
fore you have told me exactly everything in reference to
the income of this house, how much it amounts to, and
how we shall receive it. Father Vicar or Father Caione
should go to see you, in order the better to examine the
affair with you, and then you should write to me.
I bless you.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
[T3. ,S.] I send you a picture of our Lord on the cross,
painted on canvas, for the use of the missions.1 I also send
you for the use of the Community Croiset's Lives of the Saints.
You will also receive thirty ducats, of which I make a present
to the house of S. Cecilia [Scifelli] ; but I do not wish that
they be spent to pay the expenses of the building ; they are
intended for the maintenance of the subjects. I beg you,
therefore, not to think of making the least improvement in
the house, unless it costs only a few carlini.
I expect you at Naples either during Lent or immediately
after Easter, for I must communicate to you and consult
with you upon certain important matters, which cannot be
mentioned in a letter.
1 In the letter of April 26, 1775, mention will be made of this
painting and of its use on the missions.
I775-] Letter '807. 8 1
I shall probably go to Nocera this Lent, for fifteen or
twenty days, for a change of air, as I feel myself run down
and quite exhausted. I expect you there without fail. I
again bless you.
I wish you to tell every one that a letter in the name
of Father Tartaglia should be changed, and that this Father
be called Father Tartiglia or Tartigli. The name Tartag
lia is not very honorable, either to him or to us, for it
signifies Father Stammerer.
Do you know, whether Mgr. di Veroli has read my little
treatise against Abate Magli, and what he has said of it?
If you know anything of this, let me know it.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
LETTER 807.
To Don Liborio Carfora, Rural Dean at S. Maria a Vico.
Zeal of the saint to repress scandal.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph!
ARIENZ >, February 23, 1775.
My dear Don Liborio: The priest N. N. has asked me
for a little time to go to trim the trees on his property. I
allowed him ten days.1 But I learn that he daily goes to
visit a person, of whom you know. Please, then, tell him,
and make him understand that, if he does not leave at
once S. Maria a Vico, I will have him arrested and cast into
prison. Inform me afterwards, whether he obeys or not.
Tell him that the [royal] indult regards debtors, who
1 The saint had this priest, who dishonored his sacred character,
sent into exile.
6
82 General Correspondence. [PART i.
have to pay their debts; but as for him, I will enforce the
ordinance of the king which is anterior to the indult.
Yours very affectionately,
ALFONSO MARIA,
Bishop of Sanf Agata.
After an old copy.
LETTER 808.
To Father Andrea Villani.
Appointment of a Superior. — Concerning the resignation
of the episcopate of Sant' Agata.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
ARIENZO, March i, 1775.
(Confidential letter.}
Father Blasucci writes to me, asking who is the Superior
in Sicily.
I answered him that I would seek the advice of my
Consultors.
Speak of this to Fathers Mazzini and Caione, and to
some other Consultor, and give me their answer. For the
present, Father Lauria exercises the office of Superior.
I have spoken to Mgr. Puoti ; the affair, of which you
know,1 is to be taken up in a short time.
I bless you.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
[P. S.~\ Now, I may say, those concerned are beginning
to see how matters stand, but there will, I think, be diffi
culties. Perhaps you and the rest might be of opinion, to
represent to the Pope that candidates for my episcopate are
not wanting, while I am indispensable to the Congregation;
but the last point appears to me not to be true, for I am
now good for very little, wherever I may be. It might be,
1 The affair that interested St. Alphonsus so much, was the
resignation of the episcopate.
1775] Letter 8 io. 83
that, whereas the Pope would not listen to my petition, he
might lend an ear to your pleading, in order to favor the
interests of our poor Congregation.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
LETTER 809.
To the Same.
Fears of the holy bishop on account of his resignation.
[ARIENZO, March 9, 1775.]
God knows in what anguish I am ! The thought that I
am leaving my See only to rid myself of a cross, has
awakened in me the greatest stings of conscience.
I should have greatly desired that you had again spoken
on the subject to Mgr. Borgia.
I am afraid that this fear of having acted through self-
love, may torment me all the days of the short time that I
have still to live. . .
Tannoia, Book iii. Chapter Ixxiii.
LETTER 8 10.
To the Sovereign Pontiff Pius VI.
He solicits the favor of being allowed to substitute in
place of the recitation of the divine Office, other prayers
that His Holiness may designate.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
[ARIENZO], March, 1775.
Most Holy Father: Alfonso Maria de Liguori, Bishop
of Sant' Agata de' Goti, has the honor of representing to
your Holiness, that having reached the age of nearly
eighty years, — he will be eighty next September— he is
from time to time subject to weakness of the head, which
sometimes takes from him the free use of his faculties.
84 General Correspondence. [PART i.
Hence, when he experiences these sufferings, he can
hardly recite the divine Office. He, therefore, begs your
Holiness to be kind enough to commute the recitation
of the Office into other prayers. He will receive this favor
with the most profound acknowledgment.
To this petition the following rescript was addressed to the
confessor of the saint :
"Beloved Son in Christ: The Sacred Penitentiary grants
you, the confessor of the author of the petition, the power
of giving the latter, after having heard his confession, the
dispensation that he desires and that you regard as necessa
ry. You may, then, by virtue of the Apostolic authority,
commute in his favor and at your pleasure, the obligation
of reciting the canonical Hours into the daily recitation
of other prayers at your choice, as you may judge before
God to be salutary for the spiritual and corporal good of the
suppliant. This power is granted only pro foro interno.
Every impediment to the contrary notwithstanding. Given
at Rome at the Sacred Penitentiary, March 31, 1775.
RATTA, Regent of the Sacred Penitentiary.
CANON P. LEONARDI, Secfy of the S. Perfy"*
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
1 " Sacra Poenitentiaria Tibi dilecto in Christo, proprio Oratoris
confessario facultatem concedit, ipsum Oratorem, si ita sit, audita
prius ejus sacramentali confessione, obligationem recitari Horas
canonicas hujusmodi, in quotidianam recitationem aliarum piarum
precum a Te prcescribendarum, prout ipsius Oratoris animos et
corporis saluti expedire in Domino censueris, dispensando, auctori-
tate apostolica arbitrio Tuo commutandi. Pro foro conscientioe
tantum. Quibuscumque in contrarium facientibus non obstantibus.
— Datum Romas in Sacra Poenitentiaria, die 31 Martii, 1775.
RATTA S. P. Reg.
P. CANQNICUS LEONARD: S. P. secretarius."
1775-1 Letter 8 1 1. 85
LETTER 8ll.
To Father Andrea Villani.
Lawsuit of Baron Sarnelli. — Plan of an amicable settle
ment.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
ARIENZO, March 20, 1775.
(Confidential letter?)
My dear Father Andrea: It is now quite a time since I
have received any tidings from Naples, either good or bad,
concerning the lawsuit of the Baron [Sarnelli] ; and I am
in dread of some new storm which may deprive me of my
senses. In such a danger I have been these past days ;
but to-day, thank God, I am much better.
Don Paolo Sarnelli has written to me. He is my lawyer,
and he loves me more than he loves the baron. He has
informed me that, if he can render me any service, he will
do so with all his heart. He is ready, he says, to bring
under consideration a plan to affect an amicable settlement.
On the other hand, I have unceasingly before my eyes
the horrible prospect of the ruin of the whole Congregation,
and this thought has made me tremble ; for we live in times
in which occasions are sought to destroy the works of God.
After mature reflection, I think it would not be improper
to put forward the following project: According to what
the baron says, the vineyard yields from four to five
hundred ducats, and later it will yield more. This being
supposed, I would make no difficulty in accepting an
arrangement in the following terms: With our secret
consent, but without any official interference on our part,
the Archbishop [of Salerno] or his steward, might lease the
vineyard to the baron. The latter would take the lease
either for himself or for a third party, at the price of three
hundred ducats a year; the lessee would bind himself to
6*
86 General Correspondence. [PART i.
pay one hundred ducats every four months, and so on for
the future. In this way the baron would be pacified and
we would become tranquil ; for, altogether, the vineyard
can hardly yield more than three hundred ducats. I
should even be satisfied if it yielded this sum annually.
I have written nothing about this project to any one, and
I do not wish to act of my own accord. Let Fathers
Mazzini, Cimino, Corrado and you yourself deliberate
on this matter, and, if it be necessary, order Fathers
Blasucci and Maione (and also Father Caione, if you find
him) to go to see you as soon as possible ; for, if the case is
once put on the calendar, it will be too late, and the case
will be decided one way or the other.
The affair is fraught with very great danger (since there
is question of the whole Congregation), and the solution
of it is doubtful. It all depends on the manner in which
one looks at the question ; it depends on the views taken
by the ministers. We have to deal with Turitto, who
believes it to be a glorious thing to destroy works of this
kind. But Marquis Tanucci causes me more fear than all
the rest, if we regard the circumstances, with which we are
acquainted. Hence, in the presence of such dangers one
cannot, it seems to me, expose such an affair to the caprices
of chance.
Should my project meet with your approval, I fear that
it will not please Celano ; for the latter, I think, ambitiously
seeks after the glory of gaining this suit; but I do not
know whether it is expedient to risk all, when there might
be a means of calming the storm. I say, ivhen there might
be; for it may happen that the baron, believing himself sure
of victory, will not listen to our proposition. Notwith
standing this doubt, I should think it prudent to try, now-
one way, now another, whether this project may be carried
out.
Reflect on this, speak of it to those around you, and tell
I775-] Letter 8 1 2. 87
me what the rest think. But hasten, for I would not like
that, during- the interval, the day for arguing the case should
be fixed.
I bless you, my dear Father, and all your subjects.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
[P. S."] Tell the Father librarian to send me the work
of Lambertini on the Mass; I wish to examine certain
questions. I will return it to you. I also desire to exam
ine three or four small volumes of Sacy on the Sacred
Scriptures.
You will perhaps say to me that, as the affair has already
been begun by the baron and the documents have been
delivered, we can do nothing more than to plead, in order
to avoid a decree of the treasury ; but this is not so ; for the
lawsuits that are not followed up, are quashed, and nothing
more is said about them. This is a fact of experience.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
LETTER 8l2.
To Prince della Riccia.
He asks him to recommend the cause of the Institute to a
person whose influence is powerful at court.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
ARIENZO, March 25, 1775.
Your Excellency: I arn infinitely obliged to you for
having written to Duke Turitto in our favor. Baron Sar-
nelli, who persecutes us, would like to gain his lawsuit by
accusing us of offences, which we have not committed, and
would like to ruin and annihilate all our houses, the subjects
of which are continually laboring for the people.
Now, I ask your Excellency, when you see Duke Turitto,
to be so kind as to solicit personally his good will in
behalf of my poor companions. They labor, they do good
88 General Correspondence. [PART i.
in the whole extent of the kingdom ; and their poverty is
such, that they have not sufficient bread to eat.
Except your Excellency, we have no other person who
can defend us. By lending us your aid, you will also aid
thousands of poor people, for whom we are laboring.
Please accept my very humble acknowledgments and the
expression of profound respect, with which I have the
honor to be,
Your Excellency's very humble,
devoted and grateful servant,
ALFONSO MARIA,
Bishop of Sant' Agata.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
LETTER 813.
To Father Angelo Maione, at Naples.
He speaks to him about the Sarnelli lawsuit and about
various persons, whose protection would be useful.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph!
ARIENZO, March 29, 1775.
I have read your letter. All goes well. Let us leave
ourselves entirely in the Lord's hands.
You do not say a word about Picchineda; this is a sign
that he is still confined to his house by illness. Fiat volun-
tas tua! [Thy will be done !]
However, I should like you to pay him a visit; you
would then find out, whether he can intervene in our favor,
before the cause is pleaded ; otherwise his good offices will
be lost for us.
If you desire a conveyance, take one at my expense.
As for the other ministers, we did all that was necessary.
We must, therefore, trust in the mercy of God.
I have been suffering very much from my head these
1775-1 Letter 8 1 3- 89
past five days ; I have had to be bled, and blisters had to
be applied ; and at the present time I am writing to you in
bed.
I bless you, and remain always, etc.
As soon as Celano has seen the ministers, write to me,
if there is still time, and tell me what are their dispositions
in our regard.
After the consultation has been held,1 I intend to write to
the counsellors, who may be favorable to us, such as Foglia-
ni, Camporeale, Marquis S. Giorgio.
But of this we shall speak later, when the cause has been
pleaded, and we shall see what I should write. You or
Father Blasucci must, however, absolutely take a convey
ance at Naples at my expense and come to see me. As the
cause is to be argued on Thursday a week, it is on Friday
a week that one of you should arrive here without fail.
I say, without fail; for you should afford me this
pleasure, since I am s'.ck and afflicted. The arrangement
is, therefore, understood that, if the case is argued on
Thursday the 6th, I expect one of you without fail on
Friday morning.
In case difficulties would be made in regard to our
privileges,2 or to the inconveniences that would result, if we
maintained the house at Benevento, we must think of some
remedy to prevent these inconveniences. Speak of this to
Celano, and examine together, what might be said in regard
to it.
1 "St. Alphonsus had based his hopes on the Council ; but a special
commissioner was appointed, of whom mention will be made later
on; this was to him a bitter disappointment." (Tannoia, bk. iii.
ch. lv.)
2 The Fathers of the Province of Benevento made use of the
privileges granted to the Congregation by the Holy See. Our ad
versaries pretended to see in this conduct a certain proof that we
had constituted ourselves a religious Order, in opposition to the
roval ordinances.
90 General Correspondence. [PART i.
I beg you to be so kind as to answer me in reference to
the points that I have marked out.
Mgr. [Matteo Testa] loves our Congregation sincerely ;
this is certain; we should, therefore, have recourse to him,
if the affairs take a bad turn. He has access to Marquis
Tanucci; and, in case of disaster, he will surely do every
thing possible to prevent the destruction of our work.
You and Father Blasucci would, then, do well to go one
of these afternoons to tell him of the danger, to which we
are exposed, and to ask his counsel.
As he loves me much, I will write to him whenever you
wish, and I will do so the more willingly, as we are under
great obligations to him. It is he, in fact — and I know
of what I speak — who formerly obtaind for us the favorable
report of Cardinal Spinelli — a report which secured for us
the Papal approbation.1
I enclose a letter for Mgr. Testa concerning our affairs.
Try, then, to carry it to him one of these afternoons ; read
it first, then close it, and communicate to me the answer
that he will give.
Let us place confidence in Jesus Christ ; but God also
wishes, that we should have recourse to human means, and,
especially, to the servants of God.
1 When there was question of soliciting the approbation of our
Rules from the Holy See, Cardinal Spinelli had them examined
(see volume i. of Letters, page 205) by Canon Simioli and the Abate
Blaschi, to whom were joined Mgr. Giulio Torni, Bishop of Arcadi-
opoli, Canon Niccolo Borgia, later Bishop of Cava, and Canon
Matteo Testa. All gave a favorable vote, and their report was
afterwards presented to the Sacred Congregation of Bishops and
Regulars. This is the reason why St. Alphonsus attributes to Mgr.
Testa as great a share in obtaining the approbation of the Institute,
as to Mgr. Borgia, of whom he wrote on one occasion : " We can say
that God has established the Congregation through him." (See vol.
ii. of Letters, page 94.)
I775-] Letter 814. 9 1
I bless you, my dear Father, and I remain . . .
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
LETTER 814.
To the Same.
The same subject. — Difficulties of the situation.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
[About April 2, 1775.]
Mgr. Sanseverino l has written to me; he tells me that
he had again earnestly appealed to the baron's lawyer,
"but to speak candidly," he adds, <( I think you have not
well reflected on the danger that your Congregation incurs ;
in fact, the most elementary prudence requires, that under
similar circumstances you should follow the counsel of the
Gospel and abandon to the adversary not only your coat,
but also your cloak. Avoid the pleading in times so diffi
cult, and sacrifice a member to save the entire body. It is
for the love I bear towards your Congregation, that I speak
so frankly to you."
I have received your letter. That Mgr. Testa should
pay a visit to Tanucci, to find out, which views this
minister holds, is surely a very good idea. You would,
then, do well to arrange with Celano your line of conduct.
He should explain to Mgr. Testa our means of defence.
We shall have to wait till Mgr. Testa has seen Tanucci,
and after the latter's ideas have once been fathomed, we
should confer with Mgr. Sanseverino.
But this last interview should not take place too late,
otherwise the baron will suspect that we wish to prolong the
affair, and he will make new efforts, to have the cause
1 The confessor of the king.
92 General Correspondence. [PART i.
finished. Now, such a determination makes me tremble;
for, as I have already told you, although the report of the
ministers might be favorable, yet I should fear, as the
definitive conclusion will depend on other Superiors, and
the latter give greater cause to fear; and this it is which
makes me tremble.
It will now, my dear Father, be difficult for you to see
Celano, who has, no doubt, already departed. Hence, as
I intend to go to Nocera on Wednesday, try your best to
come to see me; I have, in fact, many things to say to you
that I cannot commit to paper, and I repeat to you that, as
long as we are liable to real danger, I will never deviate
from an idea and a resolution, to which no prudent man, it
seems to me, can find anything to object. I do not wish to
risk dying with remorse for not having wished, when it
was in my power, to prevent the ruin of the whole Congre
gation.
I do not write to Father Blasucci ; but tell him from me,
that I expect him without fail at Nocera during the coming
days, and that I absolutely count on seeing him on Thurs
day.
I, indeed, foresee that, to my greatest pain, I shall have
to contend with some wrong-headed member of the Con
gregation.
Another remark. I have made a reservation in a letter
to Mgr. Sanseverino (which letter I have not yet sent), and
the reservation is this: the arrangement with the baron
cannot take place, if, while yielding entirely or partly to his
very unjust pretensions, we are to remain exposed to the
imminent risk, to which we are running at this moment.
But enough of this ; come to Nocera, and we shall speak
about the rest.
In the mean time, I thank you for the trouble that you
have taken and that you still take for the benefit of the
Congregation.
I775-] Letter 8 1 5' 93
Weigh well this reflection: the simplest prudence re
quires, that we avoid the danger of total destruction, what
ever may be otherwise the motives of hope, for these are
altogether fallible, since they depend on the will of another.
I bless you and remain . . .
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
\_P. S.~\ As I hear, neither the king nor his confessor
will be at Naples during Holy Week. Make inquiries, so
as to let me know of the day of your arrival.
The confessor does not wish to see any of our Fathers at
Portici, but I should like to send thither Father Vicar
[Andrea Villani], who enjoys his confidence, to learn what
is to be done.
Write me your opinion on this matter, and tell me, when
Father Blasucci and the brother of Don Gaetano can come.
Father Blasucci wrote on March 20, that he would go to
Nocera; but, it seems to me, he has not yet arrived; I
desire that he should go promptly as soon as time permits.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
LETTER 815.
To Father Andrea Villani and the other Fathers on the Mis
sions in the Archdiocese of Capua.
He recommends certain ceremonies for the missions. —
Manner of performing them in a useful way.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
[ARIENZO, April 26, 1775.]
(The Superior shall have this letter read to all the Fathers, ivhen they
are assembled together?)
I have taken much trouble, to get painted on canvas a
picture of our Lord on the cross, destined to be carried in
94 General Correspondence. [PART i.
procession on the last evening of the Vita devota? and
exposed to the view of all the faithful, as has already been
done in regard to the picture representing a damned soul.
But none of you has asked me for such a painting. I have,
therefore, sent it, and when the mission is over, you will
please return it.
May God grant, that you have at least the picture of the
damned soul !2 At all events, I will send the one that I
1 The Vita devota or Devout Life, is an exercise of meditation,
which lasts three or four days, and which concludes every mission.
" It consists, in the first place," says Tannoia, " in instructing the
people during half an hour on the manner of making mental prayer,
of which one should also show the necessity and the advantages.
Another half hour's practical meditation is then made on the Passion
of Jesus Christ. Alphonsus knew how to speak so touchingly on the
sufferings of our Saviour, that the hearers shed tears, and, while
before they wept for sorrow, they now wept for love. To move the
people more deeply, he displayed to their gaze, during the last
of these meditations, a large picture, on which was represented
Jesus Christ on the cross, all mangled and covered with blood.
This meditation was the most profitable of the mission. To induce
the faithful to compassionate the sorrows of the Blessed Virgin, he
also wished that a statue of Our Lady of Seven Dolors should be
exposed to their view, and then be carried in procession." — Tannoia,
" Life of St. Alphonsus," bk. ii. chap. Hi.
2 With respect to this ceremony, which is altogether Neapolitan,
let us quote some very instructive lines of Father Tannoia. " Al
phonsus," says this great historian, " would not allow the pulpit to
be decorated with burning tapers, in order to show forth worldly
pomp; nor would he suffer excommunications and anathemas to be
fulminated, nor that stoles be thrown among the faithful, in order
to rouse the feelings of the people. According to his opinion, all
such means could produce only aversion for the preacher, fear and
confusion among the audience, without profit or amendment. Only
in the sermon on death he would exhibit to the people a skull, and
while analysing all the human vanities, he wished that man should
come to know his nothingness, that he should enter into himself,
and be converted. In the sermon on hell he represented in the
church a picture of a soul surrounded by demons. ' Since men are
material,' he said, 'they will learn in this manner a little better the
I775-] Letter 8 1 5> 95
have here ; but if you have yours, return mine to me by
the same person that will bring it to you.
Do not forget to have a procession of the Madonna on
one of the evenings of the mission, in the manner in which
I have performed it. You have already, no doubt, a statue
of the Blessed Virgin.
This procession is held on one of the evenings after the
sermon on the Blessed Virgin. The following is the order
of the ceremony; communicate it to all the missionaries.
We arrange with the members of the clergy, that, at a
given signal, they should accompany the statue of the
Madonna. The act of contrition finished, the preacher,
torch in hand, will say : And our good Mother, where is
she? Call her. Tell her that her absence afflicts us; tell
her to come quickly to console us. The main door should
remain closed during the time of the sermon. Then, at the
signal, given by the preacher, it should be opened; the
procession should move on, followed by those that carry
the Madonna under a canopy ; and as soon as the preacher
sees the torches appear in the church, he should exclaim :
See our good Mother; she comes to console us!
It is a ceremony that touches the most hardened hearts,
when it is performed in the manner, which I have just
described.
Besides, when one is in a place where corruption pre
vails, such as are usually the villages of the Arable Land,
where some particular vice reigns, as blasphemy, impurity
or another vice, it will be useful to have recourse to the
ceremony of cursing those sinners, who are addicted to
these kinds of sin.
Here is what the preacher should do: After the act
of contrition, he puts on a surplice and a black stole.
Then, holding in one hand a torch, he shall say: " I do
punishment of sin and the hideousness of a soul at enmity with
God.' " — Tannoia. ibid.
g 6 General Correspondence. [PART i.
not curse good people nor repentant sinners ; I curse only
sinners that are not resolved to give up sin." He then
begins to enumerate the different classes of sinners: the
blasphemers, the revengeful, the fathers and the mothers
who permit their daughters to associate, when they please,
with those with whom they are in love, or, what is still
worse, who permit the latter to dwell under their roof."
The enumeration being finished, the preacher shall say:
" All those, who are obstinate in this vice, God curses,
and I myself also curse them on the part of God."
While saying the words, I curse them, he raises his voice
to the third tone,1 while with one hand he rings a bell as
violently as he can.
Some of our Fathers have said, that this function in
spires too much terror. Good God! why then do we
perform it, if not precisely to inculcate fear and horror
of vice ?
It is, moreover, expedient to say to the people, before
beginning the ceremony : "Listen: David in holy Scripture
curses obstinate sinners : Maledicti qui declinant a manda-
tis tuts. [They are cursed, who decline from Thy com
mandments.] Hence, it is necessary, that I also should
curse them." Having said this, he puts on the surplice
and orders the death-knell to be tolled with the large bell.
This ceremony is of great use in large villages, the
more so in the villages of the Arable Land, such as
1 This is a very high tone, which the Italians take at the end
of their sermons, to move the people to repentance. As to the
ceremony, of which there is here question, we remind our readers
that the touching scenes, familiar to the people in southern coun
tries, could hardly assume the same form in every climate ; but by
adapting these extraordinary ceremonies to the genius of each
people, we are assured of producing upon souls the most salutary
impressions. We could not quote a single missionary of distinction,
especially a single saint, that did not take an interest in this
ingenuity of apostolic zeal.
I775-] Letter 8 1 5- 97
in S. Maria di Capua and also, I think, in Marcia-
nise.
The Fathers should abstain from saying to the clergy
of the place that this ceremony is to take place on such a
day. In this way these ecclesiastics will begin to declare
against this project and, putting on the airs of doctors, will
say: That is not suitable; that inspires too much terror,
etc. We inspire with terror only the obstinate, or at least
those who, after having heard the sermons, are not yet
truly resolved to give themselves to God. Moreover, I
have had this ceremony performed by our Fathers in
nearly all the villages of my diocese; it has been very
useful and has not caused the evil, of which some speak.
I very particularly recommend to preachers certain
things that they should often repeat. These are, for
example : —
1. Often to inveigh against the crime of concealing sins
in confession through false shame.
2. Often in sermons to recall the obligation of avoiding
as much as possible the occasions of sin.
3. To remind the people that they should recommend
themselves to God, especially in temptations, and particu
larly in temptations of the flesh.
4. To inculcate in every sermon the love of Jesus
crucified and the devotion to the Blessed Virgin. We
should not, therefore, be satisfied with speaking of them
only in the exercises of the Devout Life and in the sermons
of the Madonna.
5. When a vice, such as the spirit of vengeance, im
purity, theft, etc., reigns in a place, we should speak
forcibly and repeatedly about this vice.
We should forbid the people to utter cries and groans
while the preacher makes the act of contrition.
When we mention the motives of contrition, we should
give two or three of them at the most, and in the sermons
0,8 General Correspondence. [PART i.
clearly point out the difference that characterizes them.
We should, besides, carefully do this in every sermon.
Every evening, after the act of contrition, we should ask
a particular favor of the Blessed Virgin.
If persons have asked for some Ave Maria's, we should
recite them before, and not after the sermon ; in this way
the faithful will not lose the impression of the sermon,
which they have just heard, and they will return home
weeping over their sins.
I beg you to communicate these notices to all our
Fathers, and particularly to our young men.
I bless you, my dear Father, and all your companions.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
[P. SJ] Please preserve this letter; it will be of use also
to others in future. Have an Ave Maria recited every
evening in view of our lawsuit. I have received from
Naples no particular news on this subject.
After an old copy.
LETTER 8l6.
To the Lawyer Don Melchiorre Terragnoli, at Rome.
He exposes to him the reasons why he wishes to resign
the episcopate, and asks his services.
[ARIENZO, April, 1775.]
My dear Don Melchiorre : I have not yet had the happi
ness of speaking or writing to you, but I know, what
services you have rendered at Rome to my brethren of the
Congregation. Hence, I am hopeful that you will show
the same charity in an affair, in which my eternal salvation
is at stake.
I am approaching my end. I am far advanced in age,
and with that I have a multitude of infirmities, the details
of which you may read in the enclosed petition. This
petition contains my formal resignation of the episcopate.
I775-] Letter8i6. 99
His Eminence, Cardinal Castelli, having more than once
shown me special affection, the thought has occurred to
me of asking him to beg the Pope in a special audience to
accept my resignation. Be, therefore, so kind as to take
to him the enclosed letter, which contains my petition to
the Sovereign Pontiff, as well as my resignation.
First, I beg you, to urge upon his Eminence, that he
should very quickly obtain for me the favor which I
seek.
After that, if, in order to facilitate the negotiations, I am
to give you a power of attorney or use some other legal
formality, of which I am ignorant, be so good as to tell me.
But, in the mean time, and before I send you the required
power of attorney, you will oblige me by going at once to
see Cardinal Castelli, in order that the affair may at least
be set in motion.
Do me, also, the pleasure of attending to the regulating
of my pension, of which I really stand in need in view
of my advanced age, my numerous infirmities, and the
expenses that I have to incur for servants, for a carriage,
and the rest. My church can, moreover, bear the burden
of a pension larger than that which would be suitable for
me, since it has at present an income of two thousand seven
hundred ducats.1
I say this in order to inform you of the situation of af
fairs. You may then answer me on all these points, and
we shall then arrange things.
Meanwhile, please acknowledge the receipt of this letter
and favor me with your counsel. This will be the means
of accelerating and of assuring a negotiation, the success
of which depends entirely on your ability.
I conclude by offering you the expression of my profound
esteem, etc.
1 11,475 frs.
ioo General Correspondence. [PART i.
[P. S.] Be kind enough to seal the letter that I have
addressed to the Cardinal.
After the original copy preserved in the archives of Father
General, at Rome.
LETTER 817.
To Cardinal Giuseppe Maria Castelli, in Rome.
He asks him to support his project of resignation with the
Sovereign Pontiff.
[ARIENZO, April, 1775.]
Your Eminence : I have a favor to ask of you, and I
firmly hope to obtain it, in view of so much kindness which
you have hitherto shown to me, in spite of my unworthi-
ness.
The favor consists in this: with the charity, that dis
tinguishes you, be so kind as to induce our Holy Father to
accept my resignation of the episcopate, which I herewith
enclose.
At first sight, your Eminence will probably refuse me
this favor, and will blame my project of resigning; but I
ask you to be so good as to read the exposition of the
motives that I address to His Holiness. Having, then,
become convinced of my inability, to govern my diocese
any longer, you yourself will approve of my resolu
tion.
I confide, then, in your goodness that you will solicit an
audience from His Holiness on this subject, for I could not
find in Rome a more efficacious mediator than your
Eminence. I, therefore, beg you once more in a suppliant
manner to do me this favor as soon as possible ; for I am
longing every moment for the happiness of seeing myself
relieved of the government of my church, especially since
my last illness. This illness rendered me unfit to attend to
I775-] Letter 8 18. 101
my duties, and awakened in me scruples that leave me no
rest. ( The remainder is wanting?)
After an old copy.
LETTER 8l8.
To Mgr. Guide Calcagnini, Archbishop of Tarso, and Head
Chamberlain of the Pope.
The same subject.
[April, 1775.]
Monsignor: An occasion of having recourse to your
great kindness has, you will see, presented itself to me
very quickly.
Have the goodness to read the enclosed petition, which
I have addressed to our Holy Father, the Pope. You
will therein see the miserable state of health, to which
I am reduced and the impossibility, under which I am
laboring, of governing my diocese in a suitable manner.
Your compassion will urge you to plead my cause with the
Holy Father, that he may grant me the object of my
request. If, in order to obtain this favor, it will be neces
sary for me to write to his Eminence Cardinal Rezzonico,
or to send him a copy of this petition, please to inform me.
While asking for this favor, I recall to mind the kindness
of which you have given me so many proofs, and I hope
that you, with your usual goodness, will grant it. If you
are willing to intercede for me, please to do so as soon as
possible ; for moments appear to me ages, as long as I am
not delivered from the scruples that torment me. The
burden of the episcopate does not leave me a moment's
rest ; especially since my last illness has made it impossible
for me to exercise the duties of my office.
Tannoia, Book iii. Chapter Ixxiii.
IO2 General Correspondence. [PART i.
LETTER 819.
To the Sovereign Pontiff, Pius VI.
He makes known to him the state of his health and
requests to be delivered from the episcopate.
[April, 1775.]
Most Holy Father: I have the honor of representing to
your Holiness that, having become Bishop of S. Agata de'
Goti, in the kingdom of Naples, at the advanced age
of sixty-six years, I have been able with God's help to
carry the burden of the episcopate for thirteen years ; but I
am incapable of carrying it any longer.
I have now reached a very old age, since in the month
of September I shall enter my eightieth year. But age is
not the only obstacle ; I have, besides, a number of infir
mities, that warn me of the proximity of death. I suffer from
an affection of the chest, which has more than once reduced
me to extremities. I suffer from palpitation of the heart,
and this, also, has brought me several times to the brink
of the grave. Finally, I suffer at present so great weakness
of the head, that often it seems to deprive me of the use
of my faculties.
This is not all. I am subject also to various extremely
dangerous attacks, against which I must employ bleeding,
blistering, and other remedies. In the course of my episco
pate, I have received four times the holy Viaticum, and
twice Extreme Unction.
To all these evils are added others that hinder me from
fulfilling my pastoral duties.
My hearing is much impaired, which is a great incon
venience to those of my subordinates, who wish to speak to
me confidentially, and who must raise their voices to be
understood.
My paralysis has made such progress, that now I cannot
I775-] Letter 8 1 y. 103
write a single line ; I am scarcely able to write my signature,
which can hardly be deciphered.
I am so helpless, that it is impossible for me to take a
step, and in order to make the least movement, I need the
help of two persons.
I pass my time either in bed or sitting in my chair.
I cannot go through ordinations, nor can I preach; and,
what is worse, pastoral visitations have become impossible
to me, and my diocese positively suffers thereby.
All this being the case, and my death so very near, I
think it my duty to beseech your Holiness to accept my
resignation, which I formally tender in this petition; be
cause I see that in the state in which I am, I cannot fulfil
the duties of my charge, nor govern my flock.
I confidently hope that your Holiness will take into
consideration the miserable state to which I am reduced,
and, while compassionating me, will console me by accept
ing my resignation. My flock will thus receive the care
that I am unable to give them, and I shall be delivered
from the scruples that continually torment me, when I see
my unfitness to govern.
The state of my diocese is as follows:
It contains about thirty thousand souls.
The annual income amounts to two thousand six hundred
ducats,1 more or less, according to the statements made for
the last four years.
The cathedral has thirty-one Canons, of whom five are
dignitaries.
The territory of Arienzo possesses a collegiate church
with twenty-four Canons.
Three monasteries have the enclosure: one is at Sant'
Agata, another, in the city of Airola; the third, in the
territory of Arienzo. There are, besides, two conservato
ries in which the divine Office is recited.
i 11,050 frs.
IO4 General Correspondence. [PART i.
I await, with great confidence, the consent of your Holi
ness, as well as your blessing, in order that hereafter
I may think only of preparing for my death, which is
imminent.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General, at Rome.
LETTER 820.
To Father Angelo Maione, at Naples.
Circumstances that might favor the happy issue of the
lawsuit in which the Congregation was involved.
Live Jesus, Mary, and Joseph!
ARIENZO, May 8, 1775.
I wrote you last evening; but I wish to say a few
words more.
Signor Celano, it seems to me, wishes at the first sitting
of the tribunal to say something of the good that the
Congregation has hitherto done in the kingdom. I think
that he will do so ; and it would be well, dear Father, if you
also adroitly suggested this to him.
He may say that the people evangelized by us, common
ly affirm that they never had such missions. You may tell
him what Father Vicar reported to me concerning the
inhabitants of Tarantinum, where both nobles and people
said on this point: "Of all the missions that have been
given to us, none has been more successful or produced
better results."
Afterwards our Fathers gave a mission at Foggia. They
are at present occupied in giving a mission at Capua, and
on Wednesday they will begin another in the city.
Write to me, although nothing important could yet
have occurred. Tell me the result of the interview with
Vivenzio — I mean the lawyer. Through Don Niccola
[Vivenzio] you may easily reach his brother, the physician
1 775-1 Letter 820. 105
to the king's children and also, as I am told, to the queen.
I hear that the latter (but this is only the talk of the
village) will now enter the Little Council at Portici.1
You may also consider, at what time it will be necessary
to make a present to Vivenzio; let me know and tell
me the amount; but do not go too high. However, it
seems to me that it is not yet time to speak of presents.
We must wait till the council has taken place.
I am very sorry to learn that Salomon is still ailing.
As for Vargas, it is said, that he easily favors the opin
ion of the one that speaks to him last; you will, then, do
well not to call upon him before the last days.
I am soliciting prayers wherever I can, and on these
prayers I rest all my hopes. Fully resigned to God's will,
I trust in Jesus Christ and in our good Mother Mary, and I
beg them to grant me the necessary strength.
Father Vicar wished to send in his place Father Blasucci;
tell me when the latter arrives. It is always good for two
of you to plan together.
Tell Celano that every one congratulates us that we have
so able a lawyer as he is, and we do not cease to thank
God for this.
I bless you, my dear Father, and those that are with
you.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General, at Rome.
1 By a clause in her marriage contract, Queen Maria Carolina,
Archduchess of Austria, had the right to take part in the Council
of State as soon as she became the mother of the hereditary prince.
This happened on January 4, 1775, when she gave birth to Carlo
Francesco, Duke of Puglia. As the Council of State was then held
at Portici, it was called the Little Council.
io6 General Correspondence. [PART i.
LETTER 821.
To Father Andrea Villani, at the Mission at Capua.
Fears of the Saint in regard to the future of his diocese.
[ARIENZO,] May 13, 1775.
May God's will be always done !
You are now giving a mission, when I should so much
like to see you here ! In order to guard against scruples,
I should, in fact, consult you on many points, as I am to
leave my diocese ! I leave it without pain, because I leave
it through obedience.
The aspirants, who wish to succeed me in the episcopate,
are very numerous, and I fear that I shall be replaced by
some grandee ; in which case I must need look upon all the
labor hitherto bestowed, as lost.
I pray to Jesus Christ to have pity on my diocese. As
for you, my dear Father, and all those that are with you,
never more speak to me of my diocese; you would thereby
cause me to live in continual agony.
Tannoia, Book iii. Chapter Ixxv.
LETTER 822.
To the Same.
Reasons why the Saint should no longer remain in his
diocese.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
ARIENZO, May 14, 1775.
I have received your answer.
You would advise me, you say, to defer my departure
for Nocera till the time when the opinion of the council has
become known.1
1 There is here question of the Sarnelli lawsuit.
1775-1 Letter 8 22. 107
But, if my affairs are promptly arranged and my succes
sor has been appointed, I should have to depart without
waiting for the issue of the consultation ; for my successor
will wish by all means to be consecrated before the great
heat sets in. Answer me immediately, and by way
of Naples, unless you know a shorter way.
Besides, after my resignation has been made public, I do
not understand the utility of staying here till the end of the
consultation. The decision of the tribunal need not be
expected before three or four months.
Tell me, then, that I am doing the will of God by
leaving my diocese; I should thus leave it in ail tran
quillity.
Give my regards to the archbishop,1 and beg him to
recommend us to God in the vexations through which we
are passing.
I do not know why you press so much the return
of Father Cimino. He is useless, you always tell me, and
Father Maione is sufficient.
Let him remain till after the first pleading; we shall then
see the turn that affairs will take and what metal the
ministers are made of. No doubt, Father Cimino is not
necessary ; but many things may happen these days, and
as Father Maione cannot be everywhere, Father Cimino
may be of use in going to find one or the other person ; he
may be of use in giving some advice ; he may be of service
in encouraging Celano and in suggesting an idea that would
not occur to the mind of another. Why then say that he
is useless, at a time in which interests of the highest
importance are at stake.
I bless you and all your subjects,
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
[P. S.~\ The messenger of Santangelo will carry my
1 The Archbishop of Capua was at that time Mgr. Michele Maria
Galeotay a Theatine
io8 General Correspondence. [PART i.
letter to you without passing through Naples ; answer me,
then, immediately, as the messenger is to return here to
Arienzo.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General, at Rome.
LETTER 823.
To Father Maione, at Naples.
Counsels relative to the Sarnelli process.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
[ARIENZO, May 21, 1775.]
The case will, then, be put off till to-morrow, Monday,
the 22nd.
This delay, however, does not displease me, since it will
allow Vivenzio to prepare what he wishes to say ; and this
lawyer, I see, can render us great services, the more so,
since he is on good terms with Tanucci.
However, since the adjournment comes from us, we
should do well, it seems to me, after a certain time, say in
ten or twelve days, to set the matter again in motion;
for now we have a well-founded hope of seeing the ministers
declaring themselves in our favor. Later on, the ministers
may change, and we do not know what may happen.
Picchineda, you write me, does not wish to depart from
his plan. I do not know what this plan is. Perhaps he
wished that we should wait for the decision of the council,
and, according to his view of things, he would not have
taken any step.
But as for me, I should wish him to see Turitto 1 before
the case is called up ; for we might then learn the difficulties
that make most impression upon Turitto.
Yet I am far from Naples, and it may be that I am
speaking altogether at random ; you, who have the affairs
1 Duke Turitto or Toritto was the fiscal lawyer of the Royal
Chamber.
I775-] Letter 823. 109
before your eyes, can, with the counsel of wise men, better
judge what part to take.
I must inform you, my dear Father, that just this
morning I received a letter from Cardinal Giraud, Pro-
auditor of the Pope. He tells me positively that the Pope
has accepted my resignation.
Do not yet publish this news ; but do not deny it to any
one that knows of it.
Two messengers have passed, and I have received
no news from Signor [Melchiorre] Terragnoli; I am
constantly waiting for him to write me in what form I
should send in my resignation ; and, in the mean time, I
remain embarrassed. Have the Brother watch the mail,
in order that the letter from Rome may not be intercepted,
as I have my fears in this respect.
Having said all this, I give you my blessing, and I
remain . . .
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
[P. S.~\ This very moment I received a curious letter
from Father Cimino. He wishes that I should again write
to Prince della Riccia to ask him to tell Duke di Turitto
that in the matter of Rules and privileges we cannot be
reproached of having committed even a venial sin!
How is that? You told me a short time ago that
La Riccia had written a second time to Turitto, and now
you wish that I should again write. Do you, then, wish that
the Prince della Riccia should flee from Naples, in order no
longer to be molested by us, or that he should no more
answer when I write to him ? This is enough ; it is useless
to importune the Prince any longer.
If Turitto has any regard for him, the two notes that he
received will be sufficient.
From Capua Father Vicar writes to me that the case is
adjourned. Niccola Vivenzio, he says, wishes to inform
the ministers, and perhaps plead the case himself with the
no General Correspondence. [PART i.
aid of Celano. I learn, moreover, that this Niccola
Vivenzio is a young man of very great merit, but let us
take care not to alienate Celano. However, as long as the
latter is there to give his counsel, and does not complain,
let us leave things to God's keeping.
But once more, I beg you to speak earnestly to Picchi-
neda, to mention to Turitto the affair of the privileges.
Where is the harm done, since we had the Exequatur,
and only one Father once availed himself of these privi
leges ? But we should be afraid, since, if an affair of this
kind is presented all distorted, Turitto may injure us with
Tanucci.
I hear that Turitto is at Portici. If Picchineda thought
of going to visit him, we would pay his travelling expenses.
However, since this matter of privileges gives so much
umbrage to Turitto, it will be necessary for Celano and
Vivenzio, to prepare well their arguments on this point.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General, at Rome.
LETTER 824.
To the Same.
The same subject.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
ARIENZO, June 4, 1775.
I hear that it is the Commissioner and not Marquis Spiriti
who is to make the report to the Royal Chamber. I am
very glad of this. Please let me know whether this is
true. I send you my signature in case it may be of service
to you.
It would be useless for Father Vicar to go to Naples
at present. He will go when the council is held, and
for the special purpose of seeing Mgr. Testa. He writes
I775-] Letter 8 2 5- in
me, however, that he intends to spend a few days at
Naples.
All the information that you have given me, is good.
Let us, then, leave everything to the mercy of God.
Please try to obtain information in regard to the rumor
that is abroad concerning the sudden death of the Bishop
of Girgenti. It is his agent, I am told, who has spread the
news.
This is all that I have to say. I bless you, and re
main ....
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
\_P. S.~] I expect you, without fail, immediately after
the decision of the council has been given, to give me,
at least, your opinion in regard to the letters to the coun
sellors of State. In the mean time, I am continuing to
say Mass for the happy issue of the lawsuit.
I would advise you promptly to expedite the writing,
because if we do not chance to have the ministers fix the
date of the pleading, we shall not have enough time to
give them information, or there will remain to us so little
time that our information, instead of being given with a
tranquil mind, will be given in a hurried manner.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General, at Rome.
LETTER 825.
To Mgr. Niccola Borgia, Bishop of Aversa.
He recommends to him a young man of Sant' Agata.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
[ARIENZO, June 10, 1775.]
Monsignor : The bearer of this letter to your Lordship is
Signor Niccola de Robertis, primicerius of my cathedral.
He would like, for just reasons, to have his nephew enter
1 1 2 General Correspondence. [PART i.
the seminary of Aversa. This young man belongs to one
of the most respectable families of Sant' Agata, and, as this
family is large, I would ask you, on my account, to be
as easy as possible in regard to the price of board.
I know not as yet what to do in reference to my
resignation, for I am ignorant whether the Pope wishes me
to leave my diocese, or whether I am to continue to govern
it. Have the goodness to recommend me to Jesus Christ,
that I may do his will, and accept the expression of pro
found respect, with which I have the honor to be
Your Lordship's most devoted and grateful servant,
ALFONSO MARIA,
Bishop of Sant' Agata.
[P. S.~\ My health is bad ; I am altogether helpless and
my death is near, for I now have violent pains in the head
which attack me suddenly and oblige me to bathe the head
at every moment.
I should like to know whether your Lordship has been
willing to give the letter of recommendation.
After the original preserved by the Redemptoristines of
Saint-Amaud-les-Eaux (France).
LETTER 826.
To Mgr. Onofrio Rossi,1 Bishop-elect of Sant' Agata de'
Goti.
He invites him to an interview.
June 17, 1775.
Monsignor: When you have taken possession of your
See, be so kind as to come to spend two days in our house
1 Mgr. Onofrio Rossi was born at Aversa on August 20, 1717. He
was appointed bishop, first, of Fondi, in 1757, then of Ischia in
1764, and, finally, of Sant' Agata in 1775. But in this last instance
the royal Exequatur was refused him, and he could not take posses
sion of this See till four years after his preconization.
1775- ] Letter 827. 1 1 3
at Nocera. I will give you all desirable explanation and
secret information about the affairs of the bishopric, and
you will thus know what has been the object of my efforts
during the space of thirteen years. Two days will suffice
for me to tell you all, and my information, coming thus to
the aid of your well-known ability, you will, I hope,
govern this diocese in a perfect manner for the glory of
God
Tannoia, Book iii. Chapter Ixxvi.
LETTER 827.
To Mother Maria Raffaella, Superior of the Redemptoristines
at Sant' Agata.
He gives the Community salutary advice.
Live Jesus, Mary, and Joseph !
Arienzo, June 27, 1775.
The mail has arrived three times, and I have received no
letters from Rome. I await the manifestation of the will
of God, in order to obey him according to what he may
please to dispose in regard to the few days that remain to
me ; I know that but few days will remain, for yesterday
I was very ill.
Neither the agent nor my successor has written to me;
this is a sign that at Rome the affairs have become very
much entangled.
Pray to God for the Pope, as I continually pray for him.
Yes, pray for the Pope, who, according to a letter written
to me from the Romagna, is so much afflicted as to desire
death on account of several events that are contrary to the
1 14 General Correspondence. [PART i.
welfare of the Church — events, about which I omit to write,
as it would take too long to speak of them.
I pray to God to grant you health for the good of the
monastery; I hope that the Lord will not call you to
himself before the Community is strengthened sufficiently
to govern itself.
Do not cease to recommend that all abuses and novelties
should be guarded against ; for novelties can imperceptibly
ruin regular observance. The observance of the Rule in
many monasteries, once very regular, has fallen into decay,
because of the gradual introduction of abuses. Anything
new, anything not conformable to the old customs, we
should fear, especially when it is evident that it leads to
laxity.
I bless you and all your daughters, every one in partic
ular, that Jesus Christ may fill you with his love.
Wherever the love of God reigns there is nothing to
fear; therefore, constantly remind your religious that they
should perform all their actions in order to please God ;
and when they are not working, they should occupy them
selves at least with repeating acts of love to Jesus Christ.
Let them often say: O my Jesus! give me Thy love;
O my Jesus! give me Thy love. And let them say
to the Blessed Virgin: O my Mother! make me love
Jesus Christ; O my Mother! make me love Jesus
Christ.
Do not omit to pray for the affair that I have recom
mended.1 We have heard that our enemies are preparing
to strike a heavy blow in order to crush us ; but God is
with us.
Against this new bishop the enemies have said many
1 The Sarnelli lawsuit.
I775-J Letter 828. 1 1 5
things; but I do not believe them, and I hope that, if God
wishes, he will be able to govern more leniently than the
other bishops of Sant' Agata, and I am well prepared for
what I am to say to him.
Believe me, Reverend Mother,
Your very devoted servant,
ALFONSO MARIA,
Bishop of Sant' Agata.
After an old copy.
LETTER 828.
To his Brother Don Ercole de Liguori, at Naples.
He announces to him that his resignation has been ac
cepted and asks him to attend to two important matters.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
ARIENZO, June 29, 1775.
My dear Don Ercole : I do not in the least doubt the
affection that you have towards me, and if I have
written to you as I have, it was to spare me all scru
ple. Don Giovanni Miniera has informed me that he
himself would attend to the pension of the College [of
Doctors].
As for my resignation, it has been accepted, and pro
vision for my diocese has been made in favor of Mgr. Rossi,
Bishop of Ischia.
The Pope has assigned to me a large pension of eight
hundred ducats. I hope that at Naples no difficulties will
be made; but, if difficulties are made, the pension of the
College will be sufficient for me.
I would now ask you to do me a service, that of settling
the terms in which you wish to give up to my Fathers a
1 1 6 General Correspondence. [PART i.
part of your palace.1 For, if God called you to himself
without giving you time to regulate this matter, my Fathers
would have absolutely nothing. The affair of the chap
laincy [of Abate Ciceri] also should be regulated. Since
you wish to oblige us in this, I will write you later from
Nocera, how you have to manage this business.
These are the two points that I wish to have cleared up,
so as not to think any more of them ; for I should wish to
think no longer of the things of this world, but only
of preparing myself for death which is so near. Quiet
me then, I beg you, on these two points. In a few days,
when I shall have reached Nocera, I will write you at
length on this point.
I had told the Pope that, if before God he believed me
yet capable of governing my Church, notwithstanding my
great age and my numerous infirmities, I would consent to
do so, and that, in order to do not my will, but God's. I
am, therefore, certain now that, after having accepted the
episcopate by the will of God, I am also obeying this divine
will by laying down this burden.
In conclusion, I embrace you affectionately. At Nocera,
then, we shall see each other sometimes during the year.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
After the original in possession of the Redemptorist Fath
ers, at Roulers, Belgium.
1 The Fathers of the Congregation, when they went to Naples,
were lodged in the Liguori palace. Don Ercole assigned to them
definitively one floor destined for this purpose.
I775-] Letter 829. 1 1 7
LETTER 829.
To the Canonesses Regular of St. Augustine, at Arienzo.
He bids them farewell and recommends himself to their
prayers.
Live Jesus, Mary, and Joseph !
ARIENZO, June 29, 1775.
I am on the point of departing, and I leave you this
picture of my Mother, under whose protection I place you
all, and I beg you to recommend to her my death, which
cannot be far off.
I beg you, have the Community say every Saturday a
Salve Regina, to obtain for me a good death ; and when
you hear that I have passed to another life, I beg you to
recite for me during three days the Litany of the Blessed
Virgin, and to offer up for me a holy Communion.
At present, I have not the power to bless you, since I am
no longer your Superior. I send, therefore, my regards to
you and to all the religious, thanking you for all the kind
ness that you have shown me, and I pray Jesus Christ to
reward you for all you have done.
Please accept the homage of the profound respect with
which I remain
Your very humble servant,
ALFONSO MARIA DE LIGUORI,
of the Most Holy Redeemer.
After a copy.
n8 General Correspondence. [PARTI.
LETTER 830.
To the Nuns, at Frasso.
He leaves them his last recommendations.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
ARIENZO, June 30, 1775.
My very dear Daughters in Jesus Christ : I intend soon
to depart; but I do not know when I shall be able to do so,
having not yet received the note from the Nuncio.
Though far away from you, yet I shall always recommend
to God my Daughters, and I hope to see you again in
Paradise, after you have sanctified yourselves here below.
In the mean time, study to love our Lord more and more,
and, in your visits to the Blessed Sacrament, never forget to
ask of God for me the favor of a good death, for I am quite
near my end.
I bless you in the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and I remain
Your very devoted servant,
ALFONSO MARIA, Bishop.
After the original in possession of Father RafTaele Buo-
nanno, of the Oratory, at Naples.
(General
in.
AFTER THE EPISCOPATE.
(1775 — 1787-)
LETTER 831.
To Mother Isabella Maria Affaitati, in the Monastery of
S. Leonardo, at Monopoli.
He excuses himself for not being able to render a service,
except under certain conditions.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, September 14, 1775.
Reverend Mother: I have received your letter, and I
have had it read to me, for I can hardly read, and it has
been impossible for me to write.
I have retired to this place, Nocera, quite weighed down
by infirmities, which announce to me a speedy death, and
which determined the Pope to accept my resignation. I
am, in fact, like a corpse.
Father Pavone is far from you, but I am still farther
away. The director should, without doubt, be near the
persons whom he directs ; but our Fathers are missionaries,
and they cannot occupy themselves with the direction
of penitents.
If ever Father Pavone should come into your neighbor
hood, I will tell him to call upon you.
I must, however, inform you that to send the Fathers
hither and thither, is a matter with which I will not concern
myself. You may write to Father Villani; it is he who
regulates these things. All that I can do is to give you, as
122 General Correspondence. [PARTI.
occasion requires, advice on matters of importance; the
answer, however, will consist only of a few lines, for I am
good for nothing, being so overwhelmed with infirmities.
Please, then, recommend me to Jesus Christ, since my
death is near. I will recommend you to God that he may
make you a saint by taking full possession of your
heart.
I have the honor to be, Reverend Mother,
Your very humble servant,
ALFONSO MARIA DE LIGUORI, Bishop.
After a copy.
LETTER 832.
To the Fathers and Brothers of the Congregation of the
Most Holy Redeemer.
General admonitions.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, November 4, 1775.
My Dear Brethren : Be yet more fervent in your prayers
because our opponents are making greater efforts to crush
us.1
"Let us recall in a few words the cause of this animosity. Baron
Sarnelli laid claim to a vineyard, which his brother Andrea had
formerly made over to St. Alphonsus under certain conditions. He
pretended that there had been an evasion of the law which forbade
religious Communities to make any purchases of property. En
couraged in his proceedings by Mafifei, who, on his part, persecuted
the Fathers at Iliceto, he went so far, before the tribunals, as to
endanger even the existence of the Congregation. As the affair
lingered on and calumnious petitions were multiplying at the royal
court, Marquis Tanucci, to clear up the matter, published on Octo
ber 3, 1773, three ordinances: the first was addressed to Ferdinando
di Leon, fiscal attorney of the Junta of Abuses ; the second, to the
commissioner of the tribunal of the country, -Don Biagio Sanseveri-
no; the third, to Duke Turitto, fiscal attorney of the Royal Chamber.
All these contained the following injunction, namely, that after. a
I775-] Letter 832. 123
I give here certain general admonitions.
The end of meditation is to consider the eternal truths,
and to pray to God for his help.
When people in the world give themselves to meditation,
they should spend more time in the consideration of the
eternal truths than in making petitions ; but you, who are
already deeply convinced of these supernatural truths, must
devote yourselves more to prayer than to meditation.
Jesus Christ says: Si quid petieritis Pair em in nomine
meo, dabit vobis [" If you ask the Father anything in my
name, he will give it to you." — John, xvi. 23] ; and in
another place, Si quid petieritis me in nomine meo, hoc fad-
am [" If you shall ask me anything in my name, that I will
do." — Ibid. xiv. 14.] Therefore, ask for graces of God
always in the name of Jesus Christ, and of Jesus Christ in
his own name.
Especially, always ask for the love of God, and for the
grace to belong entirely to him ; and repeat again and
again: "O my God, in the name of Jesus Christ, make me
belong entirely to him." And when you pray to the
Blessed Virgin, always add the petition: "Make me belong
wholly to Jesus Christ."
Now, that the missions are beginning, do not forget to
preach this always in the sermons, in the instructions, in the
other exercises, and before the rosary, and to recommend
always — I mean, many times every day — the love of Jesus
Christ, and especially the love of Jesus in his Passion; and
impress it deeply on the minds of the people that in every
temptation they should pray fervently to Jesus and Mary.
What I have said thus far, is for the people. Now
compilation of all the proceedings and accusations against us in the
Council of S. Chiara, in that of the Sommaria, and in the royal
council, the attorney, Ferdinando di Leon, and two other deputies,
were to make their opinions known to his Majesty, the king, and to
transmit all the documents to the Secretariate of the State." (Tan-
noia, bk. iv. ch. v.)
124 General Correspondence. [PARTI.
a word to the missionaries. Those of you who are going
on the missions, should be very careful to offer to God, not
merely those labors that please you — as, for instance, the
sermons, the spiritual exercises, etc. — but also those that
you do not like, and for which you have no natural attrac
tion, — as the Christian doctrine, the recitation of the rosary
in public, hearing the confessions of men, of the sick, and
of old people, etc. Here is the merit.
Hence, I recommend to all strict obedience ; and I oblige
all the Superiors of the missions, to inform me of all those
subjects that are notably disobedient to the Superior of the
mission, who, it is my will, shall be obeyed as readily as
myself, were I present.
What I order for the missions, I order also for all the
exercises that are performed in the houses, whether for the
Community or for strangers.
If, my Brethren, we conduct ourselves well, God will
maintain us ; if we do not, he will certainly destroy us.
And, therefore, I am not sorry when a subject is sick, or
even when he leaves the Congregation ; for to him I say,
" Good-bye to you !" but I am deeply grieved when my breth
ren fall into faults, especially against obedience or poverty.
I now bless you all, one by one. Pray and have prayers
said that God may protect us in the persecution, through
which we are passing, and which is, at this moment, fiercer
than ever; but I have confidence in Jesus Christ, and in
our Mother Mary, that they will not abandon us.
Let each one daily pray for my intention, for my death
is very near. As for me, I do nothing but pray continually
for you, whom I hold far dearer than all my relatives.
May you be blessed, and blessed be all your labors, both
on the missions and in the houses !
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General, at Rome.
1 775- ] Letter 833. 125
LETTER 833.
To Father Angelo Maione, at Naples.
Difficulties relative to the Saint's pension. — Personal advice
to Father Maione.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, November 20, 1775.
(Read what is on the next page ; there you will find
something important, on account of which I send you again
the messenger.)
I hear of the difficulties made by Vivenzio about the
Exequatur of my pension ; it is the bishop that should pay
it, he says ; but now there is no bishop.
In the act of translation, the Pope ordains that the
pension should be paid by the Vicar-General of the bishop
or by the chief Canon of Sant' Agata. Now, as at present
there is no bishop, and as there will probably be none for
several years, there will also be no Vicar-General of the
bishop. The first Canon should, therefore, pay the pen
sion, since it is taken only out of the episcopal revenues.
It will be necessary to draw the attention of the lawyers
to this point, for they may always say : When there is no
bishop, who is there to pay the pension? But the act
of translation declares that it is the first Canon that should
pay it. For this purpose there is no need of an ordinance
of the Vicar-General, since there is neither bishop nor
Vicar-General, and in the mean time, the poor former
bishop, an octogenarian, a sick man and a cripple as he is,
must live and have some one at his service.
Here I must finish. I give you my blessing.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
\_P. S.~] When the time comes, please let me know
whether I should make some pecuniary present to Picchi-
neda ; I will send it to you.
126 General Correspondence. [PARTI.
In future, my dear Father, when I write you in absolute
terms, have the goodness to execute my orders to the
letter without taking counsel of any one.
In all the affairs that concern myself, I submit to another,
and I do not cease to ask counsel ; but in regard to certain
things, which I regard as absolutely good, I do not ask
any one's counsel.
I say this to you, because I have seen with pain that so
far you have given to Vivenzio neither my letter, nor
my note, although I had formally prescribed to you to
forward both to him.
I do not mean that Vivenzio should ask an audience with
Tanucci before the issue of the lawsuit before the Chamber,
in case the Chamber would not be forbidden to us. This
leave to the opinion of the lawyers. I, however, desire
that Vivenzio should promptly call upon Tanucci and speak
to him in strong terms ; for this minister has been, so far,
visited only by our enemies. It would, nevertheless, be
better, I think, to take this step only after the Chamber
has rendered a favorable decree.
In the mean time, remit as soon as possible my letter and
my note to Vivenzio. I do not think that Celano could feel
offended ; yet, if you believe that he might take umbrage
at this, try to arrange the affair as will seem to you best.
But, by all means, remit at once to Vivenzio my letter and
my note.
It is not necessary to tell you the motives that I have in
pressing this matter. You should simply obey. This does
not concern the management of the lawsuit, for, in regard to
the management, I depend on the prudence of wise men.
The Chamber, I hope, will not be inhibited to-day ; this,
however, seems to me to be difficult. Would to God that
the affair of the three commissioners J may turn oat as
1 The three deputies, of whom mention is made in the preceding
letter.
I775-] Letter 834. 1 2 7
Celano has thought it will ; yet there are difficulties in the
way.
I conclude by blessing you again.
I thank you for the zeal that you have shown in an affair
that gives you so much trouble. I pray to Jesus Christ
and the Madonna to reward you.
You have mentioned to me the convent S. Margaritella.
There are two S. Margaritelle, and I am on good terms
with both convents ; one is situated beyond ,S. Potito, the
other beyond la Stella. Obtain information and tell me
what to write ; at present, I should not be able to do so.
After the original preserved in the convent at Saint-Trond,
Belgium.
LETTER 834.
To Ferdinand IV., King of Naples.
He asks him to order the payment of the pension that has
been assigned to him.
[NOCERA, end of November, 1775.]
Sire : Prostrate at the foot of your royal throne, Bishop
Don Alfonso de Liguori humbly represents to your Majesty
that his great age and infirmities have forced him to resign
the episcopal church of Sant' Agata de' Goti, governed by
him for the space of about thirteen years. He has now
withdrawn to private life to occupy himself only with his
salvation. But he has not been able, hitherto, to touch the
pension which has been assigned to him from the revenues
of said Church, and by which he was to provide decently
for his subsistence.
He, therefore, addresses himself to your Majesty and
humbly begs you to give to the econome of this episcopal
revenue, saltern per niodum provisionis [at least provisio
nally] the order to furnish the author of this petition with a
certain sum, fixed according to your good pleasure. This
128 General Correspondence. [PARTI.
sum should be drawn from the revenues accruing since the
month of June last, the time of the resignation of the
episcopate, and from the revenues that are to accrue sub
sequently. The author of the present petition could thus
provide decently for his subsistence, and he will pray to
God to reward you for this signal favor.
The answer to this petition was as follows :
NAPLES, December 9, 1775. -- The Royal Chamber of
S. Chiara says, ordains, and commands that the e*conome
of the episcopal revenues of Sant' Agata de' Goti should pay
to the Reverend Don Alfonso de Liguori nine hundred
ducats annually, to be taken from the income of said reven
ues, until it has otherwise been decided by the Royal
Chamber of S. Chiara.
VARGAS. — MACCIUCCA. — PAOLETTI. — PATRIZIO.
Examined by the royal Treasurer. — The most noble, the
MARQUIS CITO, President of the Council and Prefect of the
Court. — SALOMON, etc.1
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General, at Rome.
1 Die 9 mensis decembris 1775 NEAPOLI. — Regalis Camera sanctoe
Claras providet, decernit, atque mandat quod ceconomus Mensoe
episcopalis S. Agathae Gothorum solvat in beneficium Reverendi D.
Alphonsi de Liguoro ducatos nongentos annuos ex fructibus proedictae
Mensae, donee aliter fuerit provisum per Regalem Cameram sanctre
Clarae.
VARGAS. — MACCIUCCA. — PAOLETTI. — PATRIZIUS.
Vidit Fisculus Regalis. — Illmus MARCHIO CITUS, P. S. et spectab.
Aulce Pnef. — SALOMONIUS, etc.
1776.] Letter 836. 129
LETTER 835.
To Don Michele N.
Letter of thanks and of good advice.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, December 22, 1775.
I thank you, my dear Don Michele, for your generous
present of crawfish.
I will pray to God for you ; I will ask him to make you a
saint, to bless your family, and, also, to establish peace and
concord among the women of your house.
I, at the same time, wish you a very merry Christmas.
May you receive in the service of the Infant Jesus every
spiritual and temporal happiness that you may desire, if it
be for the good of your soul !
Please accept the expression of profound respect with
which I have the honor to be,
Your very devoted and grateful servant,
ALFONSO MARIA DE LIGUORI, Bishop.
After an old copy.
LETTER 836.
To Father Angelo Maione, at Naples.
He asks his advice.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, January 20, 1776.
I wish to ask your advice.
During this vacancy of the See [of Sant' Agata],
Canon de Roberto is charged with the duty of paying
my pension. I should not, therefore, like to make him
unfriendly. On the other hand, it is not an agreeable
thing to have to deal with him, for he is slow in making
payment; and, as there is question of a pension, all that
9
1 30 General Correspondence. [PART i.
is not paid before I die, will, so I am told, revert to the
treasury of the Chamber.
For the present, I have little to expect from what was
due in December; but on the feast of the Annunciation
a half-yearly payment matures, and another in the month
of October. The largest amount may be collected in
October; for the grain of the three farms will be then
harvested. I should wish to have nothing to do with
Roberto in October, as I might repent of having done so.
I should, however, even before this time, wish to declare a
sequestration of all the ripe grain; I could thus claim the
two maturities at the same time, namely, that on the feast
of the Annunciation and that in October. The fact is, after
October the revenues of the bishopric are insignificant.
But, first of all, by which court should we have this
sequestration declared ? By the tribunal of the Nuncia
ture or by the Royal Court? The latter has fixed the
amount of my pension at nine hundred ducats, but I do
not wish to accept this whole sum ; I should feel a scruple.1
In order that Roberto may not be able to dispose of what
falls due on these two semi-annual dates, I think that it will
suffice to have the sequestration ordered by the Nunciature.
We must, besides, wait for the opportune moment, for I
know that until October very little money is received at.
Sant' Agata.
Let us now come to the advice for which I am asking.
On the half-yearly income, which fell due in December,
Roberto still owes me two hundred ducats, or a little less ;
for, he did not collect the monthly revenues from Carmigna-
no, as he thought he would. On the other hand, he made
me hope that he would in a short time sell the wine and the
oil, and I counted on soon receiving the round sum of
1 The sum allowed the saint by the royal decree (3825 frs.) ex
ceeded that which had been fixed by the Pontifical rescript ; hence
the scruple of which he speaks.
1776-1 Letter 836. 131
one hundred and twenty, or, one hundred and thirty ducats.
Several weeks, however, have elapsed, and nothing has
come of all this. Moreover, there is an arrearage due to
me by Roberto on account of the transaction.
According to the opinion of Father Vicar and Father
Cimino, I should through the archdeacon induce Don
Nicola [Roberto] to pay me; in fact, I anxiously desire to
pay a debt which will soon be asked of me. But, on the
other hand, the sale of the oil and wine seems to be, at
present, sure, and Roberto will be dissatisfied, if I have
recourse to the archdeacon to press him.
Give me, then, your advice, my dear Father, and tell
me whether or not I should write to the archdeacon.
Give me, also, your opinion as to the tribunal to be
chosen to sequestrate the grain in October ; as for myself, I
should prefer availing myself of the Nunciature.
The king has returned to Naples; go, then, again to see
Marquis de Marco, and ask him to present our petition. I
bless you.
Let me know, whether Monsignor di Matera l has re
turned from Rome.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
1 Canon Giuseppe Sparano had been appointed Archbishop of
Acerenza and Matera on May 29, 1775-
132 General Correspondence. [PARTI.
LETTER 837.
To the Same.
Anxiety of the saint about the issue of the Sarnelli law
suit. — He trusts only in God.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, January 23, 1776.
We received pleasant news this morning : I use the word
pleasant, in order that we may be aided in accepting with
resignation the will of God.1
If this news is confirmed, there remains no other hope
than God ; but he is more powerful than Tanucci and the
whole world.
I send you a messenger; tell me, then, whether you
have heard any other definite news.
I have written to Benevento, and I am sending my letter
by a messenger. I wish to know whether Cardinal Banditi
has succeeded in his application to the queen.
1 The following passage from Father Tannoia will indicate the
nature of this news:
" Alphonsus," he says, "neglected no means of defence; but our
adversaries also sought in every possible way to accomplish their
purpose, and, laying the axe to the root of the tree, they zealously
devoted themselves to disparage the doctrine followed by St. Al
phonsus and his children. ' They are Jesuits resuscitated,' they
said, 'if they are not entirely annihilated, it will all be over with
faith and morals.' Everything about us, according to them,
breathed laxity, error, and malice ; all was opposed to the Gospel,
all was prejudicial to the Church and the State Marquis
Tanucci was singularly moved by the accusations made against the
doctrine of St. Alphonsus, and, in order to throw light on com
plaints so strongly urged and so often repeated, he decided that
our cause should be discussed no longer in the Royal Chamber
before which it had been introduced, but in the Royal Junta of
Abuses. This determination was for our adversaries a new triumph,
for us a new subject of discouragement." — Tannoia, " Life of St. Al
phonsus," bk. iv. ch. viii.
i7?6.] Letter 8 37- 133
The enclosed letter is intended for the confessor of the
queen.1 Write the address upon it, so that you may be
able to use it, if you think fit.
Father Cimino will go in search of the Princess of Ottaia-
no ; but I do not know, whether at present she is at Naples
or at Ottaiano. In case you find this out, inform Father
Cimino of it.
If the news is confirmed, I intend to ask Mgr. Berga
mo 2 to come to our aid in this extremity.
Send from me twelve carlini to the Capuchin nuns, that
they may make another novena to the Blessed Virgin and
recite every day the litany.
See whether in this desperate case Vivenzio through his
brother 3 could not interest the queen in our favor.
I hear that Leon 4 has had a discussion with Celano
concerning the doctrines that we hold ; but I am astonished
at Celano for not stating that I, in fact, held in my youth
one or the other benign opinion, but that many years ago
I retracted my first opinion, and declared myself a Probabi-
liorist,5 and published several books on this subject since
my retractation. But Celano, it appears, did not give this
answer to Leon ; Vivenzio had, however, given it to Ta-
nucci, who said: "Then I must retract."
When an occasion presents itself, Celano would do well
to publish my retractation. I have done so, not in view
of our lawsuit, but because I believed it necessary as
a matter of conscience. For the same reason, I have
also inserted it since in several works ; otherwise, I should
never have retracted, never have acted against my con
science.
1 Mgr. Antonio Guettler.
2 Bishop of Gaeta.
3 Physician to the royal family.
4 This was the attorney mentioned above.
5 One may see in the various letters of the Special Correspondence
what is to be understood by the term Probabiliorist.
134 General Correspondence. [PARTI.
Do not forget to tell this to Celano; because it may
easily happen that he again hears others speak of my bad
doctrine; and if they wish me to take an oath in regard to
this my opinion, I am ready to take it.
The Princess of Cariati, it appears to me, would exercise
a great influence upon the queen, for she is the governess
of her daughters. See whether we could appeal to the
queen for assistance through this channel.
I would have still many things to say to you concerning
our affairs; but my mind is troubled at present. I will
send you a letter on Saturday by messenger. I bless you.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
[P. S.~] You have announced to me the appointment
of Mgr. Filingeri.1
I know not what to say, nor what to think, and I should
feel a scruple to rejoice at his exaltation. I do not rejoice ;
for, in my opinion, he is not the man who will render great
services to the diocese of Naples. I, therefore, send you a
sheet with my signature; write upon it, I beg you, a letter,
such as you think to be suitable ; then carry it yourself to
Monsignor from me.
You would also do well to go in search of Mgr. Testa ;
tell him the extremity to which we are reduced; that will,
at least, serve us to receive some counsel. And, if you wish
me to write to him that he should interest Tanucci in our
favor, let me know your desire ; but, meanwhile, you may
tell him that now is the time to help us.
If one could only find means to address a new petition
to the king, that the cause may be returned to the
Chamber! Yet I believe that at present no petition will
be accepted.
However, speak of this to the lawyers. We could, at
least, present some request; this would be the means
1 Mgr. Serafino Filingeri, Archbishop of Palermo, was appointed
Archbishop of Naples on January 29, 1776.
1776.] Letter 838. 135
of gaining some time while our enemies seem to hurry, as
they are impatient to bring about our ruin.
But God is here, and my confidence in him is not shaken.
I have also confidence in the Blessed Virgin, who can do
all things with God.
I send you some pictures and a little work for the sister
of Signor Vivenzio.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
LETTER 838.
To the Same.
Disquietude of the saint. — Reasons why he wishes that
Tanucci should be called upon.
NOCERA, January 26, 1776.
I greatly fear that God wishes to chastise us and to
destroy our work, for things, I see, are taking an unfavor
able turn.
We should, it seems to me, call upon Tanucci as soon as
possible and enlighten him on the question of our having
purchased property. As long as Tanucci is persuaded that
we have certainly acquired property and violated the
ordinance of the Catholic king, we shall be sailing against
the wind, for Tanucci will always regard us as culpable;
and thus we have nothing to hope. It is this bad impres
sion made upon the minister which has dictated, I believe,
so many decrees of which we are the victims.
Only our enemies have been heard, and we have not yet
spoken: this is our misfortune. Even the president be
lieves us guilty as to the purchasing of property , as
he himself told the Cardinal; and the poor Cardinal
did not know what to answer. His Eminence has set
about to help us; he even wishes to call upon Tanuc
ci; but we must point out to him the answers, either
136 General Correspondence. [PARTI.
particular or general, that he is to give. For my part, I
am ready to write to the confessor of the queen ; but we
must wait till she has given audience to the Cardinal.
Since, before seeing Tanucci, you wish to wait till the
report of Leon has appeared, I do not wish to be obstinate
in my way of looking at things. But I cannot understand
why, by speaking to Tanucci before the report is given, we
should provoke the issuing of the ordinance of which you
speak ; namely, that the three ministers should send in their
report together, and thus form the judgment of the Junta.
I do not wish to be obstinate and I yield to necessity ; but
I fear that this delay will be the cause of a new misfortune.
If, on the contrary, we went to see Tanucci and if he
allowed himself to be visibly impressed by our remarks,
Leon and others might lay aside their anger towards us.
But, I fear that the devil will make every effort to prevent
this interview with Tanucci, in order thus to conduct us to
our ruin. . . .
I should, according to you (and you repeat the request),
call upon Tanucci personally. But, my dear Father, I am,
you very well know, only a corpse. Even last night my
asthma and my palpitation of the heart were so violent, that
I believed I was dying.
There is no doubt that I am ready to give my life to
prevent the destruction of our work, which is the work
of God ; but there is question of evident danger of death,
and to determine me to set out, an extreme necessity would
be required. . . .
I had hoped to find repose at Nocera ; but I have found
a thousand thorns that leave me not a moment's peace.
May God be always praised !
My head is so exhausted that I must have constantly
near me a wet cloth to prevent giddiness or fainting, to
which I am exposed owing to the multitude of letters that I
have to write. You will perhaps say that I would do better
1776.] Letter 8 3$. 137
not to burden myself with all this correspondence; but
what can I do? I am Superior; if I were not, I would
leave this work to another. But, as I hold this office, I
should feel a scruple, if I did not communicate the lights
that God gives me ; for God gives to Superiors knowledge
that he does not grant to others, and it is this thought that
makes me write so many letters.
Tannoia, Book iv. Chapters ii. and iv.
LETTER 839.
To Canon Giuseppe Simioli, at Naples.
Missions at Naples and its environs. — Disquietude of the
saint on this subject.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCKRA, February 22, 1776.
Reverend and Dear Sir: I had read with very great joy
the beautiful plan of missions which your zeal has arranged,
and I had hoped that all would be realized during this
Lent ; for I was certain that our new archbishop 1 would
fully approve of all the arrangements made in reference to
the capital and its environs.
I learn now that everything is in the state of uncertainty.
I know, on the other hand, and everybody knows as
well as I do, that Naples is spiritually in a very deplorable
state. You have already remedied an evil in regard to
confessors, since before this even confessors were wanting.
But the missions that you had arranged were another
subject of hope, and I counted on them for the moral
improvement of Naples. Hence, I am greatly afflicted,
seeing affairs thrown into such confusion, and, therefore, I
write to you to receive some consolation.
Allow me to express a desire: induce in a kind way the
1 Mgr. Filingeri, Archbishop of Naples.
138 General Correspondence. [PARTI.
new pastor of the diocese to have during this Lent those
missions given which you have arranged.
It is true, the Lenten sermons will be preached ; but
they rarely bring about conversions, especially among the
humbler class of people.
I should, then, desire to know whether there is still hope.
This would be to me a solace in the affliction that oppresses
me, when I consider all these miseries.
You are, I know, very busy; please, then, if you have
not time to write to me, or, to have some one else to write,
to send me a word of consolation by the priest who will
present you this letter.
Pardon me the trouble that I have given you, and rec
ommend me to Jesus Christ. Please accept, my dear
Canon, the expression of my profound respect.
Your very devoted and very grateful servant,
ALFONSO MARIA DE LIGUORI, Bishop.
After an old copy.
LETTER 840.
To a Nun.
Spiritual advice in regard to direction.
Live Jesus, Mary, and Joseph !
NOCERA, May 7, 1776.
I have received your second letter, which I found very
long. It seems to me that you voluntarily permit yourself
to be disturbed for want of conformity to God's holy
will.
It is God who is to save you, and not your confessors.
As for the things that are prescribed for you by obedience,
such as prayer, Communions, etc., continue them as you
have done hitherto.
If anything new occurs, it will be well for you to consult
i7?6.] Letter 841. 139
some director, or even your ordinary confessor. Thus you
can sanctify yourself without Father N. or without Fath
er N.; otherwise, you will always be disquieted, and you
will go backward instead of advancing'. God never aban
dons a soul that wishes to belong entirely to him.
You must not depend on me any longer for direc
tion; my head is very weak, and I can read but little.
However, as you desire a general rule, I here write it down
for you in a few words.
Besides the meditation in common, make another in
private, which is to last an hour, or at least half an hour.
Make a half-hour's or a quarter of an hour's spiritual
reading. Continue to communicate at least three times a
week, and oftener during the novenas.
Regulate the rest according to the little book that I send
you.
Pray to Jesus Christ to grant me a good death, since my
end is approaching. I bless you, and remain, etc.
After an old copy.
LETTER 841.
To the Priest Don Vincenzo di Maio, Professor at the
University of Naples.
He begs him to protect the persecuted Congregation and
to procure for him the favor of Canon Simioli.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, May 5, 1776.
Reverend and Dear Sir : Father Angelo Maione, my
companion in the Association of the Most Holy Re
deemer, has given me an account of your merit ; he spoke
of your piety, your learning, your zeal for the salvation
of souls.
I should have, therefore, liked to offer you in person my
140 General Correspondence. [PART i.
respects and acknowledgments; but I am prevented from
doing so by my advanced age and my infirmities, which
have stiffened my whole body, keeping me imprisoned in
an arm-chair.
I have, then, made up my mind to write to you. I
come to solicit the aid of your prayers, and, also, to ask
you to say, when an occasion presents itself, a good word
in our favor to Canon Simioli, who holds you in high
esteem.
You are not ignorant, my Reverend Sir, of the great
danger that threatens us. Perhaps we are going to be
driven from all our houses, and are going to see the annihi
lation of the work of our missions, through the intrigues
of the Baron of Ciorani, Don Niccola Sarnelli. The latter
wishes, in fact, to appropriate a vineyard, which one of his
brothers formerly bequeathed to us for the maintenance
of one of our houses, situated in the territory of Ciorani.
As he could not succeed, he accuses us to his royal Majesty
of having transgressed (but these transgressions are purely
imaginary) the ordinance of the Catholic king, who has
allowed our four houses in the kingdom the right to live
together and to give missions.
I should gladly give up to the baron the vineyard that
he claims, but that is impossible, since it does not at
present belong to us; in fact, it belongs to the king,
because, as sovereign, he disposes of works of public utility,
and it is he who, from the revenues of this vineyard, has
assigned to us an income to enable us to live.
I am aware that Canon Simioli feels compassion for us,
for his kindness is well-known. Hence, I would have liked
to thank him in a special manner, but I know that he is
continually occupied, and I do not wish to be a burden to
him. Be, therefore, so kind as to thank him specially in
my name. I ask you again to induce him to come to our
i7?6.] Letter 8 '41. 141
assistance as much as he can, for he can assist us most
efficaciously under present circumstances.
You also know, my dear Sir, that several persons have
accused my companions and me of belonging to the school
of the Probabilists and to the school of the Jesuits. It is
said, among other things, that among us no one studies,
and that, therefore, we are a body of ignorant men.
But that is not true. Would to God that all religious
Orders had their studies so well arranged as those of our
young men! The latter, after the course of Latin and
of rhetoric is finished, study philosophy during two years;
then, during two other years Scholastic Theology, and finally,
they have during two more years Moral Theology.
As for the doctrine of the Jesuits, we do not follow them,
either in Scholastic or in Moral Theology ; for we are not
Probabilists, but true Probabiliorists. To undeceive the
public, I had to publish a short exposition of the sys
tem 1 that we follow. I send with my letter a copy of it,
and I beg you to have the Canon to read it.
But, above all, I ask you to recommend me to Jesus
Christ. Beg him to deliver us from the imminent peril, to
which we are exposed, of seeing our work destroyed.
This work has rendered the greatest services to the
poor people of the country, and this throughout the
whole kingdom ; for we unceasingly move through the
mountainous countries; we penetrate as far as the huts
of the shepherds ; we evangelize the hamlets that are most
deprived of spiritual help.
Pardon me, my dear Sir, for having written you at such
length. I am at your service for anything that I can do
1 This is likely the little work published in 1774 against Abate
Magli under the title: " Dichiarazione del sistema che tiene 1'autore
intorno alia regola delle azioni morali" — Exposition of the System
followed by the Author relatively to the Rule of Moral Actions.
142 General Correspondence. [PART i.
for you, and I beg you to accept the expression of my
profound respect.
Your devoted and grateful servant,
ALFONSO MARIA, Bishop.
After the original, the property of his Eminence Cardinal
Guglielmo Sanfelice, Archbishop of Naples.
LETTER 842.
To his Cousin, Sister Maria Antonia de Liguori, a Nun at
Naples.
He thanks her for a little present that she has made him.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, May 9, 1776.
I have received the beautiful present of queen's biscuit
and of Spanish bread. The Spanish bread will be of service
to me when I take my chocolate in the evening. As for
queen's biscuits, they do not agree with my stomach, and I
have given them to a friend to whom I am under great
obligation. The queen's biscuits of S. Chiara are, I know,
exquisite and their reputation is established.
I thank you, therefore, very much for these two presents.
I have specially recommended you to Jesus Christ;
please also to pray for me in a particular manner.
I remain, Reverend Mother,
Your very devoted servant and cousin,
ALFONSO MARIA DE LIGUORI, Bishop.
After the original in possession of the Reverend Mother
Francesca Cattaneo, Princess of S. Nicando, Abbess of S.
Chiara at Naples.
1776.] Letter 8 43^ J43
LETTER 843.
To Father N.i in the House at Scifelli.
The Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer will not
have its future assured, till it passes beyond the limits of the
kingdom of Naples.
Live Jesus, Mary, and Joseph!
[NOCERA], May 30, 1776.
My dear Father : The houses in the kingdom of Naples,
except the house of Benevento,2 can give but little sta
bility to the Congregation, because they do not form a
body and are only held together by a slender thread.
At present we must support them as much as we can;
but to speak plainly, if the Congregation were not estab
lished outside of the kingdom of Naples, it would never be
a Congregation. You have received from God the extra
ordinary vocation to sustain this Congregation. I have
but little time to live; it will devolve upon you to think
of giving it stability, after I am gone.
The Bishop of Veroli esteems you highly ; but as he is
old, we should, as long as he is alive, endeavor to arrange
matters as much as we can. Therefore, as soon as the
missions are finished, come to an understanding with
Father N. and with Father N., if you think fit; then speak
to the bishop. If it be necessary afterwards to speak to the
Pope,3 who has a great affection for me, we shall have no
time to lose. It may be that I am speaking at random, as
I am ignorant of what is going on there; hence, before
going to Naples, consult together, speak to the bishop,
and then write to me. Neither you nor Father N. should
set out before informing me.
l Father Francesco Antonio de Paola or Father Gasparo Caione.
~ S. Angelo de Cupolo.
3 Pius VI.
144 General Correspondence. [PART i.
If, however, you think that it would be absolutely use
less to see Father N., act as you think best; but, if you
think that his assistance may be of use, let him know in my
name that he must not take his departure without having
my permission first.
Still, I wish that you be then acting Superior; but, if for
some particular reason, you should judge differently, do as
you think will be for the best.
You will, therefore, not set out at present, and I leave it
to you, whether or not you should have Father N. to come
to Naples; for I am writing to him, that he should make
arrangements with you about this matter. I beg you to
send me an answer as soon as possible, in order that I may
govern myself accordingly.
I bless you, and remain, etc.
After the Roman edition.
LETTER 844.
To Father Gasparo Caione, at Scifelli.
He recommends to him the projected foundation atTorrice
in the diocese of Veroli.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, June 5, 1776.
I was very sorry to hear, dear Reverend Father, of your
illness at this time. As I have already written to you, we
stand in need of you to put the affairs of the Romagna in a
better condition.
If it be necessary that you go to Naples to seek for
remedies, you should go. But, I repeat, if it be neces
sary.
Try, however, before your departure to have an interview
with the Bishop of Veroli, about which I have written to
you; endeavor to obtain some weighty guarantee for the
foundation at Torrice. Have an understanding on this
I7?6.] Letter 845. 1 45
point with Father de Paola, and write to me at once ; for
having no information about this affair, I am in a state
of complete uncertainty, and am speaking without knowing
what the affair is, or what we may hope for.
Meanwhile avoid fatiguing yourself, but write to me.
I bless you.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
LETTER 845.
To Don MicheleN.
(Letter written by order of the saint.)1
He promises him his prayers.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
Convent of St. Michael [NOCERA], June 30, 1776.
My very dear Don Michele: I write you in the name
of the bishop, and I offer you his affectionate regards. He
will pray, he says, for the perseverance of Signor Pietro,
your brother, without forgetting the wants of your family,
of your children, and of the city in which you live.
This is what I am charged with writing to you. Mon-
signor salutes you, and as for myself, very honored Sir, I
have the honor to be with profound respect
Your very devoted servant,
BROTHER FRANCESCO ANTONIO ROMITO,
of the Most Holy Redeemer.
After an old copy.
1 From August 13,1758, St. Alphonsus was often obliged to dictate
his correspondence. His secretary for important affairs, above all,
during his episcopate, was usually Brother Francesco Antonio Ro-
mito, on whose discretion he could rely.
10
i/j.6 General Correspondence. [PARTI.
LETTER 846.
To the Priest Don Vincenzo di Maio, Professor at the
University of Naples.
The saint wishes that a Manual of Moral Theology should
be composed.— He rejoices at the success of the missions
given at Naples.— Rule to be followed in accepting dignities.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, July 4, 1776.
T have received your much esteemed letter, which tells
me of the great favors for which we are indebted to Canon
Simioli. I do not write to the latter, as I fear to importune
him; but I beg you, my dear Sir, to offer him my
sincerest thanks, for your letter afforded me great con
solation.
As for the Monitum in question, my companions and I,
wishing thereby also to please his Eminence Cardinal Ban-
diti [Archbishop of Benevento], have resolved to publish a
new work of Moral Theology ; but we shall make it briefer
than the Moral Theology already published, and it will be
about the size of the printed page that I have sent you.
I have told my confreres that, on account of the violent
pains in my head, I could not charge myself with the
writing of this new Moral Theology; I have, therefore,
confided this care to one of our Fathers who is able to
undertake such a work.1 I have even sent him word to
leave Sicily, where at Girgenti he and his companions are
giving a mission, which I requested them to give in
accordance with the order of the king, our master.
Hence, I am expecting said companion to arrive soon,
and I will tell him to begin the work. As for this book, I
1 This Father was Pietro Paolo Blasucci. We do not know
whether this Manual was composed ; but it is certain that it was not
printed.
i7?6.] Letter 8 46. 147
wish at least to revise myself all that will be written during
my life-time. I say this, because I am extremely de
pressed ; and, on the other hand, in order to write a work
on the plan that has been adopted, time is needed, even
with the assistance of some confreres appointed by me.
Add to this that prolonged application has become im
possible for me.
I have heard with great joy of the magnificent results
of the nine missions which had been arranged by the Canon
[Simioli] and for which I greatly feared, because of the
change of affairs. I have, also, been greatly delighted with
the news from France, especially the news of the gentlemen
in Parliament.1 This I regard as a great miracle.
I feel very happy, my dear Sir, that you are directing
the Duchess of Montenero. She continued to write to me ;
but how can I direct her from afar and without knowing the
particular wants of her soul ? She is indeed a person truly
pious and I recommend her to you.
You would like, you tell me, to continue to labor for
souls and to be exempt from dignities. I praise your good
desire; but when the dignity comes from God, without any
seeking on our part, and when, besides, the confessor bids
us accept it, we should do the will of God.
Again, I beg you to recommend me to Jesus Christ; for
this very morning, while dictating this letter, I felt very
bad. Ask for me the grace of a good death, and please
1 Perhaps this refers to the fall of Minister Turgot, which hap
pened on May 12, 1776. Parliament had rejected the political
programme, which was to introduce into French legislation liberty
of conscience, liberty of teaching, liberty of the press, in a word,
all that was extolled as the conquests of '89. It was needless for
Voltaire to write : " I have just read the masterpiece of M. Tur
got ; it seems to me that here is a new heaven, a new earth."
Louis XVI. dismissed the minister, and the revolutionary plans
of the Philosophers were momentarily baffled.
148 General Correspondence. [PART i.
accept the expression of profound respect with which I have
the honor to be, my dear Sir,
Your very devoted and grateful servant,
ALFONSO MARIA, Bishop.
After an old copy.
LETTER 847.
To Sister Maria Angela Rosa Graziano, in the Monastery
del SS. Rosario, at Naples.
He wishes to know how she regulates her spiritual affairs.
Live Jesus, Mary, and Joseph !
NOCERA, July 14, 1776.
Gloria Patri! that at last, after so long a time, I am able
to see again a letter from you, but a letter that is full of sad
things, of sickness, and of sudden deaths.
I have recommended to God the soul of your brother,
and I shall do this better to-morrow at my Mass.
On the other hand, I have learned to my great joy of the
change that has come over the son on the occasion of the
death of his father. Let us pray to God to grant him per
severance.
Now, I wish to have an explanation of the following
mystery: During the lifetime of Don Michele you wrote me
about so many things that you had on your conscience,
and for a long time you have not written a word about
them.
I wish to know whether you have a director, and whether
you frequent holy Communion.
As for the sweetmeats, I do not wish to have any more
of them ; I am now reduced to such a condition as not to
be able to eat even a small biscuit; sometimes I can scarcely
take a little chocolate without cinnamon.
Therefore, all that I desire is, that you inform me
whether you behave in such a manner as to give me pleas-
Letter 8 '48. 149
ure, and that you pray for me, who am near my death.
You also are approaching death. I wish that you should
meet it with cheerfulness and not as you are wont to do in
other grave matters, with a trembling heart. We are
dealing with a God full of goodness, why should we fear?
I bless you. Recommend and have recommended to
Jesus Christ the lawsuit of our Congregation, which is soon
to be pleaded.
Believe me, Reverend Mother,
Your very humble servant,
ALFONSO MARIA, Bishop.
\_P. S^\ Forward the little work sent herewith to Sister
Maria Aurelia with the letter accompanying it. I have
already sent you a copy.
After an old copy.
LETTER 848.
To the Priest Don Vincenzo di Maio, Professor at the
University of Naples.
Joy that he experiences at the wise regulations of the new
Archbishop of Naples.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, August 19, 1776.
Reverend and Dear Sir: The illness of the Duchess
of Montenero has also greatly affected me. On the other
hand, I have read with great consolation the very wise
regulations of our most excellent archbishop, especially the
regulation concerning the studies. Our dear Canon Simioli
has had, no doubt, a great, and perhaps the greatest,
share in making them. May God be praised for this !
I feel compassion for you on account of the pain that is
caused you by the state of your penitent. I pray to
God that, if it be conducive to his glory, he restore to
10*
1 5 o General Correspon den ce. [ PA RT i .
this lady the use of reason, for her life was always most
edifying,
If I can render you any little service, I shall be at your
command. Do not forget me at your holy Mass ; for my
part, I do not forget to pray to Jesus Christ for you.
Please accept, my dear Sir, the expression of my profound
respect.
Your very devoted and grateful servant,
ALFONSO MARIA DE LIGUORI, Bishop.
[P. S.~] I feel very grateful to you for the three printed
papers that you have sent me; I was very anxious to read
them.
After an old copy.
LETTER 849.
To Father Francesco Antonio de Paola, Superior of the new
House at Frosinone.1
He refuses, for fear of the royal government, to deliver
letters of affiliation. — Joy that the foundation at Frosinone
causes him.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, September 18, 1776.
I answer your last letter, in which you ask me to
send you three sheets bearing my signature for affilia
tions.
1 Frosinone was the chief place of the province or delegation
of this name in the Pontifical States. The benevolence of its
inhabitants towards the sons of St. Alphonsus manifested itself in a
striking manner in consequence of a mission that had been given
them. They offered the Redemptorist Fathers a church and an adjoin
ing building with a view that they should establish a foundation.
The magistrates of the commune informed the holy founder of this
decision, and solicited his approbation in the following letter:
" Right Reverend and Dear Sir: The Fathers of the Congregation
of the Most Holy Redeemer, very worthy sons of your Lordship,
1776.] Letter 849. 151
But we have reflected that these affiliations are in
use only among monks, but not among congregations of
priests.
Send me the names of the gentlemen who desire to
participate in our works. I shall have them recommended
to Jesus Christ by the Community in a very particular
manner. But those letters patent might injure us, if the
ministers of Naples come to hear of them. You know very
well through what difficulties we are passing, and do not
forget to pray every day that we may obtain the grace to
surmount them.
I see with pleasure that the gentlemen of Frosinone con
tinue to honor us with their benevolence.
have given a mission in this city with a success so splendid, so
extraordinary, that the people have asked that we should cede
to them the church and the hermitage of Beata Vergine delle Grazic,
abandoned by the discalced Augustinian Fathers, who accepted
them four years ago for the purpose of constructing a convent there.
This request has been favorably received by the Municipal Council,
and we believe it our duty to inform you of this. In order that
a resolve, so important for the salvation of souls, may bear fruit, we
shall, we assure you, make all the efforts that our devotedness will
inspire us to make. May it please your Lordship to accept the
expressions of very sincere devotion, and of loyal attachment which
our people have vowed to show to your very worthy sons. Honor us
with your consent, and we beg you to appoint as the first subjects
of this house Fathers Faola and Constanzo. In view of their
personal qualities and the particular affection that is exhibited to
them, by all classes of society, they could more easily and quickly
than others obtain the necessary supplies, such as cement and other
materials for the building of a good house, such as we wish, for a
durable foundation.
We are happy, your Lordship, to place ourselves at your com
mand, and, asking you to obtain for us heavenly blessings, we are
with most profound respect and veneration,
Your Lordships very humble,
devoted, and grateful servants,
The Members of the Municipal Council.
FROSINONE, June 22, 1776."
152 General Correspondence. [PARTI.
I recommend them all especially to our Lord at Mass,
those, at least, who favor us and come to our assistance in a
particular manner.
I have written to Cardinal Castelli. I have asked him to
intervene in our favor and to obtain for us the Pontifical
approbation for the two hundred scudi of income assigned
to us by Monsignor di Veroli.
Tell me, whether missions have been asked of you, and
often send me news.
I bless you, my dear Father, and all your subjects.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
[P. S.~] On the ist of next October, apply two Masses
to the house at Frosinone, that of Father Volpicelli and
that of Father Briscione, who will be ordained priests on
Saturday.
After an old copy.
LETTER 850.
To Father Angelo Maione.
Concerning the lawsuit.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, October 14, 1776.
I at first told you, not to press the affair of the lawsuit ;
but now do what you think will be best. I bless you.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
1776.] Letter 8 $i. 153
LETTER 851.
To Father Gasparo Caione.
He sends him a manuscript and asks him to finish it. - -
Recommendations relative to a book of Sunday sermons.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
[About the 2Oth of October, 1776.]
My dear Don Gasparo : I have studied your book on St.
Michael, and have tried out of this material to compose a
short and popular novena, in honor of the holy archangel,
my protector.
I have written it in the copy-book which I send you ; yet
it does not please me, because it is confused and badly
arranged. Besides, as I am at present suffering from my
head, I cannot give to this work the form that I should
wish.
Therefore, my dear Father, who are so devoted to St.
Michael, be so kind as to take the trouble, this winter, to
arrange this novena as you may think best. You may
change everything, both substance and form, but let it be
short and no more than a sheet and a half of printed
matter [for each meditation].1
1 Father Caione, in fact, composed this novena and had it printed
a short time after the death of St Alphonsus. In his preface he
enumerates the saints that distinguished themselves by a particular
devotion to the glorious archangel; then he adds: "Such was,
finally, in our days, to pass over others in silence, the venerable
Founder of our Congregation, Mgr. Don Alfonso de Liguori, as
celebrated by his sanctity, as he was by his learning. Not satisfied
with having chosen the holy archangel as one of the protectors
of his rising Institute, he made him the patron, after the Most
August Trinity and the Most Blessed, Virgin, of the third house that
he founded ; I mean the house established in the city of Nocera.
Every year he there celebrated in a solemn manner the feast of St.
Michael, and had it preceded by a fervent novena, during which
particular prayers were recited in honor of the glorious archangel."
154 General Correspondence. [PART i.
I should like .... \_Here some lines are wanting, having
been torn ojfj]
Let me know, how is the Archbishop of Conza. Here it
is said that he is in declining health.
Let me also know how you and your companions are
getting on.
Father Blasucci has set out for the Romagna in company
with Father [Isidore] Leggio. Father Criscuoli is still
here, waiting for Father Amato, in order to go to S. Cecilia
[Scifelli].
I bless you, Reverend Father, and all your subjects.
Invite the latter to cast a glance at my Sunday Sermons y
and to read at least the sermons that treat of subjects more
particularly adapted for missions ; for they will there find,
if not sublime thoughts and a great amount of erudition,
yet, at least, many practical things that serve to save souls.
Such are, for example, the sermons on Scandal, on Sin,
on Relapse, on Death (a practical Sermon on Death, treated
in a manner different from that found in other books). Such is
also the sermon on Hell, and especially the sermon on the
Loss of God. Wherever I have preached this last sermon, I
have drawn tears from the eyes of the most hardened.
I do not say that your Fathers should read all the
Sunday sermons; let them only cast a glance on
the practical sermons such as ... Temptations of the devil
to induce men ....[ Three lines are wanting, having been
torn oj(f.~]
But I have the evil fortune of seeing my books read by
strangers, while my brethren do not read them under the
pretext that nothing good can be drawn from my sermons.
As for myself, I know one thing; it is, that in the
The little work just mentioned, appeared under the title: " Novena
in Honor of the Archangel St. Michael," by Father Gasparo Caione
of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer. It has been re-
published by G. Marietti (Turin, 1863.)
i7?6.] Letter 8 $2. 155
sermons of other authors I find few practical things that
touch the heart; and these practical things I borrowed,
either from books composed by servants of God, or from
innumerable sermons, which I have heard and the authors
of which preached Jesus Christ crucified. On returning
home, I used to make a note of these things, and later I
had them printed. They are all to be found in my Sunday
Sermons and in the Preparation for Death.
Some of us, I learn with regret, have introduced among
us a florid style, and little by little the familiar and popular
style has been abandoned. It is, however, this latter style
that has made people hitherto say that, wherever we have
gone, our missions have produced results different from those
of other missionaries.
Please, Reverend Father, have read to your companions,
when assembled, all that regards preaching.
I bless you and your Community.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
LETTER 852.
To Father Pietro Paolo Blasucci, in the House at Frosinone.
He reposes entire confidence in him and puts into his
hands the future of the two houses established in the Pon
tifical States.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
[NOCERA, October 24, 1776.]
I received your letter this morning ; it afforded me great
pleasure, as I was ardently longing to hear from you.
You are right : the Brief of the Pope, as I have already
written to those among us, who greatly rejoiced thereat,
does but one thing : it approves the income assigned to our
Fathers during the time that we shall live at Frosinone.
156 General Correspondence. [PARTI.
However, I sincerely thank God for it, since the Pope
did not at first wish to grant this approbation, but after
wards gave it through the good opinion that he has
of us.
This Brief is at least a beginning, and it will encourage
us in the hope, that in the course of time, this house
will be formally approved by the Pope. Let us leave all in
God's hands.
I represent to myself our Congregation as a little vessel
in the middle of the sea, beaten on every side by the
winds ; and I expect that God will make us know where he
wishes to conduct it and to establish it definitively. If he
wishes that it should go down, I say now and will always
say : Blessed may always be his holy will!
I am, moreover, very happy to see you, my dear
Father, in the place where you are and in charge of these
two houses.1 If you were not there, I should have much
less confidence.
I see with pleasure that you wish to call upon Abate
Eugenio to obtain information from him. I wish you also
to visit lawyer Buonpiani ; he loves us, he is familiar with
Roman affairs, and he will easily find occasions to speak to
experienced persons who can give advice. We should, in
fact, at present try to find out which way will more surely
conduct us to the object, at which we are aiming.
As for the building, I have received the plan of Brother
Stefano, and I admire the ability of this Brother. I shall
show his plan to Cimafonte; but the latter, I think, will
have to make a few changes, as the space at our disposal is
small. I shall send all to the architect and give you his
answer.
Meanwhile, my dear Father, continue the work that
has been begun. As for the work and all the affairs
of this house, follow, I beg you, the plan which you have
1 The houses at Scifelli and Frosinone.
i7?6.] Letter 8 $2. 157
resolved upon ; for in regard to everything, yes, everything,
I rely on your judgment.
Canon de Roberto 1 has not sent me any more money, as
I expected that he would. I have, therefore, written to
him somewhat sharply, and my letter, I hope, will not be
without fruit. When you are short of resources, write to
me, and tell me what you need, the way in which I should
send it, and all will be done secretly between you and me.
According to what the Fathers write, the Bishop of Ve-
roli is probably with you at the present time. Give him
my kindest regards, and tell him that I do not write to him
in order to avoid being importunate.
When you have time, I should wish you to go to see the
house of S. Cecilia [Scifelli], to examine all that concerns
it, and afterwards report to me.
I repeat, my dear Father, that at S. Cecilia you should
take all the measures that may appear to you to be
suitable. But, be so kind as to write to me from time to
time; you will thereby give me great pleasure.
Yesterday Father [Diodato] Criscuoli set out with Father
[Francesco] Amato for S. Cecilia. The Fathers destined
for the missions at Caserta and Maddaloni have also left the
house, and in a few days other Fathers will depart for the
mission at Aversa.
Thus I shall be left alone. Brother Pasquale has also
left us to go to Girgenti; but probably he has not yet
sailed, for a violent storm is raging.
I conclude, and I do not cease to pray to God to grant
you patience and light, to carry the work to a successful end,
if it be his will.
I well know that the beginnings are weak ; but from
weak beginnings God, when he wishes, makes great works
to rise, and I hope with the help of the Blessed Virgin
Mary that this will be the case with those houses. They
1 See Letter 836.
158 General Correspondence. [PARTI.
are, it is true, not well established at present, but the love
that the bishop 1 bears us, gives me great hopes ; for in
such works the Lord avails himself of his ministers.
If it be necessary for me to write to the bishop, let me
know, for I will write at once; but point out to me in detail
what I should say to him.
I bless all my brethren at Frosinone and you, my Rev
erend Father, in particular.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
[P. S.~] Father Maione wrote to me that he would call
upon me on Monday, but the day has passed by, he
has not made his appearance. Perhaps a new accident has
occured in the course of the process, which will cause us great
embarrassments. The little vessel will, no doubt, have to
bear up against a new storm. May God protect us!
After reflection, I think it better for me not to write to
the architect ; for sixteen rooms are being erected according
to the design, and, therefore, he has nothing to add nor to
retrench. I will write to him later on, when the main
building will be begun.
Do you wish me to return Brother Stefano's plan ?
I should like to know how it is in regard to the
piece of land, which the priest Ciceroni 2 wished to give
us, as he wrote to me. How is it that, as you write,
it cannot be obtained? But I hope that the Canon
will re-consider the matter, since he has promised to bestow
the property upon us.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
1 The Bishop of Veroli, Mgr. Jacobini.
2 Canon Ciceroni of Frosinone. St. Alphonsus addressed to him a
long letter, which is found in the Special Correspondence.
1776.] Letter 8 5 4* :59
LETTER 853.
To Don Domenico Ruggiero, at Corleto Perticara.
He requests him to apply to Father Gasparo Caione for a
mission.
NOCERA DE' PAGANI, October 25, 1776.
My Dear Sir: I received your much esteemed favor, and
I would say that I am a poor old man, who knows neither
which Fathers are at Caposele, nor whether their labors
will permit them to give you a mission at the present time.
However, you can write to Father Gasparo Caione,
the Superior of the house at Caposele, and thus you
may be able to arrange the time for a mission at Cor
leto.
I recommend myself to your prayers, and I remain, my
dear Sir, with profound respect,
Your very devoted and grateful servant,
ALFONSO MARIA DE LIGUORI, Bishop.
After an old copy.
LETTER 854.
To Father Pietro Paolo Blasucci, in the House at Frosinone.
He speaks to him about the house at Frosinone and rejects
the idea of establishing a foundation at Rome.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
[NOCERA, October 27, 1776.]
My dear Father Pietro: I have just received your second
letter, dated October 20. It gave me great pleasure, and I
must briefly say that the whole letter pleased me: the
ideas, expressions, — all is satisfactory.
I thank God without ceasing that he has led you to
Frosinone; you will there moderate the zeal of our con-
160 General Correspondence. [PARTI.
freres. According to them the Congregation should come
forth from its obscurity, make a noise, and found a house
at Rome.
To establish ourselves at Rome appears to me expedient,
neither at the present, nor for a long time to come. I pass
over in silence the reasons for believing this. When the
time comes, I will tell them. You will, moreover, find at
the end of this letter a paragraph relative to the advice
of Signor Buonpiani.
I was pained to hear that you, dear Father, have been
unwell. Take care of your health, I beg you, and use the
little remedies that the doctors may think necessary. Your
health is morally indispensable at the present time.
Abate Eugenio has then promised, as soon as he returns
to Rome, to try to obtain the approbation of the Dataria,
and thereby even the definitive establishment of the house
at Frosinone. This has afforded me extraordinary pleas
ure.
It is certain that the present is not the time for you to go
to Rome ; but after a while this may be necessary.
The greatest secrecy should be kept in regard to all this
till further orders. I myself will keep it in regard to my
companions of the kingdom, except in regard to two or
three, Fathers Villani, Mazzini and Cimino, upon whom I
have imposed the strictest silence.
You are perfectly right not to wish to say a word, either
to the bishop or to Buonpiani, of your relations to Abate
Eugenio, as long as you have not obtained what you want
from the Dataria. Nor shall I write to Cardinal Castelli, or
to others about this matter; but, if you desire to have from
me a letter for Rome, let me know ; I am entirely at your
service.
If it should be necessary to offer some present to our
friends at Frosinone, or to those whom we have at Rome,
please tell me ; I will send it immediately. And whenever
1776.] Letter 854. 1 6 1
you need any pecuniary assistance — I repeat what I said in
my last letter — inform me, and indicate the sum you need
and how I should send it to you.
All the measures taken in order to avoid disputes in the
suit relative to the patronage of the little church, appear to
me to be excellent.
There is no remedy: in the beginnings of the works
of God we must expect trials; but as you say, my dear
Father, the claim that is made against us, is frivolous.
It is proper, however, that we should bear the expenses
of the lawsuit. On all the other points, of which you speak
to me, I have nothing to say ; I rely entirely on you, for I
see that you transact all these things with the greatest
possible care.
I here add a short paragraph : it refers to the advice that
Signer Buonpiani gives us about going to Rome. You
may read it to the lawyer or communicate to him my
opinion.
Signor Buonpiani advises us, therefore, to go to Rome
to secure the House of Retreats, occupied formerly by the
Jesuits, now suppressed. I am profoundly grateful to him
for the affection that he bears us, and I shall preserve, you
may tell him, an everlasting remembrance of it. But before
carrying out the project of which he speaks, it will be
necessary, in my opinion, to wait for a more propitious
moment ; for we are not sufficiently known in Rome, and one
might see a certain arrogance in the fact that we are pre
tending to the House of Retreats ; the more so, since this
house is, without doubt, coveted by more than one Congre
gation living at Rome.
Here, then, is my advice: for the present we must only
look to the permanent establishment of the two houses that
we possess in the diocese of Veroli, and, in particular, that
of Frosinone. When the latter, in the course of time,
becomes firmly established, we shall then see what we can
General Correspondence. [PARTI.
do. Our Institute has, moreover, for its principal end to
evangelize, not important and renowned cities, but country
hamlets which are mostly deprived of spiritual help.
After this, if God one day makes known to us that he
desires to have us in Rome, we shall obey him.
I conclude, my dear Father, by giving you my blessing
for all that you do. I bless your footsteps, your words, all
the sufferings, the unpleasantnesses that you will have to
endure in these beginnings.
When the bishop returns, kiss his hand for me.
I bless you and your companions.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
\_P. SJ\ Tell me whether you wish me to write a letter
of thanks to Abate Eugenio, and at what time I should
write to him. I shall, moreover, take care not to send any
letter to Rome if you do not expressly tell me to do so.
I have written to Father Constanzo. I have asked him,
how it is that the priest Ciceroni does not give us the piece
of land, that he promised us, and upon which later on a
house must be built.
Do you wish me to send books, sweetmeats, or other
articles to the inhabitants of Frosinone, that have given us
their assistance, such as Signori Buonpiani, Vespasiani, the
members of the municipal council or of the Chapter? I will
do nothing without your advice.
When the bishop returns and you have spoken to him,
have the goodness to write to me all that can interest me.
Besides, write to me often, at least about affairs of im
portance.
As soon as Abate Eugenio, when he arrives in Rome, is
able to solicit the approbation of the Dataria, it will be
necessary, I think, that one of you should go to give him
all the information needed for the treatment of this affair;
for the Dataria wishes, at least, to know the missionaries,
1776.] Letter 8 '55. 163
that are to establish the house ; and in this case you should
go to Rome to settle this matter.
For the rest, my dear Father, you will find many persons
capable of giving you counsel in this matter, although you
cannot seek the advice of your bishop or of Buonpiani. I
rely entirely on your judgment.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
LETTER 855.
To Father Angelo Maione, at Naples.
He gives him some news.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph!
NOCERA, October 28, 1776.
I give you some news from Nocera. Don Gaetano
[Celano] set out for Vico some time ago, and will
return on Saturday. Don Niccola Vivenzio spent a day
here. I made his acquaintance with pleasure, for he is
truly a man of merit and very just in his views; he expresses
himself admirably, when speaking of our affairs.
Don Andrea [Villani] gave him a small box of sweet
meats.
I have written a good letter to Canon Roberto; for I
have not seen him since he called upon me last, but I
expect him in a few days.
Give me some news about Naples and especially about
our affairs. But, if there is nothing important, do not take
the trouble to write to me.
I bless you and remain, dear Father ....
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
After the original in possession of Cavaliere Giancarlo
Rossi at Rome.
164 General Correspondence. [PARTI.
LETTER 856.
To the Fathers and Brothers of the Congregation of the
Most Holy Redeemer.
Regulations regarding the conduct of the Fathers on the
missions and at home.
[NOCERA, November, 1776.]
My Fathers and Brethren in Jesus Christ: You see how
grave are the circumstances in which we are placed. We
are opposed by enemies so powerful that, if God does not
protect us, the Congregation will surely be destroyed.
This is altogether the work of the devil, who wishes the
destruction of this great work of the missions, because it
wages continual war against him. But hell cannot harm us,
if we remain faithful to Jesus Christ. It was this considera
tion which determined me to address to you these counsels.
As the time of the opening of the missions approaches, I
thought that I should give you some advice, no less for
your own good, than for the good of souls. If we preserve
the true spirit of this work, the work will preserve us.
The Superior of the mission should be appointed by the
Rector of the house when the Rector himself does not go
on the mission ; and the choice of this Superior should be
made without considering seniority in the Institute.
He that is Superior, should be most exact in the ob
servance of the Rule. He should not choose for himself the
most brilliant employments, but those exercises for which
he is the fittest. He should be the first to rise in the
morning. After meditation he shall take care that the
Fathers go to the church together. The subjects should
receive from him every mark of charity and cordiality.
The Chapter of faults must never be omitted during the
missions. The Superior should punish notable faults even
by sending home the subject that commits them. It is espec
ially necessary to punish faults against obedience, and make a
1776.] Letter 8 $6. 165
report to me or to the Father Vicar. Disobedient subjects,
far from being useful to the missions, are really an injury to
them.
During the time of the missions, of novenas, and of other
exercises, visits should not be paid to women, even under
the pretext of God's glory, unless the visit is paid to the
principal lady of the place; she may be visited by the
Superior in company with another Father.
Our confessors must not speak with women outside of the
confessional, unless this be done in answering a question in
a few words ; but especially should they never speak with
them alone in their houses. Should it be necessary to
converse with any one of them, it must be done in the
church with all the modesty and decorum that our holy
state demands.
When there is question of reconciling persons that are at
enmity with each other, we must not side with either
of them. When one of the contending parties is evidently
right, the missionary should exert himself to make known
the fact, in order that it may become apparent to all.
On the missions, as well as at home, we must not act in
the capacity of witnesses, either at the making of wills or in
marriage arrangements, unless there is question of putting
a stop to a scandal or some other occasion of sin.
When there is a crowd in the church, care must be taken
that the confessions of men be heard first and those of the
women afterwards, especially on Sundays and holydays
of obligation.
I positively forbid on missions the receiving, under what
ever pretext, of presents of linen or sweetmeats, even
though no use is made of them during the mission.
We must observe the ancient custom in regarcl to the
food. I forbid the receiving of presents of birds, chickens,
expensive fish, or the like, and I say as much of all kinds
of pastry, whatever may be the rank of the persons that
10*
1 66 General Correspondence. [PART i.
offer them. We gain more by good example and exact
observance of the Rule than even by preaching sermons.
No compensation from parishes, nor any invitations to
dine out from the priests or any other person, whether
secular or ecclesiastical, shall be received. However, we
may accept, for once only, an invitation given by the bishop
of the place.
Persons of the place must not be allowed to serve at
table, and care should especially be taken, not to admit
any one at that time, unless it were a special bene
factor or person of high rank; and then let there be
reading during the meal, even though it were a day of
general Communion.1
At table let no one ask for anything special: for this
would be a great scandal ; it is the Superior's duty to see to
the wants of every one.
In the sermons and instructions we should always speak
respectfully of every one, particularly of ecclesiastics and
of those of high birth. When a priest wishes to go to
confession, let everything else be laid aside, in order to
wait upon him.
Let the Superiors attentively watch that the preaching be
done in the simplest manner, without ostentation, without
far-fetched phrases and high-sounding words. They
should punish those that fail in this point, and if no amend
ment follows, the delinquent should be forbidden to preach,
even in the middle of the mission. It is simplicity that
has made us succeed in our missions up to the present
time. Let him that shows eagerness to obtain any office,
be refused, and let such conduct be regarded as a scandal.
He that manifests such desires, will never produce fruit, for
1 To understand these rules made by our saint, it must be re
marked that in Italy, and especially in the kingdom of Naples, the
missionaries usually lived in a house by themselves, in which they
were served by a lay-brother, who accompanied them for this pur
pose.
1776.] Letter 8 $6. 167
God does not assist the proud. No one should go on a
mission for the sake of preaching and being seen, but only
in obedience to Superiors, and to win souls to Jesus Christ.
Every month, during the time of the missions, each one
must also make a retreat of one or two days, as has
always been the custom.
It is not expedient that all the Fathers of the house
should go on missions, a selection should be made. Let
the regulations that I have made on this subject be read.
Finally, I especially recommend the work of the missions
to all those that are charged with it. Let attention be paid
to all that I have said, and let all former customs be
observed, so that every fault may be avoided in this work.
It would be better to stop the missions than to give them
to the injury of the right spirit, with which we should be
animated, and to the disedification of the faithful.
I remind all, particularly the Rectors, that we must
exactly observe all that has been prescribed by his Majesty,
the Catholic king, in his royal ordinance of 1752. Be
convinced, that to resist the orders of the prince, is to
oppose the will of God himself.,
I charge the consciences of the Rectors with the duty
of seeing that all the subjects make every year a retreat
of ten days, to which they are obliged by the Rule, and
which they should make before going on the missions.
These ten days of retreat should be made without interruption,
unless a cause evidently necessary obliges them to divide it.
If we do not acquire piety for ourselves, we cannot
communicate it to others. For this reason all the subjects,
even when they remain at home, should every month make
a day of retreat. In order to exempt themselves from this,
some say, that they are already much given to melancholy ;
but this disposition vanishes, if we converse with God. I
recommend this day of retreat also for the lay-brothers;
they have greater need of it than others, because domestic
1 68 General Correspondence. [PART i.
occupations are of such a nature, that they give them much
distraction.
There must also be a Zelator in the house according to
ancient custom. Let him be a prudent subject and ad
vanced in years. Let there be a Chapter of faults every
Monday. If this be omitted, let the Admonitor notify me.
I positively forbid any subject to keep linen, tobacco, or
anything else as his own property, under any pretext
whatever. I took an oath not to permit this, as you know.
Thus, let everything that comes addressed to a subject, be
delivered to the care of the Rector or the Superior of the
mission, and every Rector should remember the oath he
took in regard to this matter on entering upon his office.
This oath maintains poverty and preserves Community-life.
The Rectors must be careful, not to overwork the sub
jects by too many novenas, triduos, and similar occupa
tions. To remain absent from home too long, leads to
dissipation of mind, and injures the health.
When the Rectors send their subjects out of the house,
they should provide them with all that is necessary, and
should let them understand, that out of the house they
must not provide themselves with new things, especially
if they be costly. I wish also that there be assigned to
them the place where they are to stop on their journey,
especially at night, in order to prevent them from wander
ing to and fro and lodging wherever they may fancy.
Every month an account of conscience must be exacted.
Let this point be attended to by the Rectors, because it is but
little observed. I wish the Admonitors to be vigilant as to
the observance of this Rule, and to write me at once, if it
be neglected.
The Superiors of the houses, in which there are clerics,
should not distract these young men from their studies by
sending them outside for the purpose of preaching.
When a newly ordained priest is to receive the faculties
Letter 856. \ 69
for confession, he must not be presented to the bishop,
until information has been sent to me. I wish first
to examine him myself, or to have him examined by
others ; and if he proves himself capable, I will allow him
to be presented to the bishop of the diocese.
Permission to hear the confessions of women should not be
granted to a priest who is not yet thirty years of age,
unless he has already had the faculties ; this is also under
stood for the time of the missions. I also forbid, that
subjects be sent to hear the confessions of religious that are
cloistered, unless I have given them express permission.
Rectors must be very strict about this point, and they must
not often send even those that have been approved by me.
The Consultation must be held every month, as the Rule
directs, and an account of the receipts and expenses of the
house must be rendered. Let us show ourselves very
faithful in observing this point, and never give occasion
to any subject to complain.
We should not, through mere fancy, incur expenses;
nor should any subject be permitted to do so. Every time
that the expenses, even those that are necessary, exceed
ten ducats, or if they are to be repeated, they should be
subjected to a consultation ; and, if those that consult, do
not agree, the Rector should positively abstain from incur
ring those expenses. But in this case the older Fathers
may be asked, and then the expenses may be rejected or
approved according to their opinion.
Permission must not be granted to the subjects to go to
Naples or elsewhere without a real necessity ; much less
should they be allowed to visit their families. If urgent
business requires them to depart, and obliges them to be
away from home more than eight days, I must be informed
of the matter by letter ; and then I will fix the time of absence
in proportion to the importance of the case. Experience
proves that dissipation of mind usually arises from a want
170 General Correspondence. [PARTI.
of seclusion and from anxiety about temporal affairs, which
should be attended to by laymen rather than by ecclesias
tics.
I warn all those, that are at Naples, not to make useless
visits, and not to spend the night elsewhere than in our
own house. We must not take meals outside of the house
without the permission of the Superior. Let every one
return to the house before the Angelus in the evening ; and
the half-hour's meditation, to be made in common, should
not be omitted in the evening.
For the examination of young men, wishing to be re
ceived, two periods of the year have been fixed, namely,
the month of June and the month of September. The
Rector, however, should not send to me those that have
not sufficient capacity and all the other requisite qualifica
tions.
I exhort all the Superiors of the houses and of the
missions to watch over the conduct of the subjects, in order
to see that they lead a truly exemplary life, and that they
observe not only the Rule, but also all our pious and
ancient customs.
In case of breach of observance (I mean when the matter
is of moment), if the culprit should not amend after having
been reprimanded, I must be informed of this, in order
that I may remedy it. I am frightened by the faults of the
subjects, more than by the persecutions that assail us. I
also entreat each one to fear lest the Lord should also expel
him, as he has lately expelled several. I love all the
subjects, but I cannot bear with those that will not amend.
This would give me scruples of conscience, and I cannot
damn myself for any one.
I desire that this letter should be read in Chapter before
all the subjects of each house, that each one may be attentive
to his duty. This letter should be kept and read every
i7?6.] Letter 8 57 . 171
year in the month of October, before the Fathers set out
on the missions.
Tannoia, "Life of St. Alphonsus", Book iv., Chapter vi.
LETTER 857.
To Father Pietro Paolo Blasucci, at Frosinone.
Fall of Tanucci. — Recommendations relative to the houses
established in the Pontifical State.
|
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph!
NOCERA, November 4, 1776.
There has occurred at Naples an event which creates
great excitement. I will relate it to you in all its details.
On Saturday, October 26, our king received an order
from his father, the Catholic king; and on the following
day he communicated to Marquis Tanucci the instructions
that had come from Spain.
We are ignorant of the tenor of the note addressed
to Tanucci; we know only the decree addressed to the
Marquis della Sambuca, son of Camporeale. I have re
ceived a copy of it; it is couched in the following terms:
"The king has recognized in the person of your Excel
lency all the qualities {I pass over some superfluous words}
required for the high functions of government; you have
given sufficient proofs of this in the exercise of your
ministry. He has, therefore, chosen you for his Coun
sellor of State, and has conferred upon you at the same
time (with the salaries attached to these different offices)
the Secretariate of State and of the royal house, the super
intendence of the post-offices, the freehold lands, the Junta
of Abuses, and the administration of the property of the
Jesuits, which functions have been hitherto exercised by
Marquis Tanucci. Orders have been given to Marquis
172 General Correspondence. [PARTI.
Tanucci to transfer to your Excellency all that regards his
department.— Naples, October 26, 1776. — Carlo de Mar
co."
Prince di Camporeale has also received another note from
the king. His Majesty tells him that he dispenses him
from attending the Council of State in view of his advanced
age ; but that in consideration of his services he gives him
the gratuity or salary of Counsellor of State during his life.
The prince has felt very much mortified by this measure,
but he consoles himself with the high dignity conferred on
his son.
The blow that has struck Tanucci has, they say, come from
Vienna, from Rome and also from France. Such is the
world. Tanucci has remained Counsellor of State and
Superintendent of foreign affairs ; but I am now told that
the foreign affairs will also be intrusted to Sambuca.
Judge of the agitation that reigns in the whole city
of Naples ! May God draw from this his greater glory !
I am now reading one of your letters, that is, the third
without date, and am now fully informed. I do not send
you any instructions; you have everything in your own
hands, my dear Father, and your prudence will suffice
for all.
I learn with regret that Father Criscuoli has not yet
arrived ; sickness has, no doubt, detained him somewhere
on the road, as three weeks have already elapsed since his
departure from this place.
Please tell the Fathers of Scifelli, that, if the Passionist
missionaries come to visit them, they should receive them
with the greatest cordiality.
I will write to Father Lauria and recommend to him the
missions of Sicily.
I am happy that Father Leggio is quiet and content. I
send him a special blessing.
1776.] Letter 8 '57. 173
But one thing pleases me still more ; it is, that under the
poor roof of your little house all the Community acts of the
Rule are observed. Excellent sign ! On the contrary,
here in the kingdom, I am pained to see a relaxation from
the primitive observance ; but I hope to see it regain its
vigor before my death.
As for myself, I can say, that I am in better health
at the age of eighty-one than I was ten years ago.
Our lawsuit is always at the same point; but the present
change of the ministry strongly increases our hopes of hav
ing peace.
At present, our Fathers are giving a mission at Caserta.
The bishop, Mgr. Filomarino, is delighted; he has even
said that he wished to secure for us a house at Caserta ; but
these are only beautiful thoughts. He has strongly recom
mended us to D. Carlo de Marco, and he will also recom
mend us to the king, or at least to the new prime minister,
when they all will be at Caserta on the yth instant. May
God have us in his keeping !
I expect Canon Roberto in a few days ; he is to bring me
some money. If you desire pecuniary help, you must tell
me, for I am heartily attached to Frosinone.
As for your missions, it is very probable that you will be
asked to give missions to the hamlets of Sora. I learned
some time ago, that a mission is expected at San Germane.
Father de Paola has been so informed.
I believe it would be conducive to the glory of God,
if we made a prudent application to the Abbot of Monte
Casino. He had manifested the desire of having missions
from us, in case we would consent to give them on his
lands. The glory of God, I repeat, would be promoted
by these labors, for the hamlets, of which I speak, are
extremely poor in spiritual help. I would not hesitate,
then, to have one or the other mission given entirely at our
1 74 General Correspondence. [PART i.
expense, and I would send you the amount that you would
need.
A word in regard to Abate Eugenio. It would be well
for one of you to go to speak to him at Rome at an
opportune time, after his stay in the country is over. Per
haps you might go there yourself in company with
another Father. Reflect on this and do what you think
best.
The affairs at Frosinone appear to be sufficiently ar
ranged; in the course of time, and especially after the
bishop's return, they will be arranged even better.
It would be well, it seems to me, to celebrate a novena
preparatory to the feast of the Presentation by preaching
every day on the Blessed Virgin. At least let a novena be
given before Christmas with sermons and exposition of the
Blessed Sacrament. This kind of exercises wonderfully
reanimates fervor, and attracts even persons that are not
devout. But in all these points I rely on your prudence,
and I bless you and your companions.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
After the original preserved in our convent at Dongen,
Holland.
LETTER 858.
To Father Angelo Maione, at Naples.
Counsels relative to the Sarnelli lawsuit.— A danger to be
avoided.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
[NoCERA, November 4, 1776.]
The mistake has been cleared up: it is not Marquis
Tanucci, but the Prince of Camporeale, who has received a
dispensation from attending the royal Council.
To come now to our own affairs.
i776.] Letter 8 $8. 175
Celano arrived here this evening. He had an interview
with Lione, and the latter told him that we were safe.
On the subject of the report, the note added by you to
that of Capolongo, has afforded me pleasure. I now
expect the answer that Ruggiero will make, when he has
spoken to President Baldassare *; but, before all, I beg you
to go to see Don Niccola Vivenzio, and urge him strongly
to visit the president; and, as soon as possible, give him
the enclosed letter that I have addressed to him. An
interview with Baldassare and Lione will advance our affairs
more than a thousand conversations of Celano or of others ;
we should, therefore, show Vivenzio the greatest defer
ence.
My heart is filled with joy, for it appears to me to be
certain that the Blessed Virgin wishes us to come forth from
this trial safe and sound.
In the matter of news, write me that which regards the
safety of the Congregation ; for, as to outside news, it is
said that the astounding revolution of the day has already
had, and will yet have, many consequences. If anything
important should happen, do not fail to inform me of it.
In the meantime let us place ourselves in our Lord's
hands, and let us pray that only that may happen, which
will promote his greater glory.
Monsignor di Caserta,2 being satisfied with our missions,
has recommended us to Don Carlo de Marco. He even
says that he will try to have us established at Caserta.
These are beautiful and pious projects, but impossible to
execute at the present time.
A very important remark. When we solicit in behalf of
our lawsuit the recommendation of certain ladies, let us be
careful not to solicit them from persons who may be resting
under any evil suspicion. God indeed wishes that we
1 Don Baldassare Cito, President of the Council.
2 Mgr. Niccolo Filomarino.
176 General Correspondence. [PARTI.
should employ all honest means ; but he does not wish that
we should employ means that may give occasion to sin or
create a suspicion of it ; only on this condition will he lend
us his aid. Your Reverence will understand me, and I
need not explain myself further.
I bless you and remain . . .
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
[P. S.~\ What follows I write on account of Father
Caione. Read the letter destined for Vivenzio; then
close it.
It will be useless for you to send me a copy of the note
addressed to Tanucci ; for Don Gaetano Celano has already
acquainted me with its contents.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
LETTER 859.
To Father Pietro Paolo Blasucci, in the House at Frosinone.
Various negotiations concerning the house at Frosinone.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
[NoCERA, November n, 1776.]
I have written a long letter by way of Rome and have
intrusted it to Don Francesco Massoni, who left us yester
day. The letter is addressed to Father de Paola; but I
have told the latter to read the whole of it to you, for it is
principally to you that I intended to address it.
Here is an abridgment of its contents. Massoni is of
opinion that the affair of the Pontifical approbation should
absolutely be terminated as soon as possible, and that the
iron should be struck while it is hot ; for, if now we have
well-founded hopes, they may disappear in the course
of time. This is also my opinion.
If you have ever been of a different opinion, let me know
the fact. I, moreover, think that at the present time we
i7?6.] Letter 859. 177
should give up the missions, if this be necessary, or rather
should defer them and conclude the principal affair, that
of the foundation. Hence, in one of my letters I said that
you should at once call upon Abate Eugenic in company
with another Father (the best one would be Father Con-
stanzo, who has already treated with him) ; and thus this
affair could be concluded.
According to what the Abate says, it is to the Dataria
that we must address ourselves. I have, therefore, written
two letters, one to the Pope to beg him for the favor
of the approbation, the other to the present Datario,
Cardinal Negroni, to ask him to support my request with
the Sovereign Pontiff. I saw this Cardinal at the time
of my consecration, and since that time he has honored me
with his sincere friendship.
You will receive from Rome these two letters through
Don Francesco Massoni. I did not close them, so that
you might be able to read them before sending them to
their address.
Nevertheless, I send you by way of greater precaution
two sheets bearing my signature, in order that you may
put these two letters in a better form, if you think proper.
You should, moreover, take counsel at Rome with Abate
Eugenio on all these points by calling upon him in person ;
for, according to my opinion, it would perhaps be better to
transact everything with the Pope and the Datario without
using my letters.
When you have decided to set out for Rome, let me
know whether you are going to stay with Signer Massoni,
as has been arranged.
Before your departure, it will be necessary, or at least
proper in my opinion, for you to go to see the bishop
and ask his counsel, if only not to disoblige him after the
great services he has rendered us.
Signor Francesco Massoni has said that, if the expense
178 General Correspondence. [PARTI.
for expediting the Brief was fifty scudi, that of the Dataria
will perhaps be double. He has, therefore, wished, in
order to save expense, to procure for us the approbation by
way of the Congregation of Bishops and Regulars, or of the
Congregation of the Council.
But this idea does not please me ; for the Congregation
of Bishops has Cardinal Carafa for its Prefect, and the latter
is not favorable to us, he has in some way even declared
himself against us. As for the Congregation of the Coun
cil, it would certainly save us the expense; but I do not
know whether we should succeed so easity by this way, as,
according to Abate Eugenio, we should by way of the
Dataria.
The Bishop of Veroli can give us good advice on this
point. In a doubt, moreover, it will always, it seems to
me, be better to choose the safer side in this matter ; for, as
to the question of expenses, God will come to our aid ; the
more so since, when once the favor has been granted, we
may easily obtain from the Pope a diminution. The Data-
rio is, besides, my friend, and he will have a word to say.
Reflect on all this, my dear Father, and give me then all
the news.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
[/*. S.~\ In the beginning of the foundation Father
Constanzo wrote to me, that a priest, named Ciceroni, wished
to give us a piece of land next to our present little church,
where we thought of building so as to enlarge the convent.
But I hear nothing more of this land of Ciceroni. I was
told that he is waiting for the consent of his brother.
Let me know how the case stands, for this piece of land
seems to be necessary; and, if the brother is opposed to
giving his consent, see whether you cannot influence him
through some friends.
I have also learned that the Bishop of Sora wishes to
favor our houses, in the diocese of Veroli, and to assign the
i7?6.] Letter 8 '5 'p. 179
revenues, that were bequeathed by the Duke of Sora, to
provide for the expenses of the mission.
As long as we do not take pen in hand, and do
not make out a written and formal act of acceptation,
we may go ahead, because we are not bound to render
an account of the act of another (de facto alieno). But,
if it be required that we should accept the bequest by
a positive act, we could not accept it, since the bequest
would be made in the kingdom; otherwise we would
incur the same accusation that we incurred when we
formerly accepted at Benevento the bequest made for the
missions. , We, therefore, do not bind ourselves by any
act; but, on the other hand, when money is furnished us,
we shall use it to give missions, without, however, acquiring
any right to the aforesaid revenues.
The foregoing had been written, when I received a letter
from Vicar-General Spoto (he has undoubtedly also written
to you). He announces that the Junta of Palermo has
rendered a decision altogether in favor of Campofranco. 1
Amen! and the missions at Girgenti fall to the ground.
How incredible ! Marquis Tanucci said that the hundred
ounces in no way belonged to Campofranco ; and, neverthe
less, he intrusts the affair to the council of Palermo, which
he knew was quite favorable to Campofranco. But Ta
nucci has now nothing more to do in this matter.2 Signer
Spoto wished that you should come to Naples as soon as
Cardinal Branciforte 3 arrives. I answered him that you
could not leave the affairs that you had in hand ; but that
on the arrival of the Cardinal at Naples, I would have
1 Mgr. Andrea Lucchesi had established an annual income for the
missions of our Fathers at Girgenti ; but, as we have said (Letter
599, vol. ii., page 311), Prince Campofranco did all he could to
annul the arrangement made by the pious prelate.
2 He was no longer Minister of State.
3 Antonio Colonna Branciforte, Bishop of Girgenti since April 15,
1776, was created Cardinal on September 26, of the same year.
1 80 General Correspondence. [PART i.
Father Maione to speak to his Eminence. I have also
written a very strong letter to the Cardinal ; but I do not
count much on him, the more so since now Campofranco
will have in his favor the new minister, Marquis della Sam-
buca.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
LETTER 860.
To the Same.
Negotiations relative to the house at Frosinone. — Benevo
lence of Pope Pius VI. towards the saint and the Congrega
tion. — Various affairs.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
[NOCERA, December 3, 1776.]
I have read your letter ; it bears neither date nor signa
ture.
All goes well, and all will be accomplished according to
your desire. I have, therefore, forbidden Massoni to make
application to the Congregation of Bishops and Regulars,
to the Congregation of the Council, or to Cardinal Negroni,
before acquainting you with everything.
I will, then, write to Massoni, that I wish to adhere to
the first manner of proceeding, namely, that of the Dataria,
which we have entered upon through Abate Eugenio, and
I will add, that Massoni himself should not say a word
about our affairs to a living soul. Be, then, without anxie
ty concerning Massoni ; he will not interfere in the least in
the affair of the approbation.
You are right; to-morrow I will leave orders at
Naples for eight hams, four pieces of cheese, and a box
of sweetmeats. As for the latter article, I wish it to be
of the best, and Abate Eugenio will receive from me a box
of excellent gingerbread and a cake of roasted almonds. I
i7?6.] Letter 860. 181'
will purchase the best quality, in order that nothing may be
spoilt on the road, and the sweetmeats may arrive at Rome
in a good condition. Enough on this subject.
I am writing to-day to Naples to procure two bills
of exchange of twenty and of fifty ducats. For greater
security, in case they should be lost on the way, Father
Villani has advised me to have them made payable only
after the middle of January.
I expected from Canon Roberto, that is, from Sant' Agata,
a large sum of money ; but I have not received more than two
hundred and sixty ducats, and the house at Nocera has
already sixty ducats to buy oil and wine, which they
needed. I hope, however, to have one hundred and fifty
ducats more in the month of March, and perhaps sooner.
I tell you all this in order that you may take into account
the expenses, which you must incur to pay the Dataria for
the approbation ; we shall, perhaps, not be able to settle
this matter for less than one hundred and fifty scudi.
In case of need, however, and if you must have a
larger sum, I will try to borrow it, and if necessary, at
interest.
Take care, then, to inform me ; for, till the sale of grain
(which will take place in October of next year) I will be
able to draw but little from Sant' Agata, but always write
to me; I will try every possible means to keep you from
being embarrassed.
I send you at once the two bills of exchange, and when
you wish to have more money, write to me; I will send
you at once whatever I have. You will find enclosed the
two bills ; please acknowledge their receipt.
As regards the bequest of Sora, here is what I think.
We cannot make in writing either a contract, or an act
of acceptance. But, if the bishop or the Duke of Sora
should wish to bequeath to us the sum in question, it is
ii*
1 82 General Correspondence. [PART i.
certain, that as long as we do not draw up an act of ac
ceptance, we are not responsible for the deeds of another.
In reference to the missions in Sicily, Father Maione is
expecting Cardinal Branciforte every day. When the latter
arrives, he will give him the letter that I wrote in concert
with Don Gaetano Celano. May God take care of the
rest! As for the missions that are to be given, either at
San Germano, or in the Romagna, take the measures that
appear to you to be most suitable.
Lately I sent to the Pope my last two little works, the
Conduct 1 and the Theological Dissertations. The Pope
has answered me by a letter, of which I send you a copy.
You will see with pleasure what kindness he exhibits to me,
and also what affection he bears towards the Congregation.
However, I recommended the latter only in a general way
without referring to the approbation of Frosinone or to
anything else. Read it and have our companions to read
it.2
1 The saint had dedicated to the Sovereign Pontiff the work
entitled : " Wonderful Conduct of Divine Providence in Saving Men
through Jesus Christ."
2 The letter of the Sovereign Pontiff was couched in these terms:
"Pius P. P. VI.
To Our Venerable Brother, health and apostolic benediction.
If We have shown you Our liberality in increasing your pension
and in diminishing the expenses of expediting the pension, a
liberality for which you thank Us most sincerely in your letter, you
have, it seems to Us, worthily responded by sending Us two little
works which you have offered Us, and of which one has even been
dedicated by you to Us personally. Nothing could be more grateful
nor more acceptable to Our heart, and We are more thankful for
them, than if you had offered Us most precious and magnificent
presents. We have as yet only looked over and cast a rapid glance
at the pages of these volumes, promising to read them attentively as
soon as Our innumerable occupations will permit Us to take breath.
We, however, do not doubt that there shines forth in them in a
i776.] Letter 8 y6o. 183
As Abate Eugenio is, at present, negotiating this affair
of the approbation, it is needles for you, dear Father, to
go to Rome. I thought that you would have to go there
to treat and to conclude with him this negotiation; but,
since he writes to you in terms so benevolent, and is even
going, as you say, to send you a copy of the Bull, your
journey can well be deferred.
I say deferred; for I look upon the journey as necessary,
as soon as the approbation has been obtained. This will be
the means of making known to the Sovereign Pontiff some
members of the Congregation, who can be recommended
for their talent and their ability ; for, so far the Pope knows
no one except me, and me he knows only by name and
through correspondence. He has only seen Father Lendi
and some others when they went to Rome in the Holy
Year.
This is the reason why the Pope should have a prolonged
interview with you, that he may receive from you a
detailed account of our work, and of the difficulties raised
against us by our adversaries at Naples. Otherwise the
Sovereign Pontiff can form no exact idea of the utility
of our work.
Crippled as I am, I cannot call upon the Pope, and the
manner the indefatigable and very ardent zeal, which urges you to
provide with all your power for the wants of the flock of Christ ; for,
if you have abdicated the episcopate, you have certainly abdicated
neither the courage nor the solicitude of a bishop. As for your
request made to Us that we should grant Our protection and that
of the Holy See to the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, it
is just, and in view of your signal piety, it is nothing that We are
not ready, willingly to grant to you and to this Congregation. In
the meantime, Venerable Brother, receive as a sincere pledge of Our
love for you the apostolic blessing, which We give you with all Our
heart.
Given at Rome, at S. Maria Maggiore, November 16, 1776, the
second year of Our Pontificate.
To Our Venerable Brother Alfonso de Liguori, Bishop.
184 General Correspondence. [PART i.
time is not far distant, when I must pass into eternity. It
is you who have to maintain the work ; consequently, it is
you who should make it known. I believe, that I have
sufficiently explained myself, and have no need to say more.
I bless you, dear Father, and all your companions. I
beg you to write to me, not regularly every week, but as
often as possible ; for the letters that I receive from Naples
and from Sicily, afford me but little consolation.
As for the box of sweetmeats, I intend to send it at the
same time with the other eatables. I intend to spend for it
at least five or six ducats, for I wish everything to be good
— the gingerbread selected by the nuns, the cake of roasted
almonds, and the like. I desire, moreover, everything to
be hard, so as to bear the journey, otherwise all will be
spoiled when reaching Rome.
As to sending all these things, we had better wait till the
feast of St. Lucia, when the nuns offer their presents to the
Cardinal. The apothecary will bring them, and it is from
him that this box should be procured. All will, then, arrive
at Rome about Christmas.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
[/*. S.~\ The hams are now being procured. The whole
will be forwarded to Benevento, then to Frosinone.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
LETTER 86l.
To Mother Maria Raffaela della Carita, Superior of the
Redemptoristines at Sant' Agata.
He exhorts a sick nun to be patient.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
[PAGANI, December 12, 1776.]
I answer your letter in a few words.
I have heard of the illness of poor Sister Maria Francesca.
1776.3 Letter 86 1. 185
Such an illness is difficult to cure, especially when con
sumption has already advanced.
I will, however, ask God to make her well, if it be for
his glory.
I regret to see that the Sister is too anxious to become
well ; for this excessive desire may cause her numerous
temptations.
Exhort her for me to practise holy indifference, and to
place herself entirely in the hands of our Lord. It matters
not that she is young. How many persons does not God
take from this world before malice is able to pervert them !
When the sick person sees herself forsaken by her com
panions, let her think of our Lord forsaken on the cross.
But, on the other hand, the Sisters (at least the Sisters
advanced in years, who will not be afraid) should have the
charity to assist her.
Let her keep a joyful heart; she will, then, find herself
well both in soul and in body.
I bless her and you in the name of our Lord and of the
Most Blessed Virgin, and I remain, dear Mother,
Your devoted and most grateful servant,
ALFONSO MARIA DE LIGUORI, Bishop.
[P. S.~\ One word more : When the sick Sister is suffer
ing, when she feels troubled, especially, when seeing her
self abandoned, she should say: " My Jesus, it suffices that
you assist me, with you I hope to be united forever in
heaven." In this way she will not lose the fruit of her
sufferings, and she will amass for heaven treasures of merits.
An act of resignation in her pains is more profitable to her
before God than fasts without number and the most severe
disciplines.
After an old copy.
1 86 General Correspondence. [PART i.
LETTER 862.
To Father Francesco Antonio de Paola, at Frosinone.
Kind disposition of the Cardinal Archbishop of Benevento
towards the Institute. — Difficulties created for religious and
for the clergy by an ordinance of the Neapolitan govern
ment.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
[NOCERA, January 2, 1777.]
I have received your letter, and am greatly pleased to
learn that you are all in good health. As Father Blasucci
has not written to me for a long time, I was afraid that his
silence was owing to sickness.
I am also very happy, dear Father, to know that you
are well, I am equally glad that you have received the box
and the salt meats.
I send you a copy of the Homo Apostolicus for Vespasia-
ni. Tell him, that as for Moral Theology, he will find that
it contains everything. I have written to Venice for a large
work of Moral Theology; but God knows when it will
come. I also send you three copies of the Visits.
I feel so unwell that I can neither read nor write ; I have
a continual pain in the head. I have, therefore, ceased to
apply myself to anything.
I see with very great pleasure that the affair of the
approbation is doing well ; not having heard anything about
it for a long time, I feared that it had miscarried.
I am, at present, engaged in looking for the amount
of money that is to cover the expenses of this negotiation.
It is true that at this time of the year very little can be
obtained from Sant' Agata, yet I wish to procure two
hundred ducats more. I well know that the two half-year's
income falls due in October, the time \vhen the revenue is
I???.] Letter 862. 187
collected; but God, I hope, will procure for me two hundred
other ducats.
Perhaps you already know what Cardinal Banditi, the
Archbishop of Benevento, has written to us ; if you do not
know it, keep what I tell you a secret. He has written
that of the seven hundred ducats sent annually by him from
Benevento to Rome, to pay, among other things, for the
support of the Portuguese Jesuits, he will continue to send
four hundred ; it is a matter that he will arrange with the
Pope (and the Pope will grant him what he wishes). As
for the three hundred ducats that remain, he wishes to give
them to us, with the promise of giving us the other four
hundred on the extinction of the life -annuity of the Portu
guese.
The offer was not to be refused ; therefore, with one
consent Father Cimino, Father Maione, Father Vicar,
Father Mazzini, and I, have accepted it. In this way,
if our houses of the kingdom have but little income, we
shall have, at least, a house that, in the course of time,
will be able to support itself.
The Cardinal is at present negotiating the matter with
the Pope; but I am certain, that the Sovereign Pontiff will
grant what he desires, after he has forced him to take
charge of the government of Benevento.
Now about another matter.
At Naples the new government has issued a most
rigorous decree concerning the ordination of clerics. No
one of them can any longer receive Orders, if there are a
hundred priests in his native place, nor, if in his family two
brothers or uncles are priests, nor, if the patrimony of the
other brothers and uncles is inferior to that of the young
man, who desires to enter Holy Orders. In consequence
of this ordinance, we are prevented from receiving many
good young men, who have come to ask admission. The
1 88 General Correspondence. [PARTI.
Pious Workers meet with the same obstacles, and to their
great regret they cannot receive new subjects.
A thought has come to my mind and I should like to
know, my dear Father de Paola, whether you could not
communicate this thought to Mgr. di Veroli. Please, then,
to speak to him on the first occasion, and tell me the result
of your interview ; I will, then, be able to take measures.
You know that we have the greatest difficulty in sending
any one of our Fathers into the Romagna ; we have to beg
him, to entreat him. Some even refuse to go; and the
reason of all this is, that no one wishes to be at a distance
from his family.
Could not Mgr. di Veroli adopt these subjects as his own,
and attach them to one of the churches of Veroli, Frosino-
ne or Scifelli, so that he can ordain them afterwards? We
would thus attain by one journey two excellent objects : we
would detach these subjects from Naples, and we would
have them ordained in the Romagna. Otherwise, our
Neapolitan bishops, frightened as they are, would not ordain
them.
I beg you, then, to pay a visit to Mgr. di Veroli, and
inform me what answer he gave about this point; but, if he
says no, I will not be able to do anything.
I tenderly embrace Father Blasucci, and I rejoice that
the affairs begun by him, are progressing favorably.
Do not be sorry for writing to me at times. God knows
how much every letter of yours consoles me.
I bless you.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
After an old copy.
I?;?.] Letter 8 6 3- 189
LETTER 863.
To Father Deodato Criscuoli, at Scifelli.
He forbids him to preach Lenten sermons.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
[NOCERA, January 14, 1777.]
I have heard that your Reverence has accepted the
preaching of Lenten sermons at Isola, in the diocese of Sora,
and Father de Paola at Atina, in the diocese of Aquino. I
am displeased that you did not previously inform me of this
resolution.
I know very well that these Lenten exercises were not
sought for by you, and that they were offered by the
parishes; however this may be, in future I do not wish
your Reverence, or any one else, to agree to undertake
such exercises, especially in the kingdom. Our Institute
forbids this, and this kind of preaching would create jealou
sy in those that are usually engaged in it.
At all events, your Reverence must try to excuse your
self to Mgr. de Sora, and Father de Paola to the Bishop
of Aquino, by representing to them my formal prohibition
in accordance with our Rule.
I wish you to be solely engaged in missions ; they are
what God wishes us to give, and not Lenten sermons.
Obey, however great the solicitation of parishes and
bishops.
After an old copy.
General Correspondence. [PART i.
LETTER 864.
To Father Francesco Antonio de Paola, Superior of the House
at Frosinone.
The same subject,
Live Jesus \
[NOCERA, January 1777.]
My dear Francesco : I have received your letter about
the Lenten sermons that you wish to preach. Our poverty
would seem, it is true, to justify the preaching of such
sermons; but, for my part, I do not wish to violate a rule
established by our Father, Mgr. Falcoia, under such rigor
ous conditions. In fact, the strongest reasons forbid me to
accept this kind of work.
Let us abandon ourselves to Providence. God, for
whom we work, will not allow us even to be wanting a
piece of bread.
I conclude, for I do not feel very well this morning.
I bless you and remain, my dear Father . . .
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
LETTER 865.
To Father Gasparo Caione, at Caposele.
Concerning Benevento. — Apostolic labors asked for by
Cardinal Banditi.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
(Confidential^)
NOCERA, January 23, 1777.
You already know, without doubt, that the Archbishop
of Benevento is trying at the present time to induce the
1777-3 Letter 865. 1 9 1
Pope to give us the house of the Jesuits in that city with
the seven hundred ducats of revenue attached to it. Of this
sum he would give us three hundred ducats in the begin
ning, and the balance of four hundred, would revert to us
at the death of the Portuguese Jesuits, to whose support it is
now applied.
The archbishop has written to us that he wished to have
us in Passion week for his ecclesiastical retreat, and for a
retreat to the people in the church where he resides. Your
Reverence is appointed to give the first of these retreats,
Father Acerra [Lacerra] is to give the second. Of this
arrangement I now give you notice.
I have learned that the climate of Caposele does not
agree with Father Acerra ; it would, therefore, be well to
send him to Ciorani.
Please acknowledge the receipt of this letter, so that I
may be without disquietude on the subject of the retreats
of which I speak.
At Rome, in the Congregation of the Dataria the appro
bation of the house of Frosinone and that of S. Cecilia
[Scifelli] has been proposed; it has been accepted with
common consent, without difficulty, and I expect to receive
a copy of the Bull shortly.
We shall have to pay a good round sum for this
Bull, and my pension is not paid regularly ; nevertheless, I
hope to find the necessary amount to discharge this debt.
I conclude , Reverend Father , by giving you my
blessing.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
\_P. SJ] I now learn that you intend during Lent to
preach to the Congregation of Nobles at Salerno. But, as
I have told you, you must necessarily go to Benevento in
Passion week. You should previously excuse yourself to
those gentlemen of Salerno; for it is much more important
for us to satisfy Cardinal Banditi, who, if I mistake not,
192 General Correspondence. [PARTI.
wishes to profit by this occasion to begin the foundation
projected by him.
A word now about the hundred ducats which that woman
has given you. Write to Scifelli that the hundred ducats
should be kept there. I will return them to this person
here in the kingdom . * I cannot pay this amount at
once, but will do so gradually, as my pension has not yet
been paid. I send you only twenty-five ducats through the
Brother (for the poor woman is somewhat in straitened
circumstances). In a short time you will receive the
balance of seventy-five, which I am expecting to obtain
very soon.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
LETTER 866.
To Father Francesco Antonio de Paola, at Frosinone.
He rejoices to learn that the Pontifical approbation has
been given to the house at Frosinone.
Live Jesus and Mary !
[About January 24, 1777.]
About six o'clock this evening, I received your letter
announcing that, when the Pro-Datario proposed the ap
probation, it was granted. We should, therefore, humbly
prostrated before our Lord, thank him for this signal favor.
I have written to Mgr. di Veroli, and have thanked him
in the warmest terms; for it is he that has done all this.
I thought that the approbation would have offered more
guarantees, had it come directly from the Pope; but, they
tell me, that all approbations for the Romagna are given in
1 St. Alphonsus did not wish that his Congregation should be
accused of having drawn money from the kingdom of Naples ; it
was, it may be remembered, a thing that was strictly forbidden by
the Neapolitan government. See Letter 741, vol. ii., page 507.
I??;.] Letter 8 66. 193
this manner and that they offer perfect security. As for
Frosinone, the security is so much the greater as the
foundation has had for itself both the previous consent
of the municipality and the right of possession conferred by
the bishop.
Father Blasucci will, I think, be satisfied with this
approbation; for the other houses at Rome have not
been approved in any other manner; this is what I am told
and what Mgr. di Veroli says. We should necessarily
accommodate ourselves to the usages followed in these
matters.
Yes, certainly, as soon as you have been informed of the
amount of the expense for expediting the Bull, write to me ;
I hope to send you at once the whole amount. But let me
know, in what form you wish to have it. I prefer a bill
of exchange ; you must tell me, whether you wish to have
one bill or several.
As for the claim for patronage made by the \Jiere a
word is left out, having been torn from the original^ try to
forego it ; for, I should not wish to be embarrassed on this
account. As for the books, I will write to Brother Michele
[Ilardo].
You would like, you say, to offer a piece of linen to
lawyer Buonpiani. Slowly, if you please, for I must first
collect all the money necessary to pay for the Bull, in
order that I may not fall short.
I have here nine canne l of linen for six shirts ; it is a
present destined for some one, who, however, will not
make use of it. See whether these nine canne might not
suffice for the present. In this case I would send them at
once ; for, in order to receive my pension, I should have to
wait till the month of October, when the grain becomes
ripe. Write to me about this matter.
1 The Neapolitan canna is a linear measure, equal to a little more
than two yards.
194 General Correspondence. [PARTI.
I intend to use my pension more to aid my brethren
in the Romagna, than to aid those in the kingdom.
As the two houses of Frosinone and Scifelli are now
firmly established, I should like to make that contract with
Araldi,1 about which you know. The rent is undoubtedly much
higher than the revenue ; we must consider whether, in the
course of time, the land may be made to procure for us a larger
income. Hence, if really there would be no hope of secur
ing in time any great gain, why should we make a contract
that would oblige us every year to make up the loss with
our own money? This is just what Father Blasucci has
written to me.
Examine well this matter, so that I may make arrange
ments accordingly.
I bless you, my dear Father, and remain . . .
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
LETTER 867.
To the Same.
Happy news concerning the Congregation. — Affairs at
Scifelli.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, January 28, 1777.
This morning I received your letter of January 20, with
a copy of the petition. According to what you tell me, the
Bull of approbation is nearly drawn up.
I now expect a copy of this Bull and the bill of expenses ;
I will send at once the needed amount.
I have not yet been able to draw the rest of my pension ;
1 The Araldi family belonged to Veroli ; Abate Arnauld and,
later on, Father Landi bought from it various tracts of land.
Letter 86 7. 195
but do not be disturbed, as I will find the means of sending
you all the money that is required. In the meantime, I am
continually occupied in thanking Jesus and Mary for the
precious favors that they are granting me during the last
days of my life.
I have had the fever during four days in consequence
of catarrh of the chest ; but I am better, and the fever has
left me.
The news from Naples in reference to the Sarnelli lawsuit
is also good. We had offered a new petition, and accord
ing to our wish, the case has been sent back [from the Junta
of Abuses] to the royal Chamber.1 Things have now
changed. May Jesus and Mary be forever blessed !
When Father Blasucci returns, tell him that I have given
orders to Father Caione to return the hundred ducats
given to him by that woman. I have begun to pay them ;
but remember that we are no longer charged with saying
Masses in honor of St. Lucy.
Don Francesco Massoni has written to me. He has
found the two bills amounting to about three hundred
ducats, which we are to pay to Signer Bisleti for expenses
connected with the little forest at S. Cecilia [Scifelli]. In
the month of October, when I draw my pension, I intend
to pay off those three hundred ducats.
As regards the lands of Araldi, I ask you once more to
tell me what revenues they produce. According to what
your Fathers first told me, they produce annually twenty-
two ducats; 2 but Father Blasucci afterwards wrote to me
that the annual rent exceeded the income ; in his opinion
these lands could not yield more. Fathers Cimino and
Villani, however, tell me that the contract would always be
useful, and I am inclined to make it.
1 A favorable rescript was, in fact, issued on the 7th of the follow
ing March.
2 93.50 frs.
196 General Correspondence. [PART i.
I beg you, therefore, to obtain exact information about
all the circumstances, so that when the time comes, I may
be able to arrange matters. Do not, however, let it be
known that this contract is my work or the work of any one
of us.
Now, I must ask your advice on another point; since
such a contract would be useful, I would like you to tell me
how it is to be made without incurring the displeasure
of Father Blasucci, who is opposed to it. Here is another
point. Campanaro has consented that the debt contracted
may be gradually cancelled by paying fifty ducats every
year ; this appears to me to be very advantageous. Yet,
when you have obtained information also on this point,
send it to me, and do not let Father Blasucci see that you
are actively engaged in this matter.
As to the house at Girgenti, I have learned that the
Consultors at Palermo had made a statement in favor
of Campofranco ; but the Archbishop of Palermo, to whom
I have written, answered me that this news was false.
I should very much like to have Father Blasucci make
a careful inquiry about this affair.
Father Maione, at Naples, has been expecting Cardinal
Branciforte for several months. He is to deliver to him a
letter from me and to speak to him about Girgenti ; but the
Cardinal has not yet appeared in the capital. Perhaps, as
the archbishop says, he will hardly go to Girgenti.
I conclude, my dear Father, by giving you my blessing.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
After an old copy.
I777-] Letter 868. 197
LETTER 868.
To the Same.
Joy on the issue of the Bull of approbation for the house at
Frosinone. — Measures and precautions to be taken.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, February 3, 1777.
The Bull has at last appeared ! May God be praised !
In reference to the hundred and fifty ducats, I have
sent to Father Blasucci the hundred ducats offered by
Father Caione's penitent and accepted by us with the
obligation, of celebrating a hundred Masses at the house
at S. Cecilia [Scifelli].
Father Blasucci and I believed that we should restore the
hundred ducats, in order not to incur the reproach of having
drawn money from the kingdom ;! and I hear that Father
Criscuoli 2 has received this money. Have it, then, re
turned by the Father, for I have taken upon myself (so I
have written to Father Caione) the debt of the hundred
ducats, of which I have already paid a part.
As for the other fifty ducats, I send you the enclosed bill
of exchange. I thought that the expense would not reach
one hundred and fifty ducats, but what made it amount to so
much, was, we believe, the confirmation of our privileges.
Let us without ceasing thank the Lord for all the favors
that he has granted us and for those that he will yet
grant us.
Through the same messenger from Benevento I also
send to lawyer Buonpiani the nine canne of linen, and the
three volumes of my works on the Heresies. I have added
a letter of thanks.
1 This was strictly forbidden, and the Neapolitan government
would have found matter for new persecution. See Letter 741,
vol. ii., page 506.
2 Father Criscuoli was Superior of the house at Scifelli.
13*
198 General Correspondence. [PART \.
Father Blasucci is not of opinion that we should make
any purchase of Araldi ; but I have written to him that in
doing this we do not draw money from the kingdom ; at
least, it does not seem to be so. What appears to be clear,
is, that we burden ourselves with the rent that Araldi was
paying to Campanaro.
According to the terms of the Bull, I am told, only the
house at Frosinone is approved. I should be of opinion,
in order to provide for your security, that the Araldi-
Campanaro contract should be made by the house at
Frosinone. In this way we should not have to fear that a
new bishop, by removing us from S. Cecilia, might cause
us to lose our property.
Father Blasucci said that \ve could look upon Scifelli as a
hospice of Frosinone; but this we could not do of our
selves; we should need, at least, the authority of the
present bishop. Enough on this subject ; this matter will
regulate itself better in the future.
In the meantime I bless you and remain . . .
BROTHER ALFONSO.
[P. S.~] I beg you to inform me of all the difficulties
that may arise, and do not write so rarely.
I send you in a package some pictures and some little
works on the Blessed Sacrament. They have come from
Liege,1 and I am giving a part of them to your house at
Frosinone.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
1 These were sent by Canon Henri Hennequin, who thus wrote to
St. Alphonsus, February 20, 1776: "I have had re-published here
for the greater glory of God the Visits \to the Blessed Sacrament] and
have added thereto the Aspirations, Preparation for confession, etc.;
two thousand copies have already been printed. All this will
wonderfully serve to promote the perpetual adoration of the Blessed
Sacrament, practised in this immense diocese, in the whole of
Flanders, and in many other provinces."
I???.] Letter 869. 199
LETTER 869.
To the Same.
He rejoices at the terms in which the Bull is expressed, —
Recommendations relative to a contract.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, February 15, 1777.
God be praised! I have received a copy of the Bull,
which is very good, and the reading of it has removed from
me, as well as from others, all fear that we might have
touching the security of the foundation.
Among other things, I am much pleased with the clause,
by which the Pope supplies all the conditions, which are
requisite in the other Pontifical Bulls, and which at first
frightened me; namely, the consent of the municipality,
that of the neighboring monasteries, etc. Again, may God
be praised !
Try to find out, and tell me afterwards, how one should
set about to obtain equal stability for the house at Scifelli,
at least, as a hospice of Frosinone. Please speak of this
also to Buonpiani, and tell me, whether he accepted with
pleasure the linen and the books that I sent him.
I have seen the bill of expenses; but you do not say
whether you have received from Father Criscuoli the hun
dred ducats which, added to the other fifty, will serve to
pay for the Bull.
As for the purchase of land from Araldi, it is useless to
give me counsel in this matter; I am more persuaded than
you of its necessity ; but for greater security, it will be the
house at Frosinone that will have to settle this affair.
Oh, how glad I was to hear that Father Blasucci has
embraced your opinion ! As for myself. I fear one thing
(and this fear torments me), namely, that some one may
take the matter out of our hands. But I have made up my
2OO General Correspondence. [PART i.
mind ; I will impose upon myself every sacrifice, and even
try to borrow the money, should it be at interest, in order
to conclude promptly this purchase.
Tell me frankly, whether Campanaro still desires that we
should buy that field, and whether he consents, when
making the contract, that the eight hundred scudi belong
ing to him, may be paid by us in instalments of fifty scudi
a year, as he had proposed.
In reference to the purchase from Araldi, tell me whether
the latter will be satisfied with the sum that he said would
be sufficient.
My memory is confused, and I do not well remember
what price Araldi asks of us. I am told that he first wished
to have a profit of two hundred scudi, but that afterwards
he was satisfied with one hundred and fifty.
Tell me what he wishes, whether one hundred and fifty
scudi, or one hundred, which would be equivalent to one
hundred and eighty-seven ducats and a half. ^ But it
appears to me more probable that he demands one hundred
scudi. Inform me of all, and begin to negotiate, but
secretly and carefully, so as to conclude the contract as
soon as possible. Do not, therefore, lose any time, and,
before all, write to me about this affair often, say once or
twice a week.
Mgr. de Sora * has written me a letter full of complaints.
Our Fathers, he tells me, had at first promised to preach
the Lenten sermons, then they left off altogether. He,
therefore, desires that they should preach a few sermons
at least, or give some instructions.
I have answered him that your Reverence would call
upon him and would tell him all that has happened —
governmental ordinances, inquiries by commissioners, in a
word, all the embarrassments caused by the accusations
1 796.87 frs.
2 Mgr. Giuseppe Maria Sisto y Britto, a Theatine.
1777-] Letter 86 () . 201
made against us. I beg you, then, to visit Mgr. de Sora ;
we are, moreover, under obligations to him, and I regret
that he is displeased. If, after having taken counsel with
Father Blasucci, you could during this Lent grant to the
bishop one or the other exercise, I should feel pleased ; I
leave everything to be decided by Father Blasucci. Tell
him that I embrace him ; but I do not write to him, in
order not to multiply letters, and as to the affair in question,
I rely entirely upon him.
Please tell me whether Father Blasucci approves of my
opinion of having the purchase made from Araldi, not by
the house of Scifelli, but by that of Frosinone. This
manner of arranging the affair, appears to me to be the
most satisfactory, and this for several reasons.
I pray your Reverence to answer me on all these matters
about which I have written to you, point for point; my
head feels very tired, and I may easily forget even the
most important things.
I have already told you several times, that the globe
made at Rome, must remain in the house at Frosinone.
I recommend to you once more the affair of Araldi;
begin to discuss the clauses of the contract that is to be
made with Araldi and Marquis Campanaro; but, keep the
matter secret as much as possible. Recommend it also to
Signor Araldi by telling him confidentially that we are
accused at Naples of drawing money from the kingdom ;
consequently, profound secrecy must be kept, above all, in
regard to the inhabitants of Veroli, who are not all our
friends.
I bless you again, dear Father, and also Father Blasucci.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
After an old copy.
2O2 General Correspondence. [PART i.
LETTER 870.
To Father Pietro Paolo Blasucci, at Frosinone.
He tells him to go to Naples. — Critical state of affairs
of the Congregation.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, February 21, 1777.
Hell is making the greatest efforts to accomplish the ruin
of our poor Congregation ; 1 but I confide in the Precious
Blood of our Lord , in the intercession of my good Mother
Mary, and I hope that everything will turn out to the good
of the Congregation.
As to yourself, dear Father, I ask a sacrifice of you ;
leave Frosinone as soon as possible and go to Naples to seek
Father Maione, who will tell you all. But please do not
speak to the brethren about the storm that is passing over
us ; they would be frightened.
As for the orders that you have left at your canonical
Visitation,2 I have received them, and, if I mistake not, I
have already written to you that they were very good. I
am happy to learn that they are already being observed.
In relation to the bank for grain, I am now writing to
Father Criscuoli that the Fathers should, by no means,
meddle with the administration of this bank. If Abate
Arnauld wishes to administer it during his life-time, he is
1 The report,, of which mention was made in Letter 832, had just ap
peared on February 13, after a delay of nearly three years. The Fiscal
Procurator Ferdinando di Leon tried to prove in the report that our
houses were illicit bodies; that the acquisitions made by us-, espec
ially owing to the donation of the priest Don Andrea Sarnelli, were
manifest injustices; that the doctrine of St. Alphonsus was a perni
cious doctrine; consequently he demanded the abolition of our Insti
tute. — See Tannoia, bk. iv., ch. xi.
2 Father Blasucci had made the canonical. Visitation of the houses
of Scifelli and Frosinone.
1 777-] Letter 871. 203
free to do so ; but the Fathers should not interfere. I also
send, in compliance with your wish, the ordinances that
you have made.
I beg you again to set out as soon as you can, for there
is danger in delay [periculum est in mord\. I bless you
and hope soon to hear of your arrival at Naples.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
LETTER 871.
To Father Francesco Antonio de Paola, at Frosinone.
Various orders concerning the contracts relative to the
house at Scifelli.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph!
[NOCERA, February 21, 1777.]
Father Blasucci having to go to Naples on account of an
affair that is of great importance to the Congregation, you
will, please, dear Father, follow in his absence the instruc
tions that he has left. Take, then, in a secret way the
necessary measures through Father Criscuoli to learn from
a stranger, who understands such things, the value of the
lands and the amount of their income. We could then
compare their report with the price that we would have to
pay to Signor Campanaro.
In the meanwhile, endeavor to conclude the affair and the
contract with Araldi and Campanaro, and even draw up a
sketch of the agreement that will have to be stipulated ; but
keep everything a profound secret.
Father Blasucci is right. It would, therefore, be well
that in the agreement, that is to be made with Campanaro,
the concession granted by the latter should be mentioned ;
namely, that the capital may be gradually paid by an
2O4 General Correspondence. [PART i.
annual payment of fifty scudi derived from money drawn
from the Pontifical State.
Father Blasucci also asks that the contract should be
made by the house at Scifelli, as the land in question
adjoins the garden. To this I give my consent.
Be then so kind, dear Father, as to go to Scifelli to plan
together with the other Fathers of this house the conditions
of the contract. Go afterwards to Veroli, to settle the
matter with Araldi and Campanaro, and say a word about
all this to Monsignor.
I beg you, before all, to write to me often. I bless you.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
LETTER 872.
To Cardinal Antonio Branciforte, Bishop of Girgenti, at
Naples.
He begs him to protect the Congregation of the Most Holy
Redeemer. — Short apology for his Moral Theology.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph!
[NoCERA, February 21, 1777.]
Your Eminence could easily obtain for us this
favor * from the Marquis,2 if it can be called a favor and not
a matter of justice. I firmly hope that you will obtain it for
us, before a different course is assigned to the report ; for
this might be the total ruin of our poor Congregation.
From what I hear, this report is entirely against us.
Among other things in it, it is said that my Moral Theology
is conformable to the doctrine of the Jesuits, that I hold
1 The returning of the case to the royal Chamber, and the avoiding
of the Junta of Abuses.
2 Marquis della Sambuca.
1777-] Letter 873. 205
opinions contrary to the good of the State and contrary to
the Gospel.
My Moral Theology has been approved at Naples by
both authorities; it has been reprinted six times, and at
Rome, in Spain, in Germany, and also in France, it has
met with a favorable reception.
If I well understand the rumors, that are afloat, the king,
our Master, is asked, that in view of the errors, with which
this Moral Theology is infected, the members of our Con
gregation should be forbidden to hear confessions and to
preach, as long as my book has not been examined.
In this case, all my brethren, either at Naples, or at
Girgenti, would be reduced to total inactivity.
Tannoia, Book iv., Chapter viii.
LETTER 873.
To Father Francesco Antonio de Paola, at Frosinone.
He complains of his silence.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCEKA, March 7, 1777.
I have been expecting an answer for two or three weeks
from you, and I have not yet received any.
I had written to you that I had called Father Blasucci to
Naples about a matter that greatly concerns the Congrega
tion. Father Maione had, in fact, come expressly from the
capital to beg me to send Father Blasucci.
I wrote at once to the latter; I wrote also to you, dear
Father ; but I have received no answer, either from him or
from you, and I do not know what has happened at Naples.
This makes me fear that my letter may have found you ill.
Please tell me what is the matter, and answer also about all
the points of which I have spoken to you concerning the
Araldi affair.
I conclude, for I do not know where to make myself
206 General Correspondence. [PART i.
heard, and I have already given you many details touching
other affairs.
In view of the numerous negotiations, in which we are at
present engaged, especially in that of Araldi (which I
should not like to see escaping us through our fault), I had
asked you to write to me often, at least once a week; but
you have done just the contrary.
Please let me know, if any disturbance has occurred. I
have nothing else to write to you, and I finish by saluting
you, Reverend Father, all your companions and Father
Blasucci, if he is still with you.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
LETTER 874.
To Father Angelo Maione.
Joy at the favorable sentence rendered at Naples in behalf
of the Congregation.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
[NOCERA, about March 9, 1777.]
Benedictus Dominus Deus Israel, qui facit mirabilia
solus! [Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who alone
doth wonderful things. — Ps. Ixxi. 18.]
I received the two letters, which prove a double mir
acle.1 Indeed a double miracle, for Marquis della Sambuca
had based his decree on the gravity of the circumstances,
and his preamble does not, it seems to me, aim at the
1 One of these miracles was the decree, by which the king of
Naples ordained on March 7th, that the process should again be
referred to the royal Chamber, and that the report of the fiscal law
yer should there be examined. Thus vanished in a great measure
the fear of seeing the Congregation suppressed.
I777-] Letter 874. 207
Romagna, for everything is quiet in that country. I
believe rather that there is question of Sicily and of Campo-
franco ; it is the effect of representations made by some
minister of Palermo. At present the affair is of no import
ance; but try to discover, if there is any affair pending in
the Romagna, in order that we may be on our guard.
If Mgr. Rossi has had his case fixed for the i2th, he will
probably solicit a decree that it may be taken up also on
the 1 8th ; in the meantime there is no news from Roberto.1
Would to God that the consultation had taken place on
the 22d! Even though there might have been question
of having our cause judged by the Junta of Abuses, the
evil will be much less than if judged after the consultation.
Be, however, on the loookout; for the Baron [Sarnelli]
will not fail to have recourse to another trick.
If Father Leggio is with you, or if he comes to you, tell
him that after the i5th he may go to Frosinone with the
conveyance that Father Blasucci will take to return in; so
Father Blasucci has written.
I will apply three Masses for the cause, and I have
already said one of them.
Give thanks, in my name, to Celano and Vivenzio ;
congratulate them on the energy with which they opposed
the returning of our case to the Junta of Abuses.
I bless you and remain . . .
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
After the original in possession of Cavaliere Giancarlo
Rossi at Rome.
1 As we have said, Mgr. Rossi could not take possession of the
See of Sant' Agata, till after several years, and during this interval
Canon Roberto was charged with the duty of paying the pension due
to St. Alphonsus.
208 General Correspondence. [PART i.
LETTER 875.
To Father Francesco Antonio de Paola, at Frosinone.
How he should conduct a negotiation. — Falsity of the
rumors intentionally spread by the adversaries of the Con
gregation.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, March 21, 1777.
I received your letter on the 8th of March.
The Signori Araldi l seem to be joking. After having, with
so much difficulty, lowered their price to seven hundred
ducats, now, by mutual consent, they raise it to eight
hundred ! You are right ; we must now expect them to
come to us, and not show that we are running after them.
It is, of course, understood that, should they make a new
proposition, we should accept it at once ; but you must only
say that you wish to speak to me; we shall then see what
course to pursue.
Let us keep ourselves united with God; if God does not
wish this contract, neither do we wish it. To agree to pay
eight hundred scudi, is nothing less than to engage our
selves to pay thirty-two ducats of annual rent, while the
land hardly yields twenty-two. In other words, we should
oblige ourselves to pay ten ducats every year above our
income.
But, you will say that it may happen that others will
take the land. — Let them take it! It will, however, be
difficult for others to make this contract with such a loss,
the more so, since no proprietor owns any lands near this
piece of ground. But, I hope that four or five months will
not pass by before the Signori Araldi will desire to renew the
negotiations, as Campanaro wishes to be paid.
Write me, then, about everything that may happen in
regard to this affair, and then leave all to God !
1 Canon Vincenzo Araldi and his brother Alessandro.
Letter 876. 209
We should, it seems to me, finish the payment of the
Bull. Be without solicitude. Father Blasucci, I hope,
has arrived at Naples, or he will be there in a few days.
For the present I have but little money; the month
of October, however, will bring me my two half-yearly
payments, when the grain has been sold.
Moreover, I expect to see Father Blasucci, and I will
speak to him about the sum that I am to send you. Mean
while, try to get out of the difficulties as well as you can.
The decree of our suppression is a falsehood, that
Sarnelli has spread among the people. Tell every one
that this news is a real lie, and that our affairs have taken a
favorable turn, since the report of Commissioner de Leone,
which was hostile to us, has been referred to the Chamber.
The strongest objection of the report is directed against
my Moral Theology; but I have composed a long trea
tise, l in which I reply clearly to all the false opinions, that
have been imputed to me. Tell me, what Father Blasucci
is doing ; I have learned that he is riot yet at Naples.
I bless you, my dear Father, and remain . . .
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
After an old copy.
LETTER 876.
To the Same.
Various topics.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, March 27, 1777.
Yes, I have received the letter that you have written to
me concerning the Araldi and Ciceroni affair, especially
concerning the Araldis.
1 As this treatise is a publication of Moral Theology, it Will be
found in the Special Correspondence.
14
2io General Correspondence. [PARTI.
If anything new occurs, please inform me of it immed
iately. It is, moreover, not our business to go in search
of those gentlemen ; let them come and knock at our door.
I expected that Father Blasucci would come to see me
after leaving Naples ; I would have arranged with him the
sum that I was to send you to complete the payment of the
Bull and to give you some assistance towards your support.
But he has written to me that he will come only after
a few days. In the meantime provide for your wants
in the best way you can.
I wish also to send some relief to the house at Scifelli,
where I hear there is distress. But, till the month of Oc
tober, I shall be without resources ; it is only in October
that I shall be able to touch my pension.
I had asked you to write to me by every post concerning
the Araldi affair; but, as now everything is quiet, there
will be no need of doing so ; write to me, however, should
it become necessary.
As for the disagreement, of which you speak, I do not
remember having written anything of the kind.
Father Blasucci is working at the memorial, which will
be read in the course of the process, that is, very soon.
For this occasion I have also been obliged to compose
several pages for printing. It is a real miracle that I have
not had a stroke of apoplexy.
I bless you, dear Father, and all your subjects.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
After an old copy.
I777-] Letter 8 77 . 211
LETTER 877.
To Father Angelo Maione, at Naples.
Recommendations relative to the process which is to be
pleaded.— Good effect that episcopal letters would produce.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph 1
NOCERA, April 5, 1777.
I have received your note; it contains nothing important.
I insist once again that you try to finish, as soon as
possible; slowness can do us great harm.
As for knowing, what is slowness and what is not, consult
Celano and Vivenzio.
If we wished t<^ answer in writing all the objections that
might be made against us by our adversaries or by the
ministers, we should surely need several months. Let us,
therefore, wait till they make objections and, for the
present, content ourselves with answering the principal
things.
I bless you all and remain . . .
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
IP. S.~] Speak of all this particularly to Vivenzio.
Yes, of course, you may meanwhile let Ceiano read
my writing ; show it also to Vivenzio.
I have always believed that it would be of great ad
vantage to us, if letters were addressed to the king by all
the bishops, in whose dioceses we have given missions.
A single petition, signed by all these prelates, would be,
in my opinion, less useful than the many letters written by
the bishops individually; for each one in his letter would
give the king some information of the good done in his
diocese.
Of course, these petitions should arrive at an opportune
time. We must wait for the moment when the con
sultation of the Chamber is to be submitted to the king.
212 General Correspondence. [PART i.
At present let us, then, have patience, and see what turn
affairs will take.
The bishops, it seems to me, should send these peti
tions to the secretariate of Marquis della Sambuca, and
not to that of de Marco.
Please, dear Father, give me a little advice touching
these episcopal letters. It will always be supposed, I well
know, that we have solicited them ; but, in my opinion,
they can always be useful to us, if only, to show how
many bishops take our work under their protection.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
To Don Vincenzo di Maio, Professor at the University of
Naples.
He thanks him for having sent him a copy of ordinances
of the Archbishop of Naples.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, April 28, 1777.
My dear Sir: I have received a copy of the excellent
circular of the Archbishop [of Naples] ; its compilation is,
no doubt, due to our worthy Canon Simioli, to whom I
beg you to give my kind regards. I am extremely obliged
to you for having sent it to me.
I have learned with joy that the Archbishop has again
directed the religious to give catechism ; but I fear that
they will soon give up what they have begun.
I have already sent to the printer the little work, the
revision of which was intrusted to you.1
1 The little work bears the title : " Fidelity of Subjects to God
renders them Faithful to the Prince, their Ruler." The report
I???.] Letter 879. 2 1 3
I again recommend myself to your prayers, and I beg
you to believe me always,
Your very devoted and grateful servant,
ALFONSO MARIA DE LIGUORI, Bishop,
After an old copy.
LETTER 879.
To the Members of the Congregation, called the Chinese
Congregation, at Naples.
Attestation relative to the holy life of Don Matteo Ripa,
Founder of said Congregation.
[May 24, 1777.]
I, the undersigned, Alfonso Maria de Liguori, Rector
Major of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer,
formerly Bishop of Sant' Agata de' Goti, make the follow
ing declaration. I have been requested to furnish some
information regarding the life and the virtues of Don Matteo
of the examiner, appointed by the Archbishop of Naples, was
couched in the following terms:
"Most Reverend Sir: One of the most illustrious bishops, as
renowned for his piety as for his science, Mgr. Alfonso de Liguori,
has wished still to add to the immense labors, in which he has spent
his life for the service of the Church of God. Notwithstanding the
infirmities, that weigh upon him, and listening only to the zeal,
with which he is inflamed in his extreme old age, he has composed
a little work, entitled: 'Fidelity of Subjects to God renders them
Faithful to the Prince, their Ruler.' By your order I have read this
little work, and, without speaking of the 'pleasure that it afforded
me, I have seen in it only that which serves the cause of faith and
morals. I am, therefore, of opinion that it should be printed, if it
so pleases your Grace.
I have the honor to be,
Your Grace's,
Most humble, devoted, and obedient servant,
VINCENZO DI MAIO,
NAPLES, June 23, 1777. Professor of Theology,
14*
214 General Correspondence. [PARTI.
Ripa, secular priest of the territory of Eboli (Province
of Salerno), who founded at Naples the Congregation and
the College of the Holy Family, commonly called the
Chinese College. But I am too advanced in age, and I do
not remember the particular details, that would enable me to
speak in praise of this illustrious apostle of the Gospel.1
Nevertheless, for the greater glory of God, for the edifi
cation of the Christian people, and in praise of Don Matteo
Ripa, I certify and attest, and, if need be, take an oath, as
priests are accustomed to take, that I have lived some
years in his Congregation in the quality of a pensioner,
and this at the very time when he had just founded it.
Later, I frequently had personal relations with him. Now,
all these circumstances left the impression upon me that
Don Matteo Ripa united in himself a rare combination
of Christian virtues.
In fact, who can tell how much fatigue, how many suffer
ings and expenses the long and perilous voyage to China
cost him, and the long stay of several years that he made
in that country, where, with an indefatigable zeal he pro
cured the conversion of souls, the propagation of the
Catholic faith, and the progress of good morals ! What an
important and difficult enterprise did he accomplish, when
he brought to Europe, and even to Naples, some young
Chinese from the remotest part of Asia! With them he
began, with them he finished the foundation, of which I
have spoken, and he did this at the cost of long and
numerous journeys, either to Vienna or to Rome, in spite
of a thousand dangers, a thousand obstacles that hell raised
against him. These obstacles God permitted, in order to
show to the whole world, that the aforesaid work was truly
his work, and also to enable Don Matteo Ripa, a man
1 Father Matteo Ripa died March 29, 1746, at the age of sixty-
four.
I???.] Letter 8 ?$. 215
chosen by him for so great a design, to practise the
Christian virtues.
Father Ripa understood this so well, that contradictions
could never discourage him. Moreover, when, according
to human prudence, everything was lost, that was sufficient
to confirm him the more in his confidence in God ; soon, in
fact, he saw his affairs revived, saw them re-established
and successfully completed.
In connection with this matter, I remember that one day
he solicited aid from a lady, whose name I do not recall to
mind. He had asked her to intercede with a prominent
person of Naples, that he might favor the foundation of the
Chinese Congregation and College. This lady, having
informed him, that she had not been able to succeed,
Matteo Ripa at once exclaimed: The foundation is from
this time forward assured! In fact, things then began to
take a more favorable turn.
One thing, moreover, sufficiently testifies in his favor : it
is to have undertaken the conversion of the immense
Chinese empire, a work so important and so difficult; to
have founded for this purpose a Congregation and a Col
lege, in which Chinese might receive the necessary instruc
tion to go afterwards to convert the unbelievers of that
country. This work, by itself, proves how praiseworthy is
the priest, who founded and sustained it at the price of so
much labor. God has, therefore, visibly blessed this
Congregation ; the Sovereign Pontiff and the king of Nap
les have favored it; many good priests have been en
rolled in its ranks, and it has developed since by means
of worthy Chinese missionaries, of whom it has sent a great
number to all parts of China. These excellent labors have,
in fact, by the grace of God, brought about a multitude
of conversions ; they continue, in spite of persecutions, to
evangelize their country, and the annual letters from China
216 General Correspondence. [PARTI.
attest the great number of souls that they daily bring to the
Catholic faith.
In testimony whereof, etc.
NOCERA DE' PAGANI, May 24, 1777.
I, ALFONSO MARIA DE LIGUORI, attest as above.
BRO. FRANCESCO ANTONIO ROMITO, Secretary.
After an old copy.
LETTER 880.
To Signora Anna Cassanova, at Frosinone.
He thanks her for the services rendered to the Fathers at
Frosinone.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
[PAGANI, May 30, 1777.]
My dear Madam : I have heard through Father Costan-
zo of the continual services that you with your sisters have
been rendering to my Fathers, since their establishment at
Frosinone. I thank you most sincerely, and, not being
able to do more, I will ask our Lord to reward you for
your charity.
Please to recommend me to our Lord, that he may grant
me a good death ; and receive the expression of profound
respect, with which I have the honor to be, my dear
Madam,
Your very humble servant,
ALFONSO MARIA DE LIGUORI, Bishop.
After the original, preserved at Alvito, in the Persichetti
family.
1777-1 Letter 88 1. 2 1 7
LETTER 88l.
To Father Angelo Maione, at Naples.
The taking possession of a foundation at Benevento.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, June 9, 1777.
Thank God ! on the 5th of the present month, our Fathers
took possession of their house in the city of Benevento.1
They afterwards visited the associations of secular priests,
and everywhere they were received with marks of affection.
On Friday evening they began to live in the house, and
on Sunday they began their labors in the church ; in the
morning they heard confessions, and after dinner they gave
a catechetical instruction and preached the sermon on a
good death.
Thank God ! there is not a shadow of opposition ; let us be
thankful to our Lord.
The sign for silence has already been given, and I am
still writing to you ; yet I believe that I should remind you
of our duty to thank God.
As soon as you hear any good news concerning the date
of the process, write to me. The Cardinal has seen Madam
Patrizio and has warmly spoken in our favor ; he afterwards
wrote to the counsellor himself.
I bless you and remain . . .
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
1 This house had belonged to the Society of Jesus. When the
Society was re-established, the house was restored to the former
owners.
218 General Correspondence. [PARTI.
LETTER 882.
To Father Gasparo Caione, Rector of the New House at
Benevento.
Joy afforded him by the foundation of the house at Bene
vento. — Advice as to the way of acting at such beginnings. —
Onerous clause that should be removed in the contract of the
foundation.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, June 10, 1777.
I have gathered all desirable information, my dear
Father, and I arn quite pleased, especially in seeing with
what wisdom you have behaved in this whole negotiation.
I have particularly admired the affection, that the Cardinal
has shown us, and the rare prudence, with which he
directed our way of proceedings; as, our visits to the
Communities, to the nuns, to the gentlemen. I would not
have thought of any better way. In a word, the Cardinal
has acted, as if he were one of us.
What I have just told you of his Eminence, tell him
confidentially; for I will not write, for fear of impor
tuning him, but I pray God to reward him for his good
ness towards us.
Instruct all your companions, to show themselves ex
tremely courteous, to salute every one, especially priests
and gentlemen; to receive with affability and to listen
leisurely to all those that call upon them ; finally, to visit
those gentlemen that visit them; I mean those of a some
what better social standing.
Signer Musto, I am told, is a sort of father to my
family. When an occasion offers itself, you may tell him
that I feel myself honored ; but do this without affectation.
ITT?.] Letter 882. 2 1 9
The Cardinal is right : we should not go to see the nuns,
except when their Superiors call for us. If a particular nun
desires our service, let us ask the Cardinal's permission ;
but it would be better that the nun should herself procure
the permission. We should, moreover, carefully observe
our Rule, and not accept the office of director of nuns.
It is one thing to give advice in a particular case, another
thing to direct.
Be extremely courteous towards priests and religious,
especially towards those that visit you.
We should return the visits of the Superiors.
Let us not become familiar with any religious ; let us keep to
the requirements of a cordial politeness. Let us, moreover,
love silence.
As for the Cardinal, we should go to see him when
necessary, but not too often. Frequent visits would annoy
his Eminence and inspire others with jealousy.
Tell all this, my dear Father, to your companions.
My letter had been written when I learned with very
great pain that, according to the contract of the foundation,
we are obliged continually to maintain six Fathers at home.
I believed that we were to furnish simply four confessors,
as I had so decided and Father Andrea had so written to
me. This morning I learn, that it was settled to have six
Fathers, and that this clause has been inserted in the
contract. For this reason I am plunged into affliction ; for,
how remedy the evil, since there is question of an engage
ment made under oath? My joy, therefore, of the first
moment has been singularly troubled. Four Fathers con
tinually on duty would be enough even for the archdiocese
of Naples. The misfortune is, that the engagement has
been made. However, it is against my consent, and I
am sure, that if I had been notified in time to address
220 General Correspondence. [PART i.
my humble and cordial representations to the Cardinal,
his Eminence would have demanded only four Fath
ers.
I conclude by asking our Lord to grant us his assistance
that we may do our duty.
I bless you, Reverend Father, and all your companions.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
[T3. S.~\ I was going to send you this letter, written by
fits and starts; but, on reflection, I find that I cannot
accept a contract that causes me so many scruples.
Read the enclosed letter addressed to the Cardinal ; you
will see therein \1iere two words are wanting~\ that I refuse
for the present to accept the foundation ; and I am not
bound by it, since I never gave my consent for more than
four Fathers. It is sufficient, if we have there four of our
Fathers to attend to the work of the confessional ; it is not
necessary that they be irremovable, that is, always the
same ones.
As for the exercises to be held in our church, here is
what I think. The catechism, the little chaplet, very well.
Two Congregations, very well again. Retreat to the faith
ful every year, very well ; but the Cardinal adds : Retreats
to the clergy, to gentlemen and to merchants. Was it not
sufficient to say: retreat to the clergy (which, moreover,
would be time lost) and retreat to the rest, that is, to
the faithful? Let that, however, pass. But to wish to
have six permanent subjects, who are to be retained as
slaves, and quite uselessly ; for outside of the time of the
feasts, who will go to confession , except some devout
person ? Six permanent Fathers ! But, if one of them is
taken ill, another must visit his family, another is called
away for some other reasons, could none of them leave?
All manner of scruples will fall upon me; for the subjects in
their necessities will ask of me the required permission,
and I could not replace them . What ! have I not already
I???.] Letter 882. 221
enough disquietude of conscience? Are people anxious to
plunge me into a hell of scruples during the last days
of my life ?
For charity's sake, beg the Cardinal to have pity
on me and on my brethren; for I see that engagements
so onerous, even if subscribed to, cannot be kept.
Tell the Cardinal, moreover, not to be disquieted, the
house will never be wanting confessors. Only it may
sometimes happen that the exact number of six will not be
present. Four permanent confessors suffice to hear the
confessions of the whole diocese.
I do not expect an immediate answer from the Cardi
nal. Give him time to reflect, and on your part make
every effort to spare me so many scruples. It will be
well for you to go several times to renew your entreaties
with the Cardinal. Then, when the latter has come to a
definite conclusion, send me his answer by a messenger.
I admit, that the contract is made ; but the Cardinal can
modify it, if he wishes, since the Pope has left the settle
ment of the conditions entirely in his hands.
For pity's sake, my dear Father Gasparo, free me from
all these scruples. If things remain as they are, I should
feel too unhappy the rest of my days.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
222 General Correspondence. [PARTI.
LETTER 883.
To the Same.
Instructions as to the examination of confessors and to the
religious exercises that should be performed in the house at
Benevento.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, June 29, 1777.
I answer you, my dear Father Gasparo, with a troubled
mind, on account of our lawsuit at Naples. The case had,
in fact, been set down for Thursday the 3d, but Paoletti
said that he had a catarrh and could not make his report.
That upset me entirely, and I wrote to Paoletti, to beg him
to render his service ; for, if Thursday passes by, and the
case is not argued, God knows when it will be.
During these days the Fathers and I are applying
Masses for this intention; you and your companions should,
at least, offer prayers.
The Cardinal wishes, then, that our confessors should
pass an examination. He is right ; for, if we do not submit
to any examination, how could he examine the religious
of other Orders ?
We ourselves, at the beginning of the Congregation, had
to present ourselves for examination. It was during the
time of Mgr. di Capua, Archbishop of Salerno; we were
examined, Father Mazzini, Father Sportelli, and myself
with them, though I was a Neapolitan confessor.
Do not, therefore, trouble yourself on this subject; the
bishops are right in examining us, especially when there is
a particular reason, as is the case at Benevento.
Since the Cardinal consents that you should examine in
turn those of our subjects, that present themselves as
confessors, first arrange with each one in particular the
questions that you are going to put, and choose a question,
IT??.] Letter 88 3- 223
about which you intend to propose a distinction that is to
be made or a difficulty to be solved ; and all in Latin. For
this purpose take the Homo Apostolicus, and determine in
advance the points that are to be discussed before the
Cardinal or the Vicar-General.1 In this way the Cardinal
will be satisfied, and we shall preserve our good reputation.
Let us now speak of the Sunday afternoon exercises. I
had, at first, understood that the Cardinal wished to have
merely a catechetical instruction, the recitation of the little
chaplet, then exposition of the Blessed Sacrament.
But now I am of opinion, that after having given instruc
tions for the space of half an hour, we should then preach
during half an hour. In this way the faithful will at the
same time be instructed in their duties and encouraged by
the sermon to observe the commandments, to love God,
the Blessed Virgin, etc.
I would, then, counsel you to perform the exercises in
the following order (and I believe that this will also please
the Cardinal). At first, catechetical instruction during
half an hour ; then the recitation of the little chaplet (or the
Steps of the Passion^) in the vernacular. This chaplet is
found at the end of the Practice of the Love for Jesus
Christ, page xvi.; I say in the vernacular, in order that
the people may recite it with great devotion.
It would, however, in my opinion, be preferable to
recite, instead of these Steps, the little chaplet of the five
wounds, as the Jesuits do at Naples on all Fridays; this
little chaplet is more full of acts and more devotional. It is
found in the Practice, page xviii.
After the catechetical instruction, therefore, should be recit
ed the Steps of the Passion or (what would be better) the little
1 There was question, in the present case, of old Fathers, more
used to the practice of the ministry, than the distinctions of the
School.
224 General Correspondence. [PART i.
chaplet of the five wounds; there would thus be an interval
between the instruction and the sermon.
This little chaplet may be recited by the Father who
gives the instruction ; he should read it on his knees, after
the Blessed Sacrament has been exposed ; then a sermon
of half an hour is preached, and the exercises should finish
with the benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.
This is my opinion, or, if you wish, my plan. Please
make it known to his Eminence, the Cardinal, and act
afterwards in accordance with what he decides.
As for these two exercises, two Fathers are needed, one
for the instruction, the other for the sermon.
If, perchance, it should happen that one of the two
Fathers be wanting, the one that is charged with giving the
instruction, could also give the sermon. But this would
rarely be the case.
As for Signer Mansione Filomei, since the parties are
divided, do what the Cardinal wishes. I have nothing else
to say to you on this point.
I will send you the other works, for which you have
asked me. I have but one Council of Trent ^ but I will
send it to you. The Truth of Faith and the Glories
of Mary, had to be bought, as we have none here.
As for the novenas, I do not think that the Cardinal
wishes to impose upon us the novenas of St. Francis Xavier
and of St. Ignatius, which novenas, perhaps, the Jesuits
used to make; for these exercises are not adapted for us.
But, if the Jesuits celebrated the novena of Christmas or
that of the feasts of the Blessed Virgin, we must continue
them. Have an understanding about this point with the
Cardinal.
I compassionate you amid the difficulties that are neces
sarily connected with the beginnings of a foundation ; espec-
1 This work of St. Alphonsus is entitled : Dogmatic Work against
Heretics and pretended Reformers.
Letter 88 3* 225
ially in this case are they unavoidable. Others still more
annoying will come; write to me faithfully, therefore, in
the beginning by every mail, at least by way of Bene-
vento, and do this for three or four months. I will answer
you by return mail. If there be important affairs, send me
a messenger.
I am now having copied the Bull of the foundation, so
that I may afterwards return the original to you. I have read
it with extreme pleasure, for it shuts off every avenue to
the malevolent spirits that might wish to create embarrass
ments for us at Rome. This has greatly consoled me, for I
feared there might be some litigation.
I bless you, dear Father, your companions and all your
labors. As for myself, I am staying here to disentangle
the affairs of Naples, in the midst of anguish and continual
cares.
Ask God that I may not end in losing my head entirely,
and do not fail to begin a novena to the Blessed Virgin for
the success of our lawsuit, which is to be argued immediately.
Things have, of late, taken an excellent turn; neverthe
less, we must pray always, at Mass and in our medi
tations, for final success ; but in all this let us be resigned
to God's holy will.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
Genera] at Rome.
226 General Correspondence. [PART i.
LETTER 884.
To Father Giovanni Battista di Costanzo,1 at Frosinone.
He recommends to him fraternal charity.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, July 7, 1777.
My dear Giovanni: Maintain at home great harmony,
and I recommend it to you as much as I can.2 When you
1 This Father was born on April 20, 1743, at Cassamicciola in the
island of Ischia. Admitted to profession on May 15, 1760, he had
later the consolation of being a witness at the process of beatifica
tion of St. Alphonsus. He died in the house at Pagani, October 20,
iSoi.
2 The saint, it seems, believed that disagreements had arisen
between Father de Paola and Father Costanzo. This is, at least,
what may be gathered from a letter addressed to the saint by Father
Blasucci on July 15, of the year 1777, and expressed in the following
words : "Your Lordship writes to me that Father Lauria has come
here to recover his health and then to return to Girgenti, and
nothing more. On the other hand, I learn through another channel
that the inhabitants of Girgenti, having pressed your Lordship to
send me back to them, you promised Signor Cantore to send me
back to that city, next September. This news was communicated
to Fathers de Paola and di Costanzo, and they assured me that
it was true. Supposing this to be true, I would make known to
you in all simplicity my views in the interest of this new founda
tion at Frosinone. If my departure for Sicily is brought about,
there is, in my opinion, no one, except Father de Paola, who can
be appointed Rector of this house, and Father Costanzo should
be his Minister. These two subjects were the first in this founda
tion ; they take great interest in it and are desirous of making it
prosper; for this they have, moreover, the desired ability and in
fluence, and all the inhabitants of Frosinone, above all, those of the
respectable class, hold them in high esteem. I speak the truth
when I say that, whatever has been done at Rome, either for the
Bulls and the process, or for the building of the house, they have
done it, and they have done it well. As for myself, I have
been merely a spectator, and I should be so yet, if I continued
1777-1 Letter 8 8 4- 227
see that things do not go according to your liking, it will
be better to yield ; temporal interests might thereby suffer a
little, but this would be better than to violate charity to the
spiritual detriment of the Community.
I am, at present, reading the Life of St. Ignatius; he
very severely punished those that troubled the peace of the
house and wounded charity.
I know that you love the Congregation; if, then, you
love it, love peace. And I repeat: in important matters
write to me; I hope, with God's help, to remedy every
thing. Know also that I love and esteem you.
I bless you.
After the Roman edition.
to remain here. I assure you, moreover, that during the ten
months of my sojourn in this house, I have remarked nothing of
the disagreements between Fathers di Costanzo and de Paola of
of which people have spoken; on the contrary, I have seen peace,
union, and fraternal charity reign between them. Neither Father
cli Costanzo, nor Father de Paola adheres obstinately to his opinions ;
and, if at times they differed, they both had virtue enough to sacri
fice their personal views. This is the truth. I write all this, lest
under the conviction that Fathers de Paola and di Costanzo do
not agree with each other, you might decide upon a measure that
would spoil everything. These two subjects are more than useful
for this work ; they are necessary for it, and should be encouraged by
letters; the great efforts that they make, should be appreciated, and
they should be praised for living so united; this is demanded by
God himself and by justice.
" I have taken the liberty of thus manifesting my opinion ; for, it
is one thing to see the facts, another to hear people, who speak and
write by exaggerating the details. As for myself, before seeing
things with my own eyes, I had believed the rumors that were
spread about the disagreements between Fathers de Paola and di
Costanzo; but I had only heard of them and not seen them. Now I
believe just the contrary, and I say to you sincerely what I think
before God, etc."
228 General Correspondence. [PART i.
LETTER 885.
To Father Francesco Antonio de Paola, at Frosinone.
Solicitude of the saint for the houses of the Pontifical
State. — His zeal for concord.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
[NOCERA, July 7, 1777-]
You have not written to me for some time. Write to me,
then, and give me the news of your house ; I take a lively
interest in it.
I know that for the present you have interrupted the
building of the house, to resume it in autumn.
I have written to Father Blasucci that you would do well
to borrow, at least, one hundred scudi; in this way, if I
send you some help, as I hope to do, the malevolent will
not be able to accuse us of drawing money from the king
dom ; for we shall show that the building is carried on with
a sum of money borrowed at interest, or with the two hun
dred scudi given by the Pope. The interest on these
hundred scudi must, therefore, be paid.
I have learned that Father Costanzo would like to
accompany Father Blasucci to Girgenti, next Septem
ber.
I have no intention, at least for the present, of sending
Father Blasucci back to Sicily; much less of sending
Father Costanzo. I desire that the latter should remain at
Frosinone, where he is more useful than at Girgenti ; for
your house is a house of the Congregation, while that
of Girgenti can by no means be regarded as such, since
the new royal decree forbids us to have a fixed and
permanent domicile in Sicily. Hence, if we should con
tinue to live there, we should put ourselves in constant
danger of being accused of infringing the decree.
j 777. J Letter 88$. 229
I imagine that Father Costanzo may have thus spoken
after having had some disagreement with your Reverence.
I beg you, dear Father, in matters in which you differ from
him in opinion, to treat him with the greatest kindness ;
and under such circumstances refer the matter to Father
Blasucci.
I desire to see perfect peace and harmony reign among
you all in the house at Frosinone ; let no dissensions arise,
as they destroy charity. St. Ignatius regarded them with
such horror that he severely chastised those that spoke or
acted against this virtue.
I know perfectly your good spirit and your good will ; I
beg you, then, to be affable towards every one and particu
larly towards your brethren.
If ever I should send back Father Blasucci to Girgenti, I
should willingly do what I could to replace him by Father
Lauria ; but for the present I have no intention of making
this change.
In the meantime, I recommend to you once more what I
have just written: make every effort to maintain peace. I
repeat: I well know that your Reverence wishes what is
most agreeable to God; continue to wish this always,
above all in this house, which God has given us in a truly
miraculous manner. And I repeat: write to me in your
difficulties, for I hope, with the grace of Jesus Christ, to
apply a remedy to all.
Our lawsuit at Naples is not finished ; it may last years
and years according to circumstances. I have, then, the
strongest desire to preserve the houses that the Pope has
given us in his States.
I expect your answer, and I bless you with all my heart.
Recommend me to Jesus Christ.
BROTHER ALFONSO. MARIA.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
230 General Correspondence. [PART i.
LETTER 886.
To Father Mattia Corrado.
The subjects of the Institute must not sojourn with their
families without a grave reason.
Live Jesus, Mary, and Joseph !
NOCKRA, July 15, 1777.
The Consultors, assembled here at Nocera, have ascer
tained that six of our confreres have left our houses
for several months, and remain with their parents. Con
sequently, a letter has been written to each one, that
within the space of fifteen days he must, without fail, return
to the house assigned to him.
This order has been sent to all ; it was written in the
same terms and in the same form by Brother Francesco
Antonio [Romito].
But, as I entertain great esteem for you personally, I
have taken it upon myself to address to you a special letter,
different from the letter that was sent to the rest. Hence,
my dear Father, I do not write to you positively that you
should return within fifteen days, but I beg you to let me
know what necessity there is for you to remain with your
parents; since, according to the Rule, the members of our
Institute cannot remain with their families, except in the
case of the imminent death of their father or their mother.
As you are one of our old Fathers, your example does a
great deal of harm by encouraging others to remain with
their parents.
We have different houses ; if the air of one house does
not agree with a subject, he is assigned to another house.
I have written all this to let you understand the esteem
and the affection that I bear towards you. I do not, then,
fix for you the term of fifteen days; but I beseech you, at
least, to write to me what is the cause that keeps you with
I777-] Letter 88 j. 2 3 1
your family. I shall try to use towards you all possible
indulgence, provided it be a reasonable indulgence, for I
must myself render an account of this to others.
I have been thinking for a long time to ask you to
come to live with me at Nocera ; for, as Superior I am in
the midst of a thousand and one difficulties, and I have been
continually thinking of taking counsel with a prudent man.
I was going to send for you, when I learned that you had
been living with your family for some time.
I beg you to answer me and to console me by your
answer. I bless you.
After the Roman edition.
LETTER 887.
To a Nun.
He gives her news of his health and promises her a book
of devotion.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, July 15, 1777.
I have received your letter. Here is my answer. I am
now almost eighty-one years of age.
My infirmities oblige me to remain continually in an arm
chair ; I am a cripple and, consequently, near death ;
therefore, I stand in greater need of your prayers than you
of mine. I will, however, recommend to our Lord all the
intentions that you have marked down in your letter.
Through our Fathers, who are at N., I will send you a
book of my own composition ; it treats of divine love ; it is
good for souls tormented by troubles of conscience. Read
it, and give it also to other Sisters to read, who are a prey
to desolation.
232 General Correspondence. [PART i.
Earnestly recommend me to our Lord, for my death
is not far off. I bless you in the Heart of Jesus.
Your very humble servant,
ALFONSO MARIA, Bishop.
After an old copy.
LETTER 888.
To Father Gasparo Caione, at Benevento.
Recommendations relative to pious exercises.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, July 20, 1777.
When a favorable opportunity presents itself, I wish you
would mention to the Cardinal what I wrote to you, I
think, on a former occasion. It is this. In order to satisfy
the good people and draw them to the church, as well as
for the glory of God, it would be well to introduce after the
instruction some pious exercise, for example the chaplet of
the Jive wounds, and then allow the half-hour's sermon to
follow. The people are not content with mere instruction.
After having been taught the law of God, they usually
desire to be brought by means of prayer to love it, and
indeed 1 told me that the women complain bitterly
of this want: "Alas, these are not at all like
who never preach "
Tell these things to the Cardinal from me ; he will not
refuse to accede to this request, for he is a zealous man.
I remain
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
[P. S.~\ Send some one to the Fathers at Sant' Angelo
to tell them that I want them to copy the last Bull concern
ing the house at Benevento, and to send it to me at once.
1 The omissions show where the original is illegible.
I777-] Letter 88$. 233
When I forwarded the document to them I subjoined the
like command, but the copy has not been forthcoming.
After the original in possession of Rev. Father Bridgett,
C. SS. R.
LETTER 889.
To a Nun.
He asks her to impart for him some words of encourage
ment to a sick nun.
Live Jesus, Mary, and Joseph !
[NOCERA], July 20, 1777.
I am not sorry that Sister N. is sick ; for I wish that my
penitents should leave this earth very soon, in order that
they may be united with Jesus Christ.
I know how much she has been persecuted. Please to
tell her for me that she should at present do nothing but
conform to the will of God in all her sufferings ; that she
should have great confidence in the blood of Jesus Christ ;
and that she should be without fear; for I give her the
assurance that our Lord is full of benevolence towards her.
I will even say that this illness is a special favor from her
heavenly Spouse. Let her only try to unite all her suffer
ings to those of Jesus Christ.
I beg her to recommend me to the Lord ; for I have
been feeling very ill this morning.
After the Roman edition.
234 General Correspondence. [PART i.
LETTER 890.
To Father Francesco Antonio de Paola, at Frosinone.
He gives him a gentle reproof for having mistaken his
sentiments. — Details relative to the interests of the house at
Frosinone.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
[NOCERA, July 1777.]
I have received your letter of July 16.
I have, on the one hand, seen with pleasure that, far
from having had any disagreement with Father Costanzo,
you have acted in concert with him. On the other hand, I
have read with pain a certain phrase that I did not expect
of your resignation and your well-known love of obedience.
/ am resolved, you tell me, to return to the kingdom.
I can only pity you. The profound trouble, in which
you were plunged, alone explains those words, and I hope
that you have already repented of having written them ; for
such words, such thoughts have certainly not been pleasing
to God.
It is not my letter that could have dictated to you such
an outburst, for I wrote it with all the affection that I have
always borne you.
One might have thought, that you were of a gloomy
disposition, from what you wrote to Father Villani; but the
good spirit, with which you are animated, should have
made you accept this mortification without trouble, the
more so, since you know perfectly well how much Father
Villani loves and esteems you.
Father Villani, moreover, has before now administered
the same reproof to myself; but, thank God, I tranquilly
accepted it, and drew profit from it by being humble and
moderate on these occasions.
Think, therefore, no more of my letter, nor of that of
IT??] Letter 890. 235
Father Andrea [Villani] ; even destroy his letter and con
tinue to live in peace with Father Costanzo and with the
others. And when Father Costanzo, or another Father,
should persist in wishing to have something that appears to
you to be positively unreasonable, take me as your guide
and write to me.
Let us now speak of other things.
I have had Father Blasucci called ; for I could no longer
resist the applications continually made by the inhabitants
of Girgenti, without mentioning Cardinal Branciforte, who
wishes to have him. This mission will be ruined, de
stroyed, I am sure, if Father Blasucci does not return to it.
Now I wish by all means that it may not be destroyed, for
there we may do much for the greater glory of God. But,
if I send back Father Blasucci, I intend to send also Father
Lauria.
There is, however, one difficulty: Father Blasucci writes
to me that he has some stomach trouble, and I fear that his
condition may grow worse in the burning climate of Gir
genti.
I should, however, wish him to go to that city for the
present at least, in order to prevent the ruin of our
mission.
If afterwards he has to return to breathe once more the
good air of Naples or of the Romagna, we shall then
resolve upon doing what will best promote the glory of
God. I have, therefore, asked Father Blasucci to call
upon me immediately, at Nocera, in order to decide with
him what is expedient, and I have told him to appoint you
Superior in his absence.
Father Blasucci writes that, to cover the debts of your
house and the necessary expenses at Frosinone, you would
need five hundred ducats.
For the present my purse is empty ; but I hope, ere long,
to receive some assistance.
236 General Correspondence. [PART i.
I, therefore, expect Father Blasucci to consult with me
as to what is to be done in regard to the building, the
litigation of the church, and the money that is to be
borrowed. If you absolutely need a certain sum, under
the present circumstances, try to borrow it and answer me
as soon as you have received my letter.
In conclusion, I beg you to settle down into a peaceful
state of mind. At the beginning of foundations, annoy
ances, embarrassments, contradictions must necessarily be
endured ; but, if we perfectly resign ourselves to the will of
God, he will remedy everything.
Recommend me to Jesus Christ. I bless you.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
[T3. S.~\ When you see Mgr. di Veroli, give him my
kindest regards; salute also for me, at Frosinone, Signor
Buonpiani, Canon Vespasiani, Canon Ciceroni, and all our
friends. Do not forget, when you write, to let me
know, whether the two hundred scudi J are being collected,
and how much the collection has yielded. Write to me
from time to time, for I am anxious to know how you and
your affairs are getting on.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
LETTER 891.
To his Cousin, Antonia de Liguori, at Naples.
Solicitude of the saint for the vocation of his niece.
Live Jesus, Mary, and Joseph !
[NOCERA], July 28, 1777.
Please to salute for me my niece Teresa, and tell her that
she should not allow herself to be deceived by the world,
1 Pope Pius VI. had assigned to the house at Frosinone an annual
revenue of two hundred ducats (1062 frs.) to be collected from vari
ous pious establishments in the diocese of Veroli.
1777 J Letter 8 92. 237
and should not abandon Jesus Christ ; for then she would
lead an unhappy life, and would undoubtedly meet with an
unhappy death.
At the present time, there are but few ladies living in the
world that will save their souls.
Tell her not to give up holy Communion, and to practise
mental prayer, or, at least, to read frequently some spirit
ual book.
I fear that she has found in the convent some girl who is
worldly-minded.
I thank you for watching over her. I thought that she
would by this time have asked to be a religious ; but I fear
that she has given up the idea.
May you yourself be forever blessed for having preferred
Jesus Christ to the world ! Thank God without intermission
for this grace with which he has favored you — a grace that
must have been very great, since it has aided you to over
come the temptation of a dowry of thirty thousand ducats.
Be always grateful to Jesus Christ, and beg him to grant
me a happy death.
After an old copy.
LETTER 892.
To Father Angelo Maione, at Naples.
He excuses himself for not being able to go to Naples,
and he gives his reasons.
[NocERA, September 2, 1777.]
He that would see to what a miserable state I am now
reduced, could not, I think, have the courage to require
me to repair to Naples, to visit the president, the Cardinal,
Sambuca, and Paoletti.
My arrival would only serve to attract a crowd of children,
who would be curious to. know whether the man in the
carriage were dead or alive.
238 General Correspondence. [PART i.
This is a thing that cannot be thought of, because I
cannot by my presence accomplish anything. It would be
better for me not to speak to the president, because he
would begin to contradict me as soon as ever I began to
speak. As for Sambuca, he would only occupy himself in
looking at the contortion of my neck and the grotesque
shape of my whole body. He would not even be able to
understand me, because the weakness of my head prevents
me from being able to express my thoughts clearly, and I
cannot now pronounce my words properly. As to the
Cardinal, I do not see what great advantage could result
from my interview with him. All your thoughts are beauti
ful, but they are only thoughts.
I am ready to give my life for the Congregation, but not
for certain useless measures.
Let us place ourselves in God's hands ; he will know
better than we how to defend this cause, which is more his
than ours.
Tannoia, Book iv., Chapter viii.
LETTER 893.
To the Sovereign Pontiff, Pius VI.
He makes known to him the state of the Congregation of
the Most Holy Redeemer and solicits a share in the privileges
of the Passionist Fathers.
[September 12, 1777.]
Most Holy Father : Alfonso Maria de Liguori, a Neapo
litan patrician, formerly Bishop of Sant' Agata de' Goti, has
the honor of representing to your Holiness, that, having
had, by the mercy of God, the happiness of founding in
1732, the Congregation of Missionaries of the Most Holy
Redeemer, he has seen it confirmed and approved in the
year 1749, by Benedict XIV., of blessed memory. This
I???.] Letter 8 C) 3- 239
Congregation possesses several residences or houses in the
kingdom of Naples and in Sicily. In the State of Beneven-
to it has two; one approved by the Pontiff just named,
the other (the former residence of the Jesuits, who are at
present suppressed), kindly bestowed by your Holiness
with all its revenues. Finally, it possesses two others in the
Roman Campagna. One is at Scifelli, territory of the city
of Veroli. To the poor people, dispersed in the hamlets
and country places, the Fathers of the said Congregation are
constantly giving the spiritual help of which they stand in
need. This house was founded by the present Bishop of
Veroli, with the consent of Clement XIV., of happy memo
ry. The other is established at Frosinone in the same
diocese. By a special Brief of last October, your Holiness
deigned to assign an annual rent of two hundred scudi to be
drawn from various pious establishments of the same dio
cese, and in the month of February, your Holiness was
pleased to approve and confirm it by a special Bull.
The members of this Congregation are strictly subject to
regular observance. They lead a perfect Community-life,
they make the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience,
joining to these vows the vow and oath of perseverance in
the Congregation. From all these vows the Sovereign
Pontiff or the Superior-General can alone dispense those
that have made them.
The works of the Institute are the holy missions, above
all, the missions in the hamlets and country places deprived
of spiritual help. There are also at different times of the
year retreats given in the houses to candidates for holy
Orders, to priests, and to seculars.
During more than forty years, the subjects of this Con
gregation have evangelized the different provinces of the
kingdom, even the most remote, by giving holy missions
during eight or nine months in the year. They continue to
do this at present with an indefatigable zeal, and are asked
240 General Correspondence. [PART i.
for by the bishops of all the dioceses, and this every year
from the middle of October till the beginning of July. The
fruit that souls derive from these labors is unspeakable, and
wonderful conversions result therefrom. Hence, on every
side there are continual requests for the benefit of a
mission.
The houses are well provided with subjects to maintain
the works of the Institute. A novitiate and a house of
studies are established in due form.
The apostolic labors, so important, performed by this
Congregation, induce the author of the present petition,
and Founder of this Institute, humbly to solicit a favor
from your Holiness. It is that your Holiness should deign
to grant this Congregation a share in the privileges, facul
ties, favors, indulgences and offices granted to the Passionist
Fathers, with the same formulas and the same clauses, as
for these religious.1
This would be for us ... etc.
After a copy.
LETTER 894.
To Father Francesco Antonio de Paola, at Frosinone.
He asks him for news of the two houses established in the
Pontifical States.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, September 19, 1777.
I again recommend to you regular observance, so that
no one may complain; and I again recommend peace to
you.
Have they begun to draw up the details of the contract
of the sale in the affair of Araldi and Campanaro? I
1 Circumstances prevented the send.ing of this petition.
'777-3 Letter 8()4* 24T
expect to hear the particulars, as I have already written to
you.
You have only four Fathers ; at Scifelli there are no more
than five; I hope to send you another Father, and some
pecuniary aid.
I have been ill; I had catarrh of the chest. One of these
attacks will one day bring me to the grave; but, thank
God, I am better.
I should like, if the Lord permits, to live till I shall be
able with my pension to finish the suit in regard to the
patronage of the church, and to see completed the building
that has been begun. I hope that God will grant me this
consolation.
Tell me how the little cells adjoining the church are
progressing.
I have at present no more than ten carlini; but I hope
shortly to receive funds from Sant' Agata.
Since you are at present involved in several affairs, that
of the building, that of Araldi, that in regard to the patron
age, write to me every week. I will thus know what is
going on, and will, consequently, be able to take measures.
I conclude by blessing you, my dear Father, and your
confreres.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
[P. S.~\ I have sent for Father Mascia from Ciorani, to
prepare him tor his journey to Frosinone. He is a young
man, edifying and docile.
Have you been asked to give missions in the kingdom ?
Contrary to what I first wrote to you, I think that we can
give missions there, for we are natives of the kingdom and
not strangers. However, do not definitely accept any
work before you have written to me on the subject, so that
everything may be done with order.
After an old copy.
16
242 General Correspondence, [PART i.
LETTER 895.
To the Same.
Advice as to the expenses of building, the celebration
of festivals and the missions.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, October 5, 1777.
Let no new buildings be put up with the money that you
have left, but only see that the rooms be finished so far as
to be habitable ; the surplus should be used only for the
ordinary support.
In regard to the missions, let there be accepted neither
Lenten sermons, nor Lenten exercises that may be prej
udicial to the preachers; and, outside of Lent, we must
not accept exercises, nor novenas, nor triduos, nor other
sermons for which payment, is made; but we may then
receive ordinary board, yet with the express prohibi
tion, under formal obedience, never to draw even a carlino
of money from the kingdom for sermons, Masses, alms, or
any other reason.
There should be undertaken no new structure, no recon
struction of the house, without the express permission of the
Rector Major.
As for the church, no extraordinary expense should be
incurred, without the permission of the Rector Major, for
pictures, statues, chasubles or other clerical vestments, or
namented either with gold or silver. Marble altars to be
erected at our expense, are also forbidden.
On the festivals of the Church we should not permit the
firing of mortars, the display of fire-works, even when
others wish to do so at their own expense. Elaborate
decorations on the altar and ornamentation with silk and
other materials are also forbidden ; the altar may be adorned
with garlands, with candles, and with flowers. This is
1777-3 Letter 895. 243
suitable for our present state of poverty ; later on the new
Rector Majors may think of these things.
As for the missions, I forgot the principal thing: inform
me whether you have had formal requests ; but accept no
mission in the kingdom, even though it be but a small one,
if you have not first my express permission ; let me then
know all by letter, and, if necessary, send me a special
messenger.
Father Mascia will soon arrive. But, after what he has
told me to-day, I have found that he cannot remain in the
Romagna, since he has at home a mother sixty-three years
old and an only sister, and no man left to look after the
family. He cannot, therefore, be incorporated with the
houses of the Pontifical States, since after the first alarm he
would have to return.
In the meantime I send him to help at some missions that
we have to give in the kingdom. I will send other Fathers
to give the missions of Aquino and Sora, and you must
send Father Mascia to the first that is to take place.
In November I will send several Fathers from this place,
in order to prevent accusations; with these Fathers and
with two or three of yours, belonging to the houses of Sci-
felli and Frosinone, give all the missions that you can, after
having a previous understanding with Father Landi. But
I repeat, do not accept any mission without having before
given me information and without having my permission.
You must excuse yourself to the bishops that will ask for
missions, by saying, that you cannot do anything without
my permission ; for I am thinking of sending other Fathers
from the kingdom of Naples, in order to finish these mis
sions.
I bless your Reverence and the whole Community.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
After an old copy.
244 General Correspondence. [PART i.
LETTER 896.
To the Same.
Particulars relative to the houses of the Pontifical States.
— Reasons of the lively interest taken by the saint in these
establishments.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, October g, 1777.
I do not remember that I have written to Father Co-
stanzo.
Continue to treat him with gentleness, and offer to God
the little disagreements that may sometimes arise.
I send you Father Mascia together with Father Landi ;
but Father Mascia will not remain with you ; he is merely
lent to you for the missions that you are to give in the
kingdom.
No one here wishes to go to the Romagna, and I cannot
force any one to go, as I do not wish to be denounced to
the king.1
I hear that in the matter of the patronage, you desire to
conclude an arrangement. I am also of the opinion that it
is better to come to some settlement ; so is Mgr. di Veroli ;
but we must not give up the little piece of ground that is
connected with the patronage, for there is not in that locality
an inch of ground that can be bought.
One might give to the party all the money that would be
required for the litigation, and even a little more; but this
party should seek for an adjustment ; otherwise too exorbi
tant pretensions might be made. Therefore, let the request
come from them, and in the meantime let them know that
you are disposed to stop litigation. Enough on this point ;
conclude nothing before you have consulted with me.
1 The saint had been accused of making certain subjects leave the
kingdom.
Letter 8 yd. 245
I expect your messenger and the terms of the Campa-
naro agreement concerning the Araldi property ; I say the
Araldi property, for Campanaro wishes to reserve to him
self that of Bagnara.1
As for the missions, you will find all the details in the
letter that Father Landi will bring you.
Tell me how many missions the Bishop of Aquino has
asked for.
I desire also to know the number of the inhabitants of the
hamlets that are to be evangelized ; this will help me to
appoint the Fathers whom I am to send from Naples, and
who will take part in those missions of the kingdom.
As for the foundation at Frosinone, I now feel contented,
after what you have written to me.
I am happy that Father Leggio has come back. His
brother, I am told, has probably already addressed a peti
tion to the king to oblige Father Leggio to return to his family.
But, if an order of this kind is given, it will be sent to me,
and we shall come to an understanding as to the measure to
be taken. Meanwhile, Father Leggio would do well to
beg his brother not to torment him any longer. But, if his
brother continues to write to me, I will always make the
same answer: Address yourself to your brother.
In regard to the building, you tell me nothing about
what has been done or what you intend to do. But I learn
that your debts amount to four hundred and fifty scudi,
that is, more than five hundred ducats.
Would to God that I could send you my entire pension !
But I am here at Nocera, in a house that possesses nothing.
Finally, I am obliged to give ninety-two ducats for pro
visions, without counting the expenses of carriage-hire, of
servants, and of what is necessary for the lawyers that come
here to spend the summer.
1 Bagnara is a small territory situated two miles from Scifelli.
16*
246 General Correspondence. [PART i.
Be, however, without solicitude; all that I can procure I
will send to you.
I am extremely thankful to Signor Buonpiani for the
many services that he renders us; offer him my sincer-
est thanks.
Ask his advice, how you are to pay your debts in the
best possible way, with the money that I have sent you and
that I will still send you, if God grants me life.
I have sent for Father Grossi. For his father has arrived
here quite furious, reclaiming his son and threatening to
have recourse to the king.
Ask our Lord that in the midst of all these vexations and
contradictions, I may not completely lose my head.
I bless you, dear Father, and all your subjects, one by
one.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
[P. S.] I repeat, as you have at present so many things
on your hands, do not omit to write to me every week.
Do nothing in regard to the ordinations, as we must
think over this matter.
You know, that I sustain the houses of the Romagna, in
order to see there the Rule observed exactly. Try, then,
to have our Fathers make their retreats of eight days,
from now till November 10. Those who are sickly, should
make at least a part of it.
Tell me at what time the missions may be begun ; for, in
certain places they cannot be given, either on account of the
seed-time, or on account of the olives. In my opinion they
can begin only towards the end of November. Excuse
yourself to the bishop and tell him that you are waiting for
the Fathers who are to come from Naples.
As soon as Mgr. di Veroli returns, ask him whether he
wishes to have a mission; in this way he will not be
offended later, when the Fathers are occupied in the king
dom.
IT??.] Letter 897. 247
Moreover, we can give in the kingdom only a small
number of missions ; for our lawsuit and the fear of being
the objects of some new accusation, always create great
embarrassments here. This unfortunate lawsuit at Naples
gives me much uneasiness. Do not forget to recommend it
to God in your holy Mass.
After an old copy.
LETTER 897.
To the Chapter at S. Pietro, at Foggia.
The saint attests the truth of the miraculous apparition
that took place in this city in 1732.
[NocERA, October 10, 1777.]
We, Alfonso Maria de Liguori, Bishop of Sant' Agata
de' Goti and Rector Major of the Congregation of the Most
Holy Redeemer, affirm and attest, even under oath, to all
those that read this letter, the truth of the following fact :—
In the year 1732, we preached to the people of Fog-
gia a series of sermons in the church of St. John the
Baptist. This church then possessed a large picture, called
the old picture, in the centre of which was an opening
of an oval form and covered with a black veil. Now, on
different days, and at different intervals, we saw appear
outside of this covering the countenance of the Most
Blessed Virgin Mary. It resembled that of a young girl
of thirteen or fourteen years of age, was veiled in white,
and moved from the right to the left. We were penetrated
with the most tender devotion and the most intense joy ; we
could not even restrain our tears, when we saw that this
august countenance resembled no longer a painting, but a
living figure in high-relief, in flesh color, and like that of a
young person who was moving from the right to the left;
We were, besides, not alone in contemplating it. All the
248 General Correspondence. [PART i.
people, assembled for the sermon, saw it also,1 and recom
mended themselves with great fervor to the Blessed Mother
of God, in the midst of an outburst of tears and cries.
In testimony whereof we have hereunto set our hand and
seal.
Given at Nocera de Pagani, this tenth day of October,
1777.
ALFONSO MARIA DE LIGUORI, Bishop.
BRO. ANTONIO ROMITO, Secretary.
After a copy published in the process of beatification of the
saint, Positio super virtutibus, Summarium additionale n. 2.
LETTER
To Father Francesco Antonio de Paola, at Frosinone.
He gives him in all humility the reasons that induced him
to remove certain subjects, and encourages him to govern
well the two houses in the Pontifical States.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, October 12, 1777.
My dear Father Francesco: I have received your last
letter, dated October 5.
The illness of Father [Deodato] Criscuoli was not feigned.
This Father has had several fainting fits during this time,
and one when he was here at Nocera. The doctors declare
that his health is in a precarious condition, and, in fact, his
color is sombre and yellow. Am I to wait till he is attacked
with a fit of apoplexy? I myself was not too ready to
believe his word; but the doctors must be believed. He
will render but little service, the more so since he does not
go on missions.
1 On account of the large number of hearers, the pulpit had been
placed at the door of the church ; and, every day, when the time of
the sermon had come, the picture was solemnly carried near the
preacher.
1777-3 Letter 8 ^8. 249
As to Father Blasucci, it is not at all true that the inhab
itants of Girgenti tied my hands and obliged me to yield.
I simply saw that under the circumstances this mission
could not continue on account of the little harmony that
reigned among the subjects; and as I did not wish to
destroy a house that was nearly ruined, but that could
procure for God immense glory (there is here question of a
diocese of one hundred and twenty thousand souls) I had to
send Father Blasucci. You know, moreover, what difficulties
I had in removing him from Girgenti shortly after its founda
tion.
God preserves my life for his glory and for the good
of the Congregation. Were you, my dear Father, of opin
ion that we should abandon this mission? No subject
of ability wishes to go to the limestone hills of Girgenti.
[At Scifelli] the Frenchman l could not at the beginning
suffer Father Landi ; but after he had intercourse with him
for some time, he, thanks be to God, longed for Father
Landi, and all the rest did the same, because Father Cris-
cuoli had rendered himself so odious, that no one could
bear with him any longer. If he had not departed, some
unfortunate commotion might have arisen.
I beg you, my dear Father, when I make any change,
not to complain before you have inquired into all the circum
stances. I decide upon such measures only after a long
time of reflection and consultation with those around me.
In regard to the secretary and to Mgr. [di Veroli], you
will do well, one of these days, to tell them all that has
passed. You must also explain to Signor Buonpiani, for
whom I profess so profound a respect, the reason of the
changes in question. Represent all these motives well, and
my decisions will appear no longer ridiculous.
Father Grossi is good ; but I did not wish to lose one of
my subjects, for he is not one of those that wish to go to
1 The Abbe Arnauld.
250 General Correspondence. [PART i.
the Romagna. I have, moreover, told Father Landi to do
nothing of himself, and to act only after having consulted
the Fathers at Frosinone.
Do not, therefore, I beg you, complain any more; for,
if Father Criscuoli had been maintained in his charge, the
inhabitants of Scifelli would probably have caused some
scandal.
One word more. Father Grossi is to go at once to
Naples, as his father has rushed to this place like a real
fury. "I wish to have my son," he said, "for my family is
terribly tried, and we fear the ruin and the violent death of
one or two of my sons." As Father Grossi did not wish to
come, I had to write to him that he should come without
fail ; for, the father left here saying that, if his son did not
come, he would address himself to the king. And if the
court issues a decree, ordering all the Fathers of the
Romagna to return to the kingdom, what shall we do?
Ask God to grant me the strength to bear all these trials
patiently.
As regards the Masses, I told you that we must not draw
any money from the kingdom, even for Mass intentions;
since such an infraction might bring about our ruin; but I
have not forbidden that Masses be accepted.
Remedy the difficulty as best you can. If you happen to
collect a certain number of Masses (let this be confidential),
and thus ten or fifteen ducats are got together, one or two
bills of exchange may be bought at Naples for this sum and
then sent to you ; for to send bills of exchange is not to
draw money from the kingdom. Give these instructions to
the one that keeps an account of the Masses at Scifelli ; but
tell him this in confidence, in order that we may not give
occasion to another accusation.
Yes, indeed, God alone can perform the miracle of sus
taining houses so poor and so destitute of everything. But
he will provide for them ; let us take courage.
I?/;-] Letter 898. 251
In conclusion, I must tell you that I, by no means,
mistrust you ; my mistrust comes from the misery in which
you and I find ourselves.
Your house has been, moreover, established to put in force
the Rule ; and I would not like to have it destroyed. Keep
this thought before your mind in your difficulties, and take
measures accordingly, in the best way you can. But
consider well that, as soon as you do anything imprudent
in the kingdom, we shall run the risk of seeing the houses
of Naples suppressed; and if the houses of Naples dis
appear, those of the Romagna, we may positively say, will
also disappear.
All that I have just written, appears to me to be reasonable,
for without mature reflection I have written nothing.
Take courage, then, and be cheerful; for, it is the
work of God, — of God, in whom I have placed all my
confidence, and it is he that has chosen you, my dear
Father, to sustain these two houses, especially that at
Frosinone, where you are.
In respect to the missions, two subjects will be with you
in December. The one, Father Mascia, is already with
you, but family affairs hinder him from remaining; the
other will leave here, probably with Father Grossi.
I bless you, dear Father, and all your subjects.
ALFONSO MARIA DE LIGUORI.
[P. S.~] Tell Father Grossi or the other Father not to
say a word to Araldi about the affair concerning the proper
ty ; for, as soon as he hears us spoken of, he becomes as
stubborn as a rock.
Tell Father Grossi that he is to make arrangements with
Campanaro and with no one else.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
252 General Correspondence. [PARTI.
LETTER 899.
To Father Gasparo Caione, Rector of the House at
Benevento.
He announces to him the arrival of a lay-brother.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, November 6, 1777.
My dear Father Gasparo : I have learned that the health
of Brother Pompilius, is not good. To replace him,
I called Brother Matteo from Caposele; but, when he
passed through this place, I found this Brother suffering
from some trouble in his chest. I, therefore, resolved to
send Brother Raffaele to be tailor at Scifelli ; and Brother
Matteo will remain at Benevento. The air of that place
will do him good, as it is more salubrious than that of Ca
posele for chest troubles.
I have nothing else to say. I expect, therefore, to see
Brother Raffaele here, and I bless you, dear Father, and
all your subjects.
After the Roman edition.
LETTER 900.
To the Same.
Arrangements made in regard to certain Brothers.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, November 10, 1777.
Brother Matteo has gone to Ciorani and I have written
to him to remain there for the present ; later on it will be
decided, whether he is to go to Scifelli, or to some
other house.
After reflection I, moreover, felt some repugnance to
1777- ] Let terror. 253
send him to the Romagna, for I am told that he is subject
to attacks of the gout.
As to Brother Raffaele, I did not see any serious reason
to let him remain longer at Benevento. Keep him, how
ever, till you receive different orders ; for, Brother Pompilius
is becoming better at Scifelli ; but, if he has a relapse, it
will be better to send Brother Raffaele.
Let me know, when an occasion offers, whether missions
are being given at Benevento, and how many. I am
anxious that the Cardinal should be satisfied and that the
missions, that he desires, should be given. If you should
need subjects belonging to other houses, write to me, for I
greatly wish to please the Cardinal.
I bless you, dear Father, and all your subjects.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
LETTER 901.
To Father Francesco Antonio de Paola.
He promises to assist him, and makes various recommen
dations.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCKRA, [November 1777].
To-day I finally received a letter from you, after waiting
a long time.
You are right, and I know very well, that two hundred
ducats make no more than one hundred and sixty scudi ;
but I have no more to give you. I have been promised a
hundred ducats more by the end of this month; I will send
them as soon as I receive them.
I now learn that you need fifty scudi to pay for the
balance still due for the Bull. It appears to me, that Father
Blasucci said thirty-five would be sufficient; now it seems
254 General Correspondence. [PART i.
to be fifty. However, you have the account in your pos
session, and while there is question of paying your debts,
act as seems best to you.
As for Father Landi, I had to assist him by all means,
for his creditors were such as could not wait. I was
obliged to give some relief to Benevento, the foundation of
which has only begun. You may, moreover, believe me
that in these two cases necessity alone impelled me to be
open-handed.
On the subject of Araldi, I do not remember that I said
the words of which you speak, nor that I gave to Father
Landi full power to act freely. I have great doubts concerning
the affairs of Father Landi. Please write to him that
I adhere to my first instructions. In regard to the
Araldi affair, he should act in concert with your Rev
erence. See that he writes to you all that happens, and
especially in regard to the papers. But I believe that
I have already told Father Landi to communicate to you
all that.
With regard to the lawsuit at Naples, it is not true that
things are badly arranged. Let us thank God for the turn
that it has taken ; but we must not be in a hurry, and this
for good reasons.
You may be without solicitude on the subject of the
affairs at Naples: I am most carefully watching them.
You, on the other hand, are continually having sinister
forebodings. It is God who guides the Congregation, and
not we.
To my great surprise I have received no letter from you.
Try then, I repeat, to write to me every week, since your
letters thus miscarry on the way.
I remember, dear Father, that you wrote to me concern
ing the privileges of the Passionists. I should need much
paper to answer you. When Father Grossi arrives at your
house, you may speak together of this matter. Meanwhile,
I??:-] Letter go i. 255
we need not treat about the affair with the Congregation
of Bishops and Regulars.
I have not yet received a letter from Father Costanzo ;
but it is now two months since I gave him permission to
come on account of the troubles that have arisen in his
family.
Again, when I have more money, I will send it to you.
For the present continue to live in peace, and endeavor
to arrange for the beginning of December the little mis
sions that must be given in the diocese of Aquino.
Have an understanding with Father Landi and determine
together, who are the Fathers that are to be furnished by
Scifelli and by Frosinone, so that there may be union and
harmony in the giving of these missions. Above all,
employ Father [Gennaro] Orlando ; he is anxious to join
the missionaries.
When Father Mascia has finished his missions, he should
return to Naples.
Please tell me, whether Mgr. di Veroli wishes to have
another mission for his diocese.
I conclude by blessing you and your companions.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
256 General Correspondence. [PART i.
LETTER 902.
To Father Gasparo Caione, Rector of the House at
Benevento.
Joy felt by him on account of the success of missions given
in the diocese of Benevento.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, November 19, 1777.
Your letter has been read to me privately, and I am in
formed of everything.1 He should not be kept at Caposele,
and one might easily . . .2 I have spoken of it to Father
Andrea ; he will arrange with Father Cimino what course to
pursue.
As for Brother Raffaele, I see that he is very useful to
your house, and as I wish to please your Reverence, I will
leave him with you, as such is your desire. Scifelli may be
aided in another way.
I am glad to hear about the missions already given by
your Fathers, and those that are now being given. When
the rest are finished, please inform the Cardinal, so that he
may be pleased.
I have read what you propose to me about Father Volpi-
celli, and I see with pleasure that peace reigns in your
house.
I bless you, dear Father, and all your subjects, one by
one.
I have kept my bed for several days, suffering from a
catarrh that threatened to turn out badly; to-day I am
better. God and Mary be forever blessed !
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
1 Some words are here effaced in the original.
2 Same remark.
Letter 903. 257
LETTER 903.
To Father Francesco Antonio de Paola, at Frosinone.
He recommends various things to him and communicates
some news.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, November 24, 1777.
I was myself very much astonished to be so long without
receiving any news.
I have received the letter addressed by the Sacred Con
gregation to Cardinal Banditi, and I will keep it for the
time when it will be of use.
As regards the exchange of money, I am now without
uneasiness.
Let us now speak of the missions. I do not know
whether Father Costanzo will go to Naples, for he has not
asked again to go there ; but, if he went, the three Fathers
appointed would suffice, as these missions are small; and,
if there should be a larger mission, it would be necessary to
defer it. These three Fathers should, moreover, remain
for each of these missions.
I will write to Father Orlando and forbid him to gather
alms any longer.
We have nothing to do with Araldi. As he increases his
debt and pays but* little, Signor Campanaro will in time
force him to make the contract with us. Let us, then, be
quiet ; we shall answer when we are asked.
Father Grossi is greatly embarrassed on account of the
lawsuit of his brother ; he cannot go away ; his departure
would be the ruin of his family.
As to the letter addressed to Cardinal Banditi, I have
answered that I will keep it till we need it.
You ask, who is to be the Superior of the missions?
17
258 General Correspondence. [PART r.
You will be Superior at one time, at another Father Landi.
See now which of you two can more easily be absent.
I have written to Father Landi concerning the candidates
for Holy Orders that sleep two in one bed. I sympathize
with you in your poverty; however, come to an under
standing on this subject with Mgr. di Veroli.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
[P. S.~\ At Scifelli they have asked for help ; but my
purse is empty at present, and I can send nothing.
After the orig-inal preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
LETTER 904.
To the Superior of the House at Iliceto.
He recommends a priest to him.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, November 28, 1777.
The priest Don Giuseppe Castiati will come to you to
finish his studies. He is to finish philosophy, of which he
has already studied the greater part ; then he is to take up
Dogmatic Theology, and afterwards Moral Theology.
Please show him the greatest charity ; for he is a subject
of the king of Sardinia ; his native city is Monferrato.1
I bless the one that governs the house ; I also bless all
his subjects.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
1 St. Alphonsus took a special interest in this vocation, as Don
Castiati was the first subject furnished by Piedmont.
1777- J Letter 906. 259
LETTER 905.
To Father Francesco Antonio de Paola, Superior of the
House at Frosinone.
Various recommendations.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, December i, 1777.
I send you herewith in five bills of exchange the hundred
ducats that I promised you.
I should say that you should try to finish the lawsuit
about the patronage of your church; this is, in my opinion,
the most important affair. But you may see for yourself,
whether there is not a more pressing need.
If you have occasion to write to Father Landi, tell him
not to solicit Araldi for the land in question. Let him wait
till Campanaro presses the affair of the contract.
I have already sent you the letter of the Sacred Congre
gation.
I bless you, dear Father, and all your companions.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
LETTER 906.
To Sister Brianna Carafa, in the Monastery of S. Marcellino
at Naples.
He rejoices to know that she is still alive, and gives her
some advice.
Live Jesus, Mary, and Joseph I
NOCERA, December 25, 1777.
My dear Sister and Daughter in Jesus Christ: Your letter
has doubly consoled me. I had heard a long time ago of
260 General Correspondence. [PART i.
your illness, and not having received any news since, I be
lieved that God had delivered you from this world.
But now I rejoice that God has permitted you still to
live, in order that you may complete the crown that he has
prepared for you in heaven, as I firmly believe, when I
consider all the vicissitudes that have occurred to you during
your life.
As for your niece, I very well see that she will be to you
a new cross, and that she will increase the persecution, of
which you are the object on the part of your sister, who
will criticise all that you will do for this young person ; but
this is an evil, for which there is no remedy. I am of the
same opinion as your director, that if you refuse this cross,
it may easily happen that your niece will lose her vocation.
Offer to Jesus Christ from this moment all the trials
that you may have to surfer on this occasion, and do not
cease to renew this offering to the Lord, who wishes this to
be so. Besides, omit on no day to pray for your sister,
who will continually persecute you with her criticism.
The Lord has allowed you to live, not that you may rest,
but that you may be persecuted, and that you may suffer
until death. Courage, then ! When you feel the points of
the thorns, always say : May God be blessed ! May God
be blessed! — and then be calm. I repeat, be courageous;
God wishes that you should belong entirely to him ; he
wishes to have you only for himself.
I send you a little work that I finished a short time ago.
You may read a passage in it from time to time ; you will
find therein many beautiful sentiments that unite the soul to
God. What have we to do in this world, if not to love
Jesus Christ and to suffer for him ?
I feel very much obliged to you for the sweetmeats that
you have sent me ; but what I desire most of you is, that
you do not fail to recommend me every day to Jesus
Christ, in order that he may sustain me by his grace in all
Letter 907. 261
that I have to suffer from tribulations and continual attacks
made on the Congregation, as well as from the infirmities
that weigh me down.
During all this time I have never ceased to recommend
you every day to Jesus Christ; do the same for me. I do
not ask for long prayers ; it suffices that you say before the
Blessed Sacrament: O Lord! have pity on him, and grant
him Thy love.
I bless you in the Heart of Jesus Christ, and remain . . .
Your very humble servant,
ALFONSO MARIA, Bishop.
After an old copy.
LETTER 907.
To Baron Castilleti, at Nero, Sicily.
He promises him his prayers and gives him news about his
health.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph!
PAGANI, January 21, 17778.
My Lord : I have received no letter from you before the
one which you wrote to me last, otherwise I would not have
failed to answer you.
I am very happy to learn that you, the baroness, and
your whole family are in perfect health. More than in the
past will I pray to the Lord to your intention; may he
bless you always, and bestow upon you his grace in
abundance, that you may always live more holily.
These past days I have been so very ill, that I believed
that I was on the brink of the grave ; but at present, thank
God ! my condition is a little better, although I am not yet
entirely restored.
Do not forget me in your prayers, ask the Lord to grant
me entire conformity to his holy will and the grace of a
good death.
17*
262 General Correspondence. [PART i.
I salute all the members of your excellent family, and I
beg you to accept, my dear Baron, the renewed expression
of my profound esteem.
Your very devoted and grateful servant,
ALFONSO MARIA DE LIGUORI, Bishop.
After the original preserved in the monastery of the An-
nunziata at Nero, Sicily.
LETTER 908.
To the Superior of the Congregation of Missionary Priests
of the Conference.
He sends him some leaflets containing various counsels
useful for missionaries.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA DE' PAGANI, January 31, 1778.
Reverend and Dear Father: I send you the enclosed
leaflet, which I lately composed for the subjects of the
Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer. I have ad
dressed a number of copies to you with a view to have
them more easily distributed among your young men.
I beg you not to believe me to be so rash as to wish to
give lessons to the subjects of your Congregation, in whose
ranks are to be found masters more capable than I am. I re
peat : the counsels given in this leaflet were especially intend
ed for my companions, and I am certain that your Fathers know
them and already practise them perfectly. Nevertheless, I did
not believe it useless to refresh the memory of your young
men ; for, long practice in the ministry has only proved to
me, that some preachers make light of certain recommen
dations contained in this leaflet. These recommendations
have, however, appeared to me very conducive to the
promotion of the spiritual good of the poor country people
who attend these missions.
i7?8.] Letter 908. 263
Please do not forget me in the holy sacrifice of the Mass,
and accept the expression of profound respect, with which I
have the honor to be, my dear Father,
Your very devoted and grateful servant,
ALFONSO MARIA, Bishop.
[P. S.~\ Do not inconvenience yourself to answer this
letter. Afford me only the pleasure of gratifying the desire
that I have therein expressed.
A word more. You have, no doubt, dear Father, heard
about the beautiful French work which Abbe Nonnotte
lately published against the infamous Dictionnaire philo-
sophique of Voltaire. The errors of this writer and of other
authors, who seek to destroy the faith, are therein refuted
with great learning and clearness. I have read many
authors on these subjects ; but I have found none that
surpass Abbe Nonnotte. The latter, in fact, is not satis
fied with demonstrating the untenability of modern errors ; he
also establishes all the principal dogmas of our faith, and
this with an array of proofs so conclusive and so convincing,
that his book appears to me to be really a golden book.
II the book be read without preconceived notions, I am
sure that it will gain all hearts to our faith.
You may also know that the work of Nonnotte has
already been translated at Venice, and that Signer Cervone
has re-published it at Naples in four small volumes. Please,
then, dear Father, speak in praise of this work on every
occasion, and have it bought or, at least, read, especially
by the young men, of whom many have, indeed, had their
hearts and minds tainted by the reading of the poisonous
books, which our age has produced in so great a number.
After a copy sent by Don Giuseppe Giuliano.
264 General Correspondence. IPART i.
LETTER 909.
To Father Antonio Tannoia, at Iliceto.
On what condition he may receive a postulant.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph 1
NOCERA, February 20, 1778.
I have received your letter in regard to the accusation
made against us of having exacted revenues.
The son of the lawyer from Lucera will perhaps call on
you, some of these days. Examine the young man to see
whether he is in any way capable; for, if he is really de
ficient, he must be told to study a little longer. The fact,
that his father can render us good services at Lucera, is not
a sufficient reason why we should receive him.
I bless you and all your subjects.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA, Bishop.
After the original preserved in the archives of our house at
Pagani.
LETTER 910.
To Father Gasparo Caione, Rector of the House at
Benevento.
About the manner in which a considerable sum of money
is to be employed.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, March i, 1778.
(Read attentively?)
In consultation we have repeatedly discussed the question,
to what use should the five hundred ducats given by the
Cardinal for Masses be employed. The most reasonable
and, without doubt, the most useful course appears to us to
be this: we should apply this money to the planting of
mulberry, olive, willow, and poplar trees on the farm ; for,
1778.] Letterqio. 265
these trees are not only productive, they also serve as
barriers against inundations, which must always be feared
on this property, on account of the great quantity of water
that gathers during winter.
On the other hand, I have been informed that the Cardi
nal has said that the aforesaid sum should be invested in
real estate and rentals.
But it must be somewhat warmly represented to his
Eminence, that in the city of Benevento there is much
money that cannot be invested, either in real estate or in
loans at interest. These loans are, moreover, not too sure ;
while by applying the sum to the improvement of the farm
we have an assured income, much more useful than any
other purchase.
We have specially talked on this subject with Don Nicola
Gallo, the new priest, who has just entered the novitiate,
and I desire, dear Father, that you call him and speak to
him at leisure. He will explain to you better than I can
(for he has more experience in this matter) the advantages
to be gained by improving the farm.
You must, then, even in my name, submit to the Cardi
nal all these observations, so that he may consent to allow
us thus to improve our property ; for, after all, he desires
only our good.
This letter had been written , when Father Andrea
[Villani] let me read your letter. I see therein how
opposed you are to spend this money on our farm. There
must not be, you say, any planting or improvements.
You will say, dear Father, that you wrote this phrase, in
order to side with the Cardinal's opinion, but, I doubt very
much whether the Cardinal did not speak to you about real
estate and rents, in order not to contradict your opinion.
I am not able to travel, but if I were, I would immediate
ly go to speak to the Cardinal, and I am sure that his
Eminence would agree to my opinion, which is the opinion
266 General Correspondence. [PART i.
of all the rest. The reason of this is clear. By applying
the money for the improvement of the farm, the profit will
be double of that which the best purchase would procure.
I once more ask you to speak to Don Nicola Gallo, and
also to Father [Carmine] P.cone, who is well versed in
these matters: then, when you see the Cardinal, do not
urge him, for goodness' sake, to persist in his view and to
wish that nothing should be done for our property. Tell
him all that I have written to you, and afterwards commun
icate to me his answer.
In the meantime do not, I beg you, dispose of the
money ; for, if the Cardinal is opposed to my view, I will
write to him a formal letter and prove to him that by em
ploying the sum for the improvement of the farm, the profit
will be nearly double of that which could be derived from
the best purchase.
Moreover, I will send him one of our Fathers to speak to
him at leisure on this subject, and I hope that the Cardinal
will yield. Finally, if, notwithstanding all these efforts, his
Eminence insists that we should buy funds or real estate,
then I will yield out of obedience, but to my great regret,
for I evidently see the harm that such a decision will cause.
What displeases me in all this is that the days are gliding
away and we shall desire in vain to improve the farm ; the
time for planting the olive, mulberry, poplar trees and
vines will be over, for now is the season for planting them.
I also regret that the houses at Scifelli and Frosinone are
reduced to extreme want, otherwise all the money of my
pension that I am going to send to them, would be for you,
dear Father, and you could use it for the purchase of those
plants that can be so useful to us.
I have nothing to add. If all that I have just written
makes no impression, either on the Cardinal, or on you,
I will offer to God this pain and will try to be patient. It
would be against all reason to reject my plan, for I am sure
T778.] Letter qio. 267
that, if a hundred persons would deliberate on this matter,
not one of them would say that I am wrong.
Once more : do not dispose of the money before all my
remarks have been discussed.
I bless you and remain . . .
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
[P. SJ] If the Cardinal feared that the improvement of
the farm would hinder us from fulfilling our obligation as to
Masses, I give you my word that I bind myself and bind
the whole Congregation to discharge this debt. But never
shall I believe, that the Cardinal who is solicitous about our
interests, would oppose a matter so evidently useful and
twice as lucrative as anything else would be. One thing
might induce him to do this, namely, the talk of others,
which might render him a victim of a strange illusion.
If, for want of time, all the planting cannot be done, you
could put in the ground, at least, those plants that are now
in season, for after the month of March it will be too late.
I conclude, for I can no longer hold up my head ; but I
cannot omit to add a word more. If I have not insisted in
the past, as I am doing at present, on the improvement of
the farm, it was because I did not believe, that on the part
of the Cardinal, or on the part of your Reverence, there
would be a shadow of difficulty.
Now please, dear Father, send me by a messenger an
answer to all that I have just written ; but, do so, after you
have consulted Fathers Picone and Gallo on this important
subject, and especially after you have spoken firmly and
several times, if need be, to the Cardinal.
This foundation at Benevento is the best we have; it is
even the only one that gives us bread ; and this farm is the
only immovable property which, enriched by the planting
of which I have spoken, would be capable of sustaining the
Congregation, if God wished that we should be deprived
of the other houses.
268 General Correspondence. [PART i.
To finish this affair and not to write letter upon letter, I
thought that I should send you a special messenger. If
you think that by keeping him one day with you, you
could send me some definite answer, you may keep him ;
for this affair has completely upset me for a long time.
Finally, if the Cardinal should not favor my views, beg
him at least in my name, to grant me permission to take
one hundred ducats at interest to use it for the improvement
of the farm. As for the interest of these hundred ducats, I
oblige myself to pay it, and thus all difficulties will dis
appear.
I bless you once more.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
LETTER 911.
To Abbe Claude-Francois Nonnotte, at Besancon, France.
He congratulates him for having vigorously combatted in
his works the pernicious doctrines of Voltaire, and he encour
ages him to continue his work.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
[NOCERA, March 1778.]
Reverend and Dear Sir: The writer of this letter is a
bishop of the kingdom of Naples. I am eighty-two years
old. Age and bad health have compelled me to resign the
episcopal charge. Having retired to a house of the Con
gregation of which I am a member, I find my only solace,
in these last days of my life, in reading the excellent works
which you have written against Voltaire. May God be
thanked for having preserved my life till now, so as to
permit me to read these beautiful works! I have them
constantly before me, and I call them golden books; for, in
each of their chapters I find a learned explanation of the
maxims of faith, and also the clearest and most convincing
1778.] Letter 911. 269
replies to the infamous works which Voltaire and his
adherents have filled with their heresies, their lies and their
contradictions.
I should like that your Errors of Voltaire would be
translated into all languages. I should, above all, be
pleased to see printed in every language the still more
important work written by you against the Philosophical
Dictionary; the whole Christian world would then be able
to read it.
On my part, I have endeavored to encourage everybody
to buy your works; and lately, when a little work of my
composition relative to missions, was sent to all the Super
iors of the Congregations of Missionaries of Naples, I asked
them to recommend your works to every one. I have also
read the Brief of the Sovereign Pontiff, Clement XIII., — a
Brief so flattering to your work on the Errors of Voltaire;
and on the first favorable occasion, I will ask our Holy
Father Pope Pius VI. also to honor you with a Brief in
praise of the work that you have composed against the
Philosophical Dictionary. You have, indeed, filled it with
excellent dissertations, and have therein perfectly refuted
this pernicious dictionary.
If I thus write to you, it is not to testify to you the
esteem in which I hold your books ; for they stand in no
need of my eulogy, since the learned, I am pleased to see,
have bestowed upon them their warmest approbation. I
wish, above all, to induce you to seize every opportunity to
engage in the combat ; and if these modern philosophers,
true agents of Satan, should again publish any work infected
with their errors, do not fail to answer them ; for I believe
that the Lord has endowed you with an admirable talent for
refuting these infamous books, which deserve only to be
thrown into the fire, and the daily publication of which ruin
a multitude of young men.
I have read many works directed against these unbeliev-
270 General Correspondence. [PART i.
ers; but, I assure you, I have seen none than refutes the
current errors with so much ability and clearness as yours.
I conclude by recommending myself to your prayers.
For my part, I will ask the Lord to deign to reward you
for having defended our faith by these excellent works.
Believe me, Reverend and Dear Sir,
Your very humble and affectionate servant, etc.1
After the Roman edition.
1 Vividly impressed by a letter so kind and filled with apostolic
zeal, Abbe Nonnotte answered the sailit in the following words:
" To the Right Reverend Father in Jesus Christ, Don Alfonso de
Liguori, Bishop, Rector Major of the Congregation of the Most
Holy Redeemer, Claude-Fraii9ois Nonnotte, priest of Besan9on,
offers his most humble regards.
" I do not believe that any one ever experienced more pleasure
and satisfaction than I felt, when I read your letter. It is so full
of the greatest proofs of charity and kindness; it evinces such love
for religion and all virtue, that I was tempted to believe that it was
written by an angel rather than by a man. As I am accustomed to
appreciate nothing except what is in conformity to the spirit of God,
it is an unspeakable pleasure to me to meet with men who also
value the things of God alone, and who in themselves being greater
than the greatest dignities could make them, cause one to be in
doubt, whether one should most admire in them the gift of genius
which they possess, or the bright lustre of their virtues. I have
often sought after such men, but, if my search has been hitherto
vain, your letter, at least, informs me that there is such a man at
Naples. I am, therefore, not able to express how high I esteem
you and the close affection which hereafter will unite me to you.
" All those that know your excellent and celebrated work on
Moral Theology, congratulate me on having received from so
learned a bishop so honorable a letter; and I congratulate myself in
my turn, to see my books praised by so distinguished a man. In
fact, to pass so favorable a judgment on my writings, to praise them
as you have praised them, appears to me to be the act of a prelate,
as distinguished by his wisdom as he is by his love for religion.
But the reading of such eulogies at once recalled to my mind the
warning given by our Lord to his disciples. Seeing them one day
full of joy at having announced the Gospel, he said to them: But
Letter c) 1 2. 271
LETTER 912.
To Sister Brianna Carafa, in the Monastery of S. Marcellino
at Naples.
He consoles her in her fears and gives her useful advice. —
He sends her a pious book.
•
Live Jesus, Mary, and Joseph !
NOCKRA, April n, 1778.
I heard that you were sick, and then I received no more
news from you. To-day I was gladdened by seeing again
yet rejoice not in this that spirits are subject unto you: but rejoice in this,
that your names are written in heaven. [Luke, x. 20.]
" Another thing has also caused me inexpressible satisfaction: it
is the intention that you announce of asking the Sovereign Pontiff to
issue a Brief in favor of my dictionary [" Le Dictionnaire ant -Philo-
sophique, pour servir de commentaire et de correctif au Diction
naire Philosophique"], a Brief of recommendation similar to that
which my book Errors of Voltaire obtained from Clement XIII. I
have been very anxious to obtain this favor, and for this purpose I
had sent my books to Rome, after having enriched them with an
elegant binding and embellished them with ornaments, which made
them deserving of reaching the hands of the Holy Father. I have re
ceived no answer, although Cardinal Pallavicino, to whom I wrote,
has sent me word that he had transmitted them to Pius VI. Will
this great Pope disparage my work? or shall I attribute this dis
appointment to I know not what hidden motive? I leave to your
profound wisdom the task of solving this problem.
"You then tell me with the most exquisite benevolence that, if
the infernal sect of philosophers should publish any new work, I
should combat it. Your counsel has already been followed and
your desire realized ; I should have even published many other
works, if the necessary means had not been wanting. I have
already composed a third volume against the Errors of Voltaire; I
entitled it "The Spirit of Voltaire in his Writings", and I made it
my business to prove that, as long as the works of this wretched
man are read by our contemporaries, religion can never hope to
regain the respect and the love of the people.
" I greatly desired to have this work printed at Paris; but for this
272 General Correspondence. •• [PART i.
your handwriting, and more so when I learned by your
letter that you continue to have Father N. for your director.
Go on as you are doing, and fear nothing.
Your apprehensions make you tremble; what should I
think, I who am so near death? Numerous infirmities
apprise me that I am reaching the end of my course; I am
nearly at the end of my eighty-second year, and, perhaps,
I shall not see the beginning of the eighty-third year.
I continue to recommend you to Jesus Christ every
morning, and I am confident that you are doing as much
for me. Do not forget me in your visit to the Blessed
Sacrament, because death is threatening to overtake me.
I send you my last little work, Divine Love,1 and I con
clude in blessing you in the Heart of Jesus Christ.
Do not fail to make often acts of love ; especially in every
one of your meditations repeat nine times: O my Jesus! I
it would be necessary to have the approbation of a royal censor.
Now here every one professes so great an admiration for Voltaire,
or rather every one fears so much the pen of this satirical writer,
that I cannot succeed in finding a censor who is favorable. Even
the Archbishop of Paris himself answered me that I would never
find any one to approve of my book. The fact is, incredible though
it may appear, Catholics dare not print a work composed in defence
of religion, and I shall, perhaps, be forced to have the printing
done by the heretics of Geneva. This should make one exclaim
with Cicero: O tempora, o mores! [O the times ! O the manners !J
" It is now nearly twenty years that I am fighting the battles of
the Lord, deprived of all human aid, and calumniated without
ceasing by the impious. My confidence in God has, however, not
grown weak, and, far from losing courage, I am growing bolder and
bolder every day in this fight, which is the most honorable of all.
Your letter will still more stimulate my ardor; for it breathes not
only the most ardent zeal for religion, but a delicious charity. May
this charity, for which I earnestly pray to God, unite us one day in
the heavenly country, as it now unites us in this lan'd of exile !
" Please accept, Reverend and Dear Sir, etc."
1 " Practice of Divine Love, and the Means of Acquiring It."
i778.] Letter 913. 273
give myself to Thee without reserve; do with me what
Thou pleasest.
Jesus Christ has promised that his Father would grant us
all that we should ask of him in his name ; say, therefore,
five times every day : O my God ! in the name of Jesus
Christ, give me Thy love. Have great confidence in these
words, and never forget in your meditation to pray for
sinners.
After the Roman edition.
LETTER 913.
To the Nuns of the Most Holy Redeemer, in the Convent at
Sant' Agata de' Goti.
He recommends to them resignation to God's will.
Live Jesus, Mary, and Joseph !
PAGANI, April 21, 1778.
Reverend Mother and Sisters in Jesus Christ: I write to
you to-day, Tuesday, at seven o'clock in the evening, after
supper, because the courier has just arrived.
I hear the sad news about Mother Maria Raffaela, and
God knows what a blow it is to me; but we must be
resigned to God's will.
Such being the will of God, think of choosing as your
Superior one whom you think to be the best before God,
and consult the archdeacon.
Have confidence in Jesus Christ ; he will think of keeping
you in peace.
Our Father Andrea [Villani] cannot comply with your
wish ; he is sick.
Trust in Jesus Christ and in Mary, and recommend me
in your prayers ; for soon you will also hear of my depart
ure for the other world.
18
274 General Correspondence. [PART i.
I bless you in Jesus Christ, and beg you to believe me,
Reverend Mother,
Your very humble servant,
ALFONSO MARIA DE LIGUORI, Bishop.
[P. S.] I celebrated Mass this morning the 226. inst,
for the health of Mother Superior, that God may still leave
her in this world a short time for his greater glory.
I send you a picture of the Blessed Bonaventure of Po-
tenza; apply it to the sick person, for this holy man works
great miracles.1
After an old copy.
1 Mother Maria Raffaela della Carita died on April 26, 1778, as
we read in her biography. A portrait of her was at once taken, at
the bottom of which we read the following inscription :
" Born at Naples of a very respectable family, Maria Raffaela de
Vito consecrated herself to the service of God at Scala, in the
convent of the nuns of the Most Holy Redeemer. She exercised the
office of Superior at different intervals. A monastery of her Order
having been founded at Sant' Agata, she was called by Mgr. Alfonso
de Liguori, Bishop of that city, with the consent of Clement XIII.
to take charge of it. She thus formed the nuns to the practice of the
Rules of the Institute of the Most Holy Redeemer, and fully satis
fied the expectations of the prelate. Model of every virtue, she
died on April 26, 1778, at the age of seventy-eight years, one
month, and twenty days.
" Her sorrowful daughters have consecrated this memento to their
excellent Mother and Mistress."
i778.] Letter 914. 275
LETTER 914.
To Father Francesco Antonio de Paola, at Frosinone.
Counsels in regard to the house at Frosinone and the
pending lawsuit.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
[NOCERA, April 1778?]
Your letter of March 30, has been read to me, and I
have been much consoled by the news that you give me
of our lawsuit.
It appears that your house is ready for occupation ; but,
since according to the doctor's opinion, it cannot be occu
pied before the month of October, I wish you to wait till
that time. If afterwards any misfortune should occur, I
should not like to have qualms of conscience for having
caused the death of any confrere.
The information that you have given me about the condi
tion of the house has also afforded me pleasure.
From now till the month of October or November I
cannot send you anything, and after November I cannot
promise to give you a large sum ; for I have debts, and for
the funds that I was to collect in October, I have claims at
the present time.
I certainly love Frosinone as much as Scifelli; but at
Scifelli there is a number of young men to whom even
bread is wanting, as Father Landi writes to me.
It is understood that the missions at Veroli and Frosi
none will be given in the month of November, as you have
written.
I am glad that Mgr. di Veroli takes a lively interest in
the lawsuit ; but if you do not secure assistance at Rome,
dear Father, we shall be able to do nothing. If one of the
two Cardinals, who are our friends, either Santobuono or
Marefoschi, protects us, we shall surely be victorious.
276 General Correspondence. [PART r.
Having nothing more to say, I conclude by blessing you
and all your subjects.
[ The signature is wanting^
Should Molella propose a settlement, I shall be very glad,
if Monsignor consents to it, if he thinks it proper. Natural
ly speaking, I should be inclined to have a formal decision ;
but we are strangers at Rome, and hence it will always be
better for us, I think, to accept an arrangement, if it is
proposed to us.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
LETTER 915.
To the Same.
The sending of pecuniary aid. — He asks him to render a
service. — Details concerning the missions.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
[NOCERA, end of April, 1778.]
I have not yet received a single tornese 1 from Sant' Aga-
ta; and from the College [of Doctors], I could draw hardly
eighty ducats. Of these I send you forty ; I say forty; but
as soon as Sant' Agata furnishes me with funds, you shall
not be forgotten.
I am now going to cause you a little inconvenience.
The celebrated Voltaire has been converted; this you un
doubtedly know.2 Now for my own consolation I have
1 A piece of money used at Naples.
2 It was a false rumor, which was soon contradicted. It was then
that St. Alphonsus pronounced these remarkable words : " Such
conversions are not ordinary graces; they are, in fact, the effects of
a great mercy, of uncommon mercy; and God does not grant such a
favor to any one, unless he discovers in him, as was the case with
St. Paul, the beginning of a good intention. JVow, in Voltaire
everything is very bad." — Tannoia, bk. iv., ch. xi.
I778-] Letter p/j. 277
resolved to write to him ; but I can send him only a letter
in Latin. I send you a rough draft of it in the vernacular;
please to translate it and put it into the form of a Latin
letter as you think best. Translate it and return it immed
iately ; I will have it forwarded to Paris. Do not delay.
I bless you and all your subjects.
Father [Leopoldo] Briscione is to start from home at
once; he tells me that there are several missions to be
given at Abbruzzo, in the diocese of Salerno, and that
at least four Fathers are needed.
For the present, I have no missionary to send ; see
whether you cannot secure these four missionaries among
the Fathers in the Romagna.
As for Father Orlando, it will be better not to employ
him on missions ; let him remain at home, for I see that he
will not be of use in the missions that are to be given in the
Romagna. I will call him back to Naples on November
1 6, and I will arrange that the missionaries, whom you
need, are sent to you, as soon as you send me information.
I again bless you, dear Father, and I remain . . .
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
[P. SJ] I have just heard from Sant' Agata that 'no
money can be collected. We shall then speak of this again
in the month of September.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
18*
278 General Correspondence. [PART i.
LETTER 916.
To Francois Maria Arouet de Voltaire, at Paris.
He expresses to him his great joy on hearing of his con
version, and suggests to him a means of repairing his
scandals.1
[NOCERA, beginning of May, 1778.]
The writer of this letter is a bishop nearly worn out with
infirmities, and the Sovereign Pontiff has condescended to
allow him to resign the bishopric of Sant' Agata de' Goti.
In my last days, at the advanced age of eighty-three,
your conversion, which is as happy for you, as it is satis
factory to all good Catholics, has been a subject of so great
a joy to me, that I cannot help addressing to you my
sincere felicitations.
I was broken-hearted, and I even shed bitter tears, when
I saw you employing so badly, and for so long a time, the
rare talents with which God has endowed you. Many a
time, notwithstanding my profound unworthiness, I ad
dressed to the Most High most fervent prayers, in order
that this Father of mercies might cause you to abjure your
errors, and draw you entirely to his love.
My ardent desires are this day realized. Your conver
sion (I speak as I feel) is more advantageous to the Church
than the heroic labors of a hundred bands of missionaries
could have been.
In order that this joy may be universal and complete,
and that the sincerity of your return to God may be free
1 The news of the conversion of Voltaire was so promptly contra
dicted, that St. Alphonsus had not even time to send this letter to
its destination. This admirable letter will, nevertheless, remain an
immortal monument of the zeal displayed by the holy Doctor for the
interests of the Church and for the conversion of the most hardened
sinners. As for the patriarch of modern infidelity, we know that he
died on May 30, 1778, in the most frightful despair, proclaiming
himself abandoned by God and by man.
177^-1 Letter 9 if. 279
from the slightest doubt; you should, in my opinion, write
something as a refutation of your previous errors and
sophisms. I should be still more pleased, if you would use
your pen against a writer ! who lately has dared to attack
the dogmas of our holy faith. Why should you not shatter
the arrow in his hands, when he causes immense harm to so
many young men, whom the love of free thought carries
away boldly to despise their God and to become careless
about their souls?
I know that you suffer from your eyes ; but the least
writing dictated by you would satisfy the expectation of the
entire world. Above all, it would reduce to silence those
that wish to throw doubt upon your conversion, and that see
in all this only dissimulation on your part.
In the meanwhile, I will fervently pray to God, that he
may grant you strength, if not to write, at least to dictate
some pages to refute the infidels of the day.
Tannoia, Book iv., Chapter xi.
LETTER 917.
To the Nuns of the Most Holy Redeemer in the Monastery
of Sant' Agata de' Goti.
He asks them for news and exhorts them to practise
perfect observance.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, May 12, 1778.
The death of Sister Maria Raffaella, your Mother, has,
you may imagine, caused me profound affliction; I hoped
to hear that you had elected a new Superior and that
your Community persevered in its usual fervor: this would
be a consolation to me ; but up to the present time I have
received no letter from you.
Be then so kind as to inform me of your affairs. Especi-
1 Probably Jean Jacques Rousseau,
280 General Correspondence. [PART i.
ally tell me whom you have chosen Superior, and whether
the Rule is observed with the same fidelity as before.
I was thinking of sending you a little work which I com
posed expressly for you. It will keep awake the remem
brance of the observances practised in your Community up
to the present time ; and this remembrance will be useful in
preserving the fervor of your first days in religion. As
soon as it is printed, I will send it.1
In the meantime write to me and give me information
about everything, and tell me that, by the grace of God,
all goes well.
When I think how far back the foundation of your
monastery began, I should be very sorry to hear that the
observance of the Rule has relaxed, that already abuses
have been introduced; but I do not wish to believe such
things.
Send me, then, your answer by way of Naples, and give
it to a messenger who may carry it to our lay-brother,
who lives in that city. In case this Brother should not be
found at the capital, have the letter sent to my printer who
lives at Naples, opposite to the Prince della Riccia, in
S. Biagio, Publishers' Row. This Signer Onofrio [Paci]
will have your answer forwarded through the priest Don
Salvatore Tramontane.
I conclude by giving you all my blessing.
Ask our Lord to grant me the grace of a good death.
My end is near, for I am suffering very much.
Believe me, my Reverend Mother,
Your very humble servant,
ALFONSO MARIA DE LIGUORI, Bishop.
After an old copy.
1 This little work appeared under the following title: "Counsels
addressed to the Nuns of the Most Holy Redeemer, living in the
Monasteries of Sant' Agata and of Scala."
i778.] Letter 918. 281
LETTER 918.
To Mother Maria Angelica of the Most Blessed Sacrament,
Superior of the Nuns of the Most Holy Redeemer, at
Sant' Agata de' Goti.
He exhorts her to have confidence in God.
Live Jesus and Mary!
PAGANI, May 24. 1778.
I have received your very long letter, but I did not
receive another before. When you write to me, I beg you
to express briefly what you wish to say, because I suffer
much from my head.
I have heard that you have been appointed Superior of
the Community. Do not fear; have confidence in God. It
is he that has chosen you ; he will give you the strength
and the necessary aptitude to govern well.
I have felt great consolation at the beautiful death of
Mother Maria Raffaela, and I am very much pleased that
you have written a description of it.
Pray to God for me that he may give me the grace of a
happy death.
I refrain from answering all the nuns that have written to
me, because I cannot depend on my head. I shall not,
however, omit to pray for each one of them, in order that
God may make them all belong entirely to himself.
I bless them all with you, Reverend Mother, and remain,
etc.
After the Roman edition.
282 General Correspondence. [PART i.
LETTER 919.
To Sister Maria Celestina del Divino Amore, Redemptoristine
at Sant' Agata. 1
Utility of humiliations. — Necessity of detachment.
Live Jesus and Mary !
PAGANI, May 24, 1778.
I have received your letter, and I have admired God's
conduct in your regard.'2
I have always seen that, the more you are humbled, the
more closely will you be united with the Heart of our Lord ;
for this good Master loves and enriches with his favors only
those that are humble of heart and who embrace humiliations
with patience.
Do not cease to pray for me at Sant' Agata ; I will not
fail to pray for you.
I assure you that I have always esteemed you, and have
always spoken in praise of you ; but I did not wish to allow
1 This Sister was one of the four nuns that left Scala to found the
monastery of Redemptoristines at Sant' Agata. Called to give her
testimony at the process of beatification of St. Alphonsus, she did so
in the following words:
"I had scarcely attained the age of reason, when I heard the
venerable servant of God spoken of among the religious of the
convent of Scala, where I was staying. Later I had frequent
occasions to see him, to hear him, to admire his virtues and his zeal,
for he came to Scala, either to give novenas, or to preach in our
church; once he gave us a retreat. I consulted him particularly in
regard to my vocation ; the doubts that I had had for some time on
this subject, were finally dissipated by the wise counsels of the
servant of God. Lastly, I often had occasion to speak to him, when
I came to Sant' Agata in company with the other nuns, the founders
of the monastery. . ."
2 The Sister being the only one that survived the four founders, it
seemed that she should replace Mother Maria Raffaela. But this
was not the case. Hence the following words of the holy Doctor:
" I have admired God's conduct in your regard."
1778.] Letter Q 20. 283
my mind to be disturbed, and, therefore, did not meddle
with this affair, leaving to God the care of directing the
vessel according to the interests of his greater glory.
I bless you most cordially, and I remain,
Your very humble servant,
ALFONSO MARIA DE LIGUORI, Bishop.
[P. S.~\ A word more. I see that God calls you to
become a saint ; but this excess of affection for me, the
extreme disquietude on the subject of my illness, all this is
not in order.
Every affection, even lawful, in regard to creatures is a
bar to the love of our Lord, as long as it goes too far.
Detach yourself, then, from every earthly affection,
otherwise you will never belong entirely to God. And if
you desire to belong entirely to him, do not continue
thinking, whether I am well or ill. It should be sufficient
for you, that our Lord, who desires our entire love, does
not change in your regard. You should, then, I repeat,
detach yourself from your relatives, from your spiritual
director; in a word, from all creatures. Live Jesus, Mary,
Joseph!
Conformable to the original preserved in the chapel of the
novitiate of our Province in Lower Germany. The postscript
is after a copy.
LETTER 920.
To Mother Maria Angelica of the Most Blessed Sacrament,
Superior of the Redemptoristines at Sant' Agata.
He does not believe it expedient for Sister Maria Celestina
to return to Scala.
Live' Jesus, Mary, Joseph!
NOCERA DE' PAGANI, May 28, 1778.
I have, indeed, written to Sister Maria Celestina, that I
left it free to her, to return to Scala or to remain at Sant'
284 General Correspondence. [PART i.
Agata. But as her letter proves, that she is quite indiffer
ent and perfectly resigned to the will of God, I am now of
opinion, that she should positively remain at Sant' Agata,
as Mother Assistant. In the present state of affairs she does
not depend on the Superior at Scala ; for, from the moment
in which the Pope charged her with founding your convent,
she was no longer subject to the authority of the Superior
at Scala. Moreover, your monastery is, so to speak, only
at the beginning of its foundation ; the nuns there have
all entered recently, while Scala possesses many more that
are older.
I have written to Sister Maria Celestina, to congratulate
her on her spirit of resignation. It is this resignation that
makes me say, that she should not leave your monastery.
I bless you, Reverend Mother, and all your subjects.
Your very humble servant,
ALFONSO MARIA DE LIGUORI, Bishop.
After an old copy.
LETTER 921.
To the Same.
He sends a little work, the reading of which he strongly
recommends.
Live Jesus, Mary, and Joseph!
PAGANI, June 5, 1778.
Just this morning I received the little work 1 which you
will find enclosed.
I composed it for all the convents of religious, in
which regular observance is in vigor, but especially for
your monastery of Sant' Agata. I conceived the idea of it
after Mother Maria Raffaela's death.
I send you ten copies ; keep five copies for yourself, and
1 Counsels to the Nuns of the Most Holy Redeemer. — See Letter 917. •
1778.] Letter ^2 1. 285
send three in my name to the monastery of Airola, and two
to that of Arienzo.
Let me know whether you wish to have more copies ; I
shall send them to you. In the meantime I shall have the
same work distributed among several monasteries of Na
ples.
Recommend me to Jesus Christ; for my health is very
much shattered. Do not, however, omit to write to me
from time to time on the subject of your affairs, but in a
few words, since I can no longer read much, and am like a
corpse. I beg every one to recommend me to Jesus Christ,
when she visits the Blessed Sacrament.
I ask you to read this little work several times a year ; let
every one read it, at least, when she is making her retreat
privately.
I especially recommend to all to put in practice the
thirty-ninth exhortation, in which the religious are re
quested to pray for sinners, and especially for infidels and
those who live separated from the Church. The religious
that does not pray for sinners, proves thereby that she has
but little love for Jesus Christ. Those that love this sweet
Redeemer, would wish to see him loved by every one. I,
therefore, recommend to you all sinners and the souls in
purgatory.
Pray also for me, so that Jesus Christ may give me a
good death, for I feel myself greatly troubled in mind, and
I tremble at the thought, that I must soon appear before
this great judge.
When you address any exhortation to the Sisters, always
recommend to them the observance of the Rules. I grieve
to see so many monasteries that began full of fervor, and
afterwards fell into relaxation.
Boldly oppose the abuses that may arise ; it is the want
of vigilance that causes the monasteries to become little by
little relaxed and become houses altogether profane, without
286 General Correspondence. [PART i.
piety and without love for God. Hence, on the day of
judgment we shall see many religious damned, especially
those that have introduced abuses, and those that were able
to remedy them, and neglected to do so.
I bless you and all the Sisters, each one in particular.
After the Roman edition.
LETTER 922.
To the Same.
He reassures her in regard to the validity of her election.
Live Jesus, Mary, and Joseph !
PAGANI, June 18, 1778.
Reverend Mother: The Superior of Scala has also written
to me ; but I answered her that your election was made
under the direction and presidency of the archdeacon, who
is a learned and zealous man.
Hence I say to you what was said to you by the Vicar
Capitular, that you should continue to exercise the duties
of the charge that God has imposed upon you ; and if any
one speaks against your election, answer her that she
should write to the archdeacon, who will remove all doubts.
I, however, praise you for having shown yourself ready
to resign, ii it became necessary.
Now you must be tranquil ; whatever may be the reflec
tions of others, do not mind them ; content yourself with
saying: I have accepted this charge in obedience to the
order of my Superior, who is the Vicar Capitular. That is
enough ; think no more about it.
I send you ten more copies of my little work on regular
observance. Have the Litany recited for me for three
days, because I am in great trouble.
I bless you and all the Sisters.
Your very humble servant,
ALFONSO MARIA, Bishop.
1778.] Letter 923. 287
\_P. 6*.] Have the enclosed letter forwarded to Father
Master Caputo.
After an old copy.
LETTER 923.
To Don Liborio Carfora, Rural Dean, at S. Maria de Vico.
He expresses to him his joy that a new church has been
opened for worship.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph!
NOCERA, June 19, 1778.
Very Reverend and Dear Sir: Your letter has greatly
consoled me, since it informed me that the church of
S. Nicola, after so many delays and difficulties, has finally
been opened for divine worship.
I thank our Lord for having brought about this result,
and I also thank you, Very Reverend Sir, for what you
have done for this end. I hope that, after some time, I
shall hear of the completion of the church.
Meanwhile, please recommend me to our Lord in your
holy Mass; for my death is near. Please accept the
expression of affectionate respect with which I am,
Very Reverend Sir,
Your very devoted servant,
ALFONSO MARIA, Bishop.
After an old copy.
288 General Correspondence. [PART i.
LETTER 924.
To Mother Maria Angelica of the Most Blessed Sacrament,
Superior of the Redemptoristines at Sant' Agata de' Goti.
He rejoices that peace has been restored.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, July 8, 1778.
Reverend Mother: I am consoled to hear that at last
calm has succeeded your agitation.
I am very glad that Mother Maria Celestina has been
named Assistant, and I request you to try to conform as
much as possible to her view in doubtful matters, so that
perfect harmony may reign between both of you.
I send you the Victories of the Martyrs; 1 have it read
in the refectory.
I beg you to recommend me to Jesus Christ. I bless
you in a special manner, and I also bless all the Sisters,
every one in particular.
Your very humble servant,
ALFONSO MARIA DE LIGUORI, Bishop.
After an old copy.
LETTER 925.
To Sister Maria Giovanna Delia Croce, in the Monastery at
Camigliano.
He points out to her what should be her conduct in spiritual
trials.
Live Jesus, Mary, and Joseph !
NOCERA, September 18, 1778.
I have received your letter, and it informs me that you
are in spiritual darkness.
1 This is a work by St. Alphonsus, entitled: "Victories of the
Martyrs ; or, Lives of the most celebrated Martyrs of the Church."
i7?8.] Letter 926. 289
Do not neglect to have confidence in the blood of Jesus
Christ and in the goodness of Mary, even when all your
prayers appear to you as lost. Say always : O my Jesus!
it is in Thy blood that I rest all my hopes. O Mother of
God! it is to thy mercy that I confide my eternal salvation.
Continue to say your prayers in this manner, although it
may seem to you that Jesus and Mary do not hear you.
Be mindful to recommend me to both ; I shall do so for
you. Be of good cheer; for we have a good Master, who
died in order to save us.
Moreover, do not fail to recommend poor sinners who
live in disgrace with God.
I bless you, and conclude by saluting the religions
(monaca) of the family 1 of whom you. have spoken to me.
Let her also recommend me to Jesus Christ, that I may
obtain the grace of a good death.
I am, Reverend Mother,
Your very humble servant,
ALFONSO MARIA DE LIGUORI, Bishop.
After an old copy.
LETTER 926.
To Mother Maria Angelica of the Most Blessed Sacrament,
Superior of the Redemptoristines at Sant' Agata de' Goti.
Counsels regarding the observance of a particular rule.
Live Jesus and Mary !
NOCERA, October 7, 1778.
I have read your letter attentively.
The rule respecting the conference is, as you know, one
of the most important. It is also necessary that the Super
ior should hear all those that come to confer with her.
1 Thus were called in Italy those virtuous persons who wore the
religious habit, although remaining with their family.
19
290 General Correspondence. [PART r.
Hence, in future pay no attention to what others may
say to the contrary, and continue as you are doing.
As for temptations, abstain from putting questions; but,
when the Sisters speak to you about them, listen to them,
point out a remedy, and do not mind those that think otherwise.
In a word, make no scruple (as the confessors have told
you), to hear all that the Sisters make known to you ; hear
them, and answer what they ask of you.
Recommend me every day to Jesus Christ, and have the
Sisters recite every day an Ave Maria for me. I bless you
and all your officials.
Believe me, Reverend Mother,
Your very humble servant,
ALFONSO MARIA DE LIGUORI, Bishop.
After an old copy.
LETTER 927.
To Don Michele Tezza, at Cirignola.
He informs him of a restitution.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA DK' PAGANI, October 20, 1778.
Dear Sir : I received through the confessional ten ducats
which belong to you.
Please to designate a person at Naples, to whom I may
forward this sum, and receive from him a receipt, thus
discharging me as soon as possible from this obligation.
I am, dear Sir, entirely at your service, and beg you to
believe me,
Your very devoted servant,
ALFONSO MARIA DE LIGUORI, Bishop.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
Letter 928. 291
LETTER 928.
To the Syndic and Municipal Counsellors of Corletto.
It being impossible for him to send them missionaries, he
refers them to the Superior at Caposele.
Live Jesus and Mary !
PAGANI, December 12, 1778.
Gentlemen : Your request appears to me to be perfectly
just, and I greatly praise the zeal with which you are
animated for the glory of God, and for the spiritual interests
of the people.
I should very much like to satisfy you, but it is impos
sible; for the Fathers of this house and those of Ciorani
have been engaged for nearly a month in giving missions in
Calabria and other places, and they will be thus engaged
till next summer. As for the Fathers at Caposele, they are
now evangelizing the diocese of Tricarico, and I know not
how long a time they will be thus engaged. I have,
therefore, no missionaries at my disposal.
You might write in my name to the Superior of Mater
Domini, at Caposele, and ask him whether he can accept
the mission at Corletto.
Please accept, Gentlemen, the expression of my perfect
consideration, and believe me,
Your very devoted servant,
ALFONSO MARIA DE LIGUORI.
After an old copy.
292 General Correspondence. [PART i.
LETTER 929.
To Mother Maria Angelica of the Most Blessed Sacrament,
Superior of the Redemptoristines at Sant' Agata de' Goti.
He thanks her for her good wishes at Christmas.
Live Jesus and Mary !
PAGANI, December 25, 1778.
May God reward you for the charity you have shown in
offering me your well-wishes for Christmas.
I most cordially thank you and all the good nuns. Offer
also my thanks to Don Gaetano, whose zeal is exercised
with so much ardor in rendering you all perfect spouses
of Jesus Christ.
I have been in bed for some time, suffering from catarrh,
expecting death whenever God wishes. Recommend me
to our Lord, and ask all the Sisters to do the same. You
know the esteem in which I hold them.
I bless you, Reverend Mother, and your whole Com
munity.
Please offer my regards to Don Gaetano, if he is still
with you, and believe me,
Your very devoted and grateful servant,
ALFONSO MARIA DE LIGUORI, Bishop.
After an old copy.
I778-] Letter 930. 293
LETTER 930.
To a Religious.
He informs her of the state of his health, and gives her
some advice.
Live Jesus and Mary!
PAGAXI, December 26, 1778.
I thank you very much for your good wishes, and I beg
the Lord to reward your charity by blessing you, body and
soul.
As for myself, I have been keeping my bed these past
several days, suffering from a violent catarrh, and am ex
pecting death very soon. For this reason I am not able to
read even the letters of the subjects of the Congregation.
In regard to what you have written to me, follow the
advice of your confessor, and you will not go astray. He
holds the place of God ; through him you may know the
divine will.
Have a reasonable affection for your confessor; this I
think is necessary ; for, you will thereby be so much the
more disposed to do what he prescribes for you, and to
avoid what may displease him.
Moreover, regard him only as a guide who aids you in
the affair of your eternal salvation, and live in such indiffer
ence that, if you lose him, you would be disposed to wish
what the Lord wishes.
Pray to Jesus Christ for me, and believe me,
Your very devoted and grateful servant,
ALFONSO MARIA DE LIGUORI, Bishop.
After an old copy.
19*
294 General Correspondence. [PART i.
•
LETTER 931.
To Father Francesco Antonio de Paola, at Frosinone.
He complains that he is never consulted about the affairs
of Frosinone.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, February 19, 1779.
I have already written to Father Leggio that the infor
mation given me about Frosinone is very superficial;
nothing is fully explained to me. This very evening, I
learned some news through Father Ficocelli , namely ,
about the final settlement by Mgr. di Veroli. But what is
this settlement? to what did Mgr. di Veroli agree? Of all
this not a word is added; no doubt, in order to follow the
old custom of not enabling me to see things more clearly
than before.
Let me act, you say in concluding your letter.
I never prevented you from acting ; but it never was my
intention, that the affairs of the Congregation should be
settled without sending me information.
Thank God, I am not yet dead, and I have not yet lost
my senses. I have been a lawyer, I have been a bishop ;
many a time I had to transact similar affairs. I am now
Rector Major ; why, then, should I not be consulted ?
For pity's sake, let me know what is going on, what is
being negotiated, and with whom. Formerly, I gave
innumerable counsels, either as bishop, or as lawyer, and
to-day, according to your view, I have become incapable
of doing anything.
But let us say no more about this matter. In future I
wish to be informed of everything concerning the lawsuit
of the church at Frosinone.
Up to the present I had been left in the dark as to the
condition of affairs. Now I am told that we have lost the
1779-3 Letter 931. 295
chaplaincy ; that we have lost the property ; that we have
lost the church. I would not like to receive again similar
good news. Please tell me, with whom you have begun to
negotiate the settlement; on what basis it was arranged;
what was the advice of the Bishop of Veroli. Tell me, and
then I will answer you.
All that has been done so far was to send me, after
innumerable requests, the papers of lawyer Massei; but
they were taken from me almost immediately. May God
be always praised ! I accept from his hands all these
mortifications.
I bless you, dear Father, and remain . . .
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
[y0. S."] I learn, but always through Father Ficocelli,
that you desire certain Fathers from the kingdom of Na
ples. Those that are not otherwise engaged, will be sent.
I regret, however, not to have any money at present, not
even for the journey to Rome.
I must say that there is, perhaps, no other house that
has caused me more trouble than that of Frosinone. May
God be forever praised !
I have been told about the two Fathers that are to go
to your house ; but when the time comes, send two horses
to take them, for I have not the means of procuring a
coach ; I could hardly pay for one.
Father Cimino cannot accompany them ; for he is to go
to his native place.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
296 General Correspondence. [PART i.
LETTER 932.
To Sister Maria Angela Rosa Graziano, in the Monastery
del SS. Rosario, at Naples.
He compassionates her in her afflictions.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, April 9, 1779.
I have received your letter, and I regret to hear of your
interior trials. I have asked the Lord to remove them from
you.
I have written to Don Gaetano di Geronimo to ask him
to go to hear your confession ; my letter was addressed by
way of Naples to Brother Michele [Ilardo], with the request
to have it taken to you at once.
I restrict myself to these few lines. Please recommend
me to our Lord, I always pray for you. I bless you,
Reverend Mother, and remain,
Your very humble servant,
ALFONSO MARIA DE LIGUORI, Bishop.
After an old copy.
LETTER 933.
To Father Angelo Maione, at Naples.
Joy afforded him by the mediation of some eminent persons
in favor of the Congregation.
Live Jesus, and the Most Holy Virgin !
PAGAXI, April 12, 1779.
My dear Father Angelo : Affairs appear to me to have
taken a favorable turn. Leave it all to Jesus Christ ! He
has wrought miracles to sustain us in these persecutions
and he will not permit, I am sure, that his work should be
destroyed, a work so profitable to poor sinners. From
I779-] Letter 933. 297
Calabria, from Puglia, from the Basilicata, from the dio
cese of Benevento, from Sicily, and from the Roman
Campagna, I receive touching details of the great labors
undertaken by our Fathers. May God be forever praised !
I think it will be well to send information to Monsignor,
the Grand Almoner. In this way he will know the real
state of affairs, when the ordinance is published ; but act in
this matter as you think to be most prudent.
I shall not omit to have frequent inquiries made at the
post for letters from the Marshal [Pignatelli] and from the
Duchess of Montecalvo. Meanwhile, please assure the
lady that we, the whole Community and myself, still
recommend her to Jesus Christ and to his Blessed Mother
Mary, that she may be comforted ; and I hope, that they
will give her those graces which will promote the greater
glory of God, and which she herself desires. For, since
she is interested in the things of God, he, in his turn, will
interest himself in her affairs.
I should never have imagined that God would open this
way to us. Who knows, whether he does not wish to use
these persons to procure peace for our Congregation, and
to enable them to acquire for themselves the merits of this
good work.
My health goes from bad to worse; but I assure you that
I shall die extremely happy, if our Lord and the Most
Blessed Virgin Mary will let me see peace firmly established
in our Community.
Offer to the persons, of whom I have spoken, my most
respectful thanks. Later on I intend to do so myself by
letter; but do not forget to offer them now my kindest
regards.
I bless you, dear Father, and please remember me at
holy Mass.
BROTHER ALFONSO.
After the original preserved in a family at Montirotondo.
298 General Correspondence. [PART i.
LETTER 934.
To the Fathers and Brothers of the Congregation of the
Most Holy Redeemer.
Recommendations relative to missions and to regular
observance.
Live Jesus, Mary, and Joseph !
PAGANI, July 10, 1779.
The advanced age in which I find myself", and much
more, the continual maladies that afflict me, convince me that
these recommendations are the last that I shall address to
you, my very dear Fathers and Brothers. This makes me
believe, that you will be disposed to put in practice all the
counsels that I give you in the name of Jesus Christ,
because you will regard them as the last pledge of my
affection for you.
It is true, I have very great reason to rejoice, since I
have learned that in our houses every one lives according
to observance and with regularity, every one striving to
reach the end for which our Lord has called him into the
Congregation. It is, however, also true that, to my great
regret, as has been reported to me, many abuses have
crept into the Congregation, chiefly in regard to the mis
sions — abuses to which a remedy must, by all means, be
applied.
Thus, to begin with the missions, I beg the Superiors as
well as the subjects, scrupulously to observe the ancient
custom in regard to food and drink, and to heed the
prohibition of going about the country, except in so far as
the exercise of the apostolic ministry requires it. It is
known to all that we always held in abhorrence the eating
of poultry, dainties, and the drinking of exquisite and costly
beverages; now I hear with great sorrow that this is but
little, or not at all, observed. I have even been told that
1779 ] Letter 934. 299
some have gone so far as to seek for that which gratifies
the palate, and that more than once they have exchanged
the wine, or sent for wine from a distance ; this has been
done to the great surprise of the people. It is also said
that some go out walking, and make more than necessary
or customary visits.
If we act in this manner, how can we expect God to
co-operate with his laborers in their undertakings and to
bless their work ? and how will the people draw fruit from
the sermons, if the actions of the missionaries contradict
their words? Let the Superiors watch carefully over this
matter, and let them allow chocolate only to those that are
really in need of it.
I, moreover, enjoin upon the Superiors to see that the
Chapter of faults takes place at the end of every mission.
They shall never give a dispensation from the half-hour's
mental prayer; for the laborer must be himself enlightened,
if he wishes to enlighten others ; and, in order to enkindle
in the hearts of others the fire of divine love, he himself
should be inflamed with it. Now all this is found in prayer.
They shall always employ the young Fathers in hearing
the confessions of men, according to the custom that has
been followed since our Congregation has been founded.
We should, above all , never receive compensation ,
presents, or money from the parishes, for fear that the
missions become odious and thus the exercise of the
ministry, on which our Institute is founded, be ruined, or,
at least, its efficiency lessened.
To pass now from the missions to matters referring to
the interior government of the houses.
Every Minister shall take care to make an inventory of all
the things that are in the house, namely, in the sacristy,
tailor's room, kitchen, cellar, and other places, in order to
see whether anything is wanting, and in order to maintain
good order in the Communities.
300 General Correspondence. [PART i.
Moreover, as the Rule prescribes, accounts should be
kept of what is received and expended , and expenses
exceeding ten ducats should not be made without the
consent of the Admonitor and the Consultors. If this order
be neglected, I charge the Admonitors to inform me at
once, in order that a suitable remedy may be applied.
The Rectors shall not give to any subject, whoever he
may be, the permission to remain outside of the house
more than eight days ; and if a longer stay be necessary,
permission must be asked of the Rector Major, to whom
the subject should write every month, in order that it may
be known, where he is, and for what reason he remains
from home.
The Rectors shall never admit strangers to the first table,
and much less allow servants or common people to eat at
the second table; another place should be assigned to them
for this purpose. During the first period of the Congrega
tion, this point was observed with all possible precaution ;
but, at the present time, great negligence has been re
marked in this matter.
In order that all that I have affectionately recommended
to you may be put in force, and may be faithfully observed,
I have taken the resolution to send every year, if it so pleases
God, a Visitor to each house, who is to be my representa
tive. Whenever he discovers, that my exhortations have
not been put in practice, as happens so very often, and that
my solicitude in urging you to reform the abuses introduced
has served only to fill the paper on which I have written,
he will be obliged to inform me of the fact, in order
that I may apply a suitable remedy. Meantime, the trans
gressors should know, that they will not remain unpunished
by Jesus Christ, since they did not wish to listen to the
orders given to them by his representative.
Finally, I recommend to you in general the strict ob
servance of the Rule, professed by you, and while begging
I779-] Letter 935. 30 1
you all to remember me in your prayers, I cheerfully give
you, my Fathers and Brothers, as a token of the tender
affection I bear you, my paternal benediction.
ALFONSO MARIA, Bishop,
Rector Major.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
LETTER 935.
To the Students of the Congregation.
He makes known to them the needs of Sicily, and asks
them to devote themselves to the missions of this country.
Live Jesus, Mary, and Joseph !
NOCERA, August 16, 1779.
My dear Brethren: You always preserve, I hope, the
desire to be entirely devoted to Jesus Christ. This desire
made you enter the Congregation, and this desire you
more especially renewed, when you made your profession,
by which you consecrated yourselves without reserve to the
love of Jesus Christ.
I will now ask you to make a sacrifice for Jesus Christ.
Father Lauria, who has come from Girgenti, tells me that
our brethren in Sicily are too few to be able to satisfy the
spiritual wants of this diocese and of the neighboring coun
tries ; and now the Archbishop of Palermo, Mgr. Sanseve-
rino, also wishes to have some of our subjects to give
missions, especially in the diocese of Monreale. Conse
quently, there is a demand, at least, of two more Fathers
to give all the missions that are asked for by the people,
who are so very numerous. In Girgenti alone there are
more than two hundred thousand souls.
This being the case, as soon as you finish your studies, I
should like to know, which of you feels himself disposed to
3<D2 General Correspondence. [PART i.
labor in Sicily, where our missions are so numerous, and
where they produce much fruit.
Those among you that are animated with this zeal have
no need to write to me privately ; it will suffice, if they
make known their willingness to Father Sorrentino, who
will take care, as I have told him, to inform me; and I will
specially remember those among you who will be the first
to offer themselves for this work, so useful to the glory
of God.
I need not say more to you; meanwhile, I bless you
with all my heart, every one of you in particular, and I beg
you to recommend me every day to the Blessed Sacrament,
since my death is so near at hand.
Your very affectionate confrere,
ALFONSO MARIA DE LIGUORI,
Rector Major.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
LETTER 936.
To Father Pietro Paolo Blasucci, in Sicily.
He expresses his fears regarding the house at Girgenti.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph!
NOCERA, August 20, 1779.
If I were to believe what certain subjects say, I
should have to abandon the hope of seeing the house at
Girgenti resist so many trials ; but I will recall the Fathers
only when I see that the situation is absolutely desperate.
Write to me, dear Father, and give me some consolation,
for I greatly fear that this house, which is doing so much
good, will be destroyed.
But God, I hope, will spare me this affliction before
calling me to himself.
After an old and incomplete copy.
177? ] Letter 937. 303
LETTER 937.
To Father Angelo Maione, at Naples.
A decree of the king gives new guarantee to the stability
of the Congregation in the kingdom of Naples. — Joy of the
saint.1
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, August 23, 1779.
Glory be to the Father, to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost! Father Cimino has slowly read to me the decree,
and I will say three Masses in thanksgiving.
1 Our adversaries had tried to prove that, notwithstanding the
prohihition of King Charles III., our Fathers had constituted them
selves into a religious Order, properly so-called, and formed Com
munities governed hy laws and statutes , and depending on a
Superior-General and local Superiors. At other times such an
accusation would have been at once repelled, since it is impossible
for an association to live without a head and without rules. But
under the circumstances in which the Fathers were living in 1779,
and with the well-known opposition of the Neapolitan government
in regard to religious Orders, it was greatly feared that this com
plaint might .bring about the ruin of the Congregation. This
catastrophe was, in fact, threatened ; but God once more baffled the
designs of his enemies, and contrary to all expectations, Marquis
Carlo de Marco on August 21, addressed to the holy Founder the
following decree composed in the name of the king : —
"Your Lordship: I presented to the king your Lordship's remarks
concerning certain allegations, which aim at the destruction of the
Congregation of Missionaries, over which you preside. His Majesty
has ordered me to reply to you in the following terms. The
Catholic king, his august father, permitted the missionaries, of
whom- your Lordship is the head, to give missions in the kingdom,
and to live in the four houses which they possess at Ciorani,
at Nocera, at Caposele, and at Iliceto. He even, in order to assure
the future of this beautiful work, fixed by a general rule the condi
tions of the existence of its members. His Majesty, therefore,
consents that each of the four houses may have a Superior to direct
it, and that therein may be established the offices necessary for this
304 General Correspondence. [PART i.
Let us, then, heartily thank our Lord, and also the Most
Blessed Virgin, to whom I recommended this affair most
particularly.
My thanks to Marquis de Marco, to the Grand Almoner,
to you also, my dear Father; for you have displayed so
great a zeal for the success of this important negotiation ;
thanks also to the official, Vecchietti, who has greatly aided
us.
I feel more unwell than usual ; but I will die very happy,
I assure you, if our Lord and the Blessed Virgin will let me
see peace secured to our Congregation. . . .
Tannoia, Book iv., Chapter xii.
kind of association. As it was, moreover, the intention of the
Catholic king, that the future of this laudable work be assured, his
Majesty also permits you to receive young men and to see that they
devote themselves to the necessary studies. In this way the latter
may acquit themselves of the duties imposed upon them by the
association, and they will replace those who cannot be of service to
it, because of their advanced age and their infirmities, or who are
dismissed as unfit for that kind of ministry, or who leave the Com
munity through their own free will. His Majesty, however, wishes
that all the conditions, fixed by the general rule, of which mention
was made, be exactly observed ; and in regard to the ordination of
young men, furnished by different places of the kingdom, the sover
eign law, established by his Majesty, as to the proportion between
the clergy and the people, must be rigorously observed. By order
of the king, I communicate this royal decision to your Lordship,
that it may be your rule of conduct.
NAPLES, August 21, 1779. CARLO DE MARCO.
1779-1 Letter 938. 305
LETTER 938.
To his Brother, Don Ercole de Liguori.
Disapproval of the proposed marriage of his nephew, Giu
seppe.1
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, September i, 1779.
I have received your second letter concerning the mar
riage of little Giuseppe; but I know not how to answer
you. Giuseppe is too young to think of marrying, and,
according to what I hear; the girl is also very young ; I
mean the daughter of Vespoli.
I would, indeed, like to enter into relations with Coun
sellor Vespoli, for he is a man of well-known prudence ;
but it is a very dangerous thing to treat now of a marriage
which cannot be realized before six or seven years have
elapsed. I am old ; to-day, or to-morrow, I shall be in
eternity; you are also advanced in age. If Giuseppe is
settled, at the age of fifteen or sixteen years, I know not
where it will all end.
I told you in my last letter that I expected you here, as
such an affair cannot be settled by letter.
Nevertheless, before coming to see me, you should con
sult some discreet person. When you have thus exam
ined this matter at leisure, you may come to talk it over
with me and the Fathers. As I already told you in my
1 " Notwithstanding the cares of every kind with which Alphonsus
was overwhelmed," says Father Tannoia, "he still thought of his
young nephews who were students of the College of Nobles. Hence
he strongly opposed the project formed by his brother Don Ercole,
to give in marriage his eldest son Giuseppe to the daughter, the
heiress, of Counsellor Vespoli. The child was not yet thirteen ; but
Don Ercole, seeing himself growing old, wished that the future of
his son be assured." It was this that gave occasion to the saint's
letter.
20
306 General Correspondence. [PART i.
last letter, the house at Nocera is always ready to receive
you.
I repeat, do not say a word of this marriage to little
Giuseppe ; but I fear that he has already heard it spoken
of. He is at college, and I am glad of this; for, if he were
at home, one or the other servant would not fail to speak
of this marriage and make him lose the grace of God by
suggesting impure thoughts to him.
I conclude by cordially embracing you.
Your very affectionate brother,
ALFONSO MARIA.
[/*. S.~\ When you go to Naples, you could, if you
think proper, speak of this marriage to Father Maione, but
in secrecy. Write me afterwards the result.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
LETTER 939.
To Father Mattia Bartolomeo Corrado, at Ciorani.
He protests that he will neither make nor tolerate any
change in the Rule of the Institute.1
[NOCERA, September 4, 1779.]
My dear Don Bartolomeo : I learn that several among
you suspect that I wish to establish a new Rule, different
from the old one.
1 This is the beginning of the celebrated affair called the affair
of the Regolamento, of which mention will frequently be made in the
following letters.
As we have seen in Letter 937, St. Alphonsus had received a royal
decree, dated August 21, by virtue of which it was permitted him to
establish Superiors and other officials in the four houses of the
kingdom, and to instruct young men conformably to the end of the
Institute. Full of joy at this result, which had cost him many
struggles and many annoyances, he believed that the moment had
arrived when he might solicit in the same way, if not the explicit
1779 J Letter 939. 307
How could such a suspicion ever have entered the mind
of any one, since I have always watched with the greatest
care over the observance of the Rule? I have always
governed the Congregation, in conformity with this Rule*
and till my last breath I will oppose with all my strength
the changing of even one iota in the Rule. . . .
Tannoia, Book iv., Chapter xix.
approbation of the Congregation, at least a concession that would
be equivalent to the confirmation in substance, of the Rule ap
proved in 1749, by Benedict XIV. His Consultors being of the
same opinion, he charged Fathers Maione and Cimino to negotiate
this important affair at Naples. These Fathers set to work immed
iately ; but, when they found themselves confronted by innumerable
difficulties, and discovered the intentions of the king or of his
ministers, they came to a decision, of which they, perhaps, did not
calculate the import, but which was to have the greatest conse
quences. Of their own free will, without writing a word to St. Al-
phonsus, and only in accord with Mgr. Testa, the Grand Almoner,
they modified the Rule in essential points, and transformed it into a
Regolamento which would surely obtain the royal approbation. They
had acted with the greatest secrecy ; however, God permitted that
some Fathers should find out what had been done. Father Corrado
wrote at once to St. Alphonsus to complain ; but Alphonsus knew
nothing of the affair; he was even persuaded that what was done at
Naples, was done in conformity with his orders, and that the Rule
would be protected rather than destroyed. He could, therefore,
only contradict the rumors that were beginning to spread.
308 General Correspondence. [PART i.
LETTER 940.
To Marquis Domenico Antonio di Avena, Counsellor of the
Royal Chamber of S. Chiara at Naples.
He acknowledges the receipt of a draft and offers him his
best wishes.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, September 20, 1779.
My dear Domenico Antonio: I received the draft for ten
ducats which you have sent me. I thank you very .much,
and I have at once ordered the celebration of forty Masses.
Our Lord and the Blessed Virgin will, I hope, bless
your holy desires and will always aid you in the office
which you hold, in order that you may promote in every
thing the glory of God and the interests of your neighbor.
I find myself near eternity, towards which I am impelled
by years and infirmities. Please, then, my dear Sir, to
recommend me to our Lord, that I may be in his holy
grace when the hour of death arrives.
You may rest assured that I am continually recommend
ing you to Jesus and Mary. Accept the sentiments of
sincere esteem, with which I have the honor to be, my
dear Sir,
Your very devoted and grateful servant,
i ALFONSO MARIA DE LIGUORI, Bishop.
After the Neapolitan edition of 1848.
J779-] Letter 942. 309
LETTER 941.
To Don Marco Antonio d'Ambrosio, at Arienzo.
He recommends to him Alessio Pollio, his servant.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA DE' PAGANI, September 20, 1779.
My dear Marco Antonio: Alessio tells me that your
brother, Signor Fabrizio, has in his possession certain acts
passed last year in the chancery of Arienzo. These acts
refer to the dowry of the wife of Alessio, a dowry that
Ludovico di Addio has owed him for some time.
You will afford me pleasure, if you draw the attention of
your brother to this matter ; let him try to do what he can
to receive this dowry, for Alessio is in want, his wife
having become bed-ridden for a long time.
Please render me this service, and I shall feel greatly
obliged to you. Think of me in your prayers, that the
Lord may grant me the grace of a good death, for I am
approaching my end.
I remain ever
Your very devoted and grateful servant,
ALFONSO MARIA DE LIGUORI, Bishop.
After an old copy.
LETTER 942.
To the Fathers of the House at Ciorani.
He orders the demolition of the cupola of the convent
church. — He rigorously exacts obedience.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
[NocERA, October 1779.]
I fear, my brethren, that after the long debates about the
cupola, some of you will rejoice to have, at last, gained
20*
3io General Correspondence. [PARTI.
their point, in having- this part of the church taken down.
I, however, desire that you should rejoice in seeing obe
dience preferred to everything.
I have hitherto been undecided on the question, whether
or not it be necessary to take down this cupola ; finally,
however, after having more maturely considered the matter,
I have to-day decided, in accord with my Consultors, that
the cupola should be taken down.
Even had you been of a contrary opinion, this part of the
edifice would now be condemned. There was, then, no
need of your making such efforts, of writing so many
letters, of taking so much trouble to bring about its de
struction. The fact is, had God not made it known to me,
that the cupola should be removed, I should have feared
that your obedience, and with it the Congregation, would
have been done away with.
I recall to your mind that quite recently the king in his
ordinances has declared me the head and the Rector Major
of the Congregation.1 In future, therefore, you should
1 The authority of head and Superior of the Congregation of the
Most Holy Redeemer, St. Alphonsus held not from the king of Na
ples, but from the Rule, approved by the Holy See. The holy
Founder knew this better than any one else.
If he proclaims himself established and recognized as such by the
king, it was only on account of the critical circumstances that then
presented themselves. On the one hand, the Neapolitan govern
ment, jealous of the authority of the Holy See, and always inclined
to encroach upon the spiritual domain, had its eyes very attentively
fixed upon the religious Orders. Having contributed its share to
the recent suppression of the Jesuits, it was ready to strike at every
religious Congregation that it suspected of being independent of the
royal power. On the other hand, certain religious, who knew the
disposition of the government, and whose obedience was not very
solid, would easily have been tempted to have recourse to the royal
power, to dispense themselves of obeying their Superiors, especially
when the latter had not been recognized by the State.
Hence we may understand why, here and in many subsequent
i / 79-] Letter 942. 3 1 1
know that the judgment of the Rector Major in important
matters, after he has taken the advice of the majority or of
the sounder part of his Consultors, should prevail over
your private opinions ; otherwise you would all be Rector
Majors, and the Congregation would no longer exist after
obedience has disappeared.
I desired to note all this in order to make you know,
that in future I will exact a rigorous account of their con
duct from the Fathers who, knowing that a determination has
been arrived at by me with prudence and with the advice
of others, oppose it and refuse to obey, contrary to the will
of our monarch, who wishes that I should govern this
Congregation.
Our vocation is for men who wish to become saints
and to belong entirely to God. Those that wish to live
attached to themselves, will easily lose their vocation.
Hence I am continually praying to God for myself and for
all my brethren to grant us the grace of belonging entirely
to him.
I hope, moreover, that a large number, even the greater
number of you, will walk on the path of duty without any
care except that of pleasing God, and of practising with
exactness the most necessary virtue in the Congregation,
namely, the virtue of obedience; but not all walk on this
path.
Some desire certain things ; but because they avoid
asking for them, for fear of being refused, they remain in
trouble and lead an imperfect life.
I, indeed, confess my weakness: I have neglected to
correct certain subjects, in order not to give them pain;
but hereafter I will put down without fear the faults that I
hear of, especially the faults against obedience. And if I
find that a subject leaves much to be desired on this point,
letters, St. Alphonsus thought it proper to bring out prominently the
title of Superior and head, as recognized by the king of Naples.
312 General Correspondence. IPART i.
I will drive him without pity from the Congregation. Our
sovereign has given me the power of doing so in his ordi
nance of August 21, 1779: "Those subjects," he says,
"who render themselves useless and who cannot labor for
the salvation of souls as their ministry requires of them,
should be dismissed from the Congregation." Now these sub
jects render themselves useless, and are incapable of fulfill
ing their duties, who do not obey the Rector Major appointed
by his Majesty to govern the Congregation.
When one wishes to persevere in God's service and be
come a saint, he should seek only one thing, that is, to
please God.
I, the undersigned BRO. FRANCESCO ANTONIO ROMI-
TO, declare that I wrote the foregoing letter, as it was
dictated to me by our Father, MGR. DE LIGUORI.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
LETTER 943.
To the Superior of the House at Ciorani.
He countermands the demolition of the cupola and insists
on the necessity of obedience.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, November 4, 1779.
Reverend and Dear Father: I beg you to communicate
to your entire Community the following remarks; for I
believe them to be very necessary, and I do not wish to die
with the scruple, not to have done all that I could in favor
of good order.
In regard to the cupola, I have been anxious to hear and
to examine at various intervals the reasons given by Signor
Andrea; his plan appears to me to be well-conceived, more
1779- J Letter 943. 3 1 3
useful, and less expensive to the house ; I have, therefore,
decided that the cupola should not be taken down.
I have asked Fathers Mazzini, Villani, Cimino and the
other Consultors to examine all these reasons ; and they are
of my opinion.
I believed that after so many discussions and examinations
I should meet with docility and obedience. But under one
pretext or another, my command has not been heeded.
I have, therefore, resolved to make myself obeyed, cost
what it may ; for God commands this, the Catholic king,
our sovereign, wishes it, and they have appointed me
director and head of the four houses of the kingdom.
The want of obedience on the part of subjects has, in the
past, caused me more than one vexation. I hope to ex
perience nothing similar in the future; but, at all events, I
am determined to employ the most proper and efficacious
means to maintain obedience, as occasion may require. I
wish to die a quiet death, and not to leave to the Congrega
tion an example of unpunished disobedience.
In the meantime, I will ask our Lord to grant to all the
spirit of obedience, and I request you all to recommend
me to God.
Please let me know, dear Father, whether the stones are
being prepared according to my order.
I have written concerning these matters to the Fathers
who are on the mission at Cassano.
I bless you, dear Father, and all your subjects.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA,
Rector Major.
[/>. S.] Last Wednesday, after dinner, I asked where
you and Father Minister were. I was answered that you
had both gone to Ciorani. I was very sorry to hear,
that you had thus gone away without my blessing and in
spite of the bad weather that was threatening ; in fact, the
rain soon began to fall.
314 General Correspondence. [PARTI.
You will please make known to all your subjects, to
those who are at home and to those who are absent, that a
long time ago, I issued for all the subjects of our houses, a
general prohibition to leave the house of Nocera, without
having previously asked my permission. I wish to know
when the subjects leave, in order to be able to give them
the necessary advice.
This is all I have to say. As regards the building at
Ciorani, everything, it seems to me, has been well explained
in my last letter. I hope soon to hear that obedience is
being practised.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
LETTER 944.
To Father Stefano Liguori, at Ciorani.
He exhorts him to preach obedience by word as he
preaches it by example.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, November 6, 1779.
I have received your letter, and I see that the Fathers at
Ciorani make very little of me and of my letters.
I pray to God to make them saints ; but it seems to me
that by showing so little respect for the Superior, charged
with governing all the Neapolitan houses, they are not
walking on the road that leads to sanctity. The Blessed
Virgin, I hope, will make them see the error of their
ways. As for yourself, my dear Father, you have obeyed
me under the circumstances, and I bless you in a special
manner.
I have taken counsel of experienced men, I have taken
counsel of all the Consultors; could I have found better
guarantees ?
But, I see very well, the devil has shown his horns ; it is
I779-] Letter 945. 3 1 5
he that makes some act through passion and party-spirit.
I did not countenance this party-spirit; and, if at the
beginning I believed that the cupola could be taken down,
it was because I was not well-informed.
Please, dear Father, say some good words to re-establish
harmony in this house. This is the will of the king, our
master, who has again appointed me Rector Major, as you
may read in his last ordinance.
I give you my blessing. Make your companions read
attentively the copy of the ordinance which the king (may
God have him in his holy keeping) has sent to me.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
Rector Major.
After the original in possession of Mgr. Alfonso Giella,
Prothonotary Apostolic at Castellammare.
LETTER 945.
To the Fathers of the Congregation in the Kingdom of
Naples.
He warmly recommends to them the work of the crusade.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
[NOCERA DE' PAGAM, Novembers, 1779.]
Alfonso Maria de Liguori, by the grace of God and of the
Apostolic See Bishop and Rector Major of the Missionary
Priests of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer.
We cannot tell you with what joy, with what gladness,
we received from the first secretariate of State a royal ordi
nance, confiding to us in the name of his Majesty a most
honorable mission. The king formally enjoins upon us,
and appeals to the zeal of all my dear confreres, to promote
and sustain the grand work of the holy crusade, established
in this kingdom by his Majesty for reasons indicated in this
ordinance. For your guidance I append the text of the
document:
316 General Correspondence. [PARTI.
" Monsignor : The incessant labors to which your Missiona
ries of the Most Holy Redeemer devote themselves, with a
view to instruct the faithful and to persuade them to practise
true piety and religion ; the ardent zeal with which they
spread everywhere the principles of sound morality, condu
cive to the formation of good citizens and good Christians,
have attracted the attention of his Majesty, the king, and
determined him to confide to them a mission ; namely, that
of promoting and valiantly sustaining a work, the only aim
of which is the salvation of souls and the greatest good
of the State, I mean the work of the Crusade. His Majes
ty, therefore, desires that your Lordship, in quality of
Founder and Rector Major of these missionaries, should
expressly charge them, in the name of the king, with
explaining as often as they can, wherever they give missions,
the indulgences and other graces enumerated in the Bull.
They should at the same time announce to the faithful, the
vassals of his Majesty, how our marine stands in need of an
indispensable subsidy to repel the constant aggressions of
the Mahometans, aggressions that inflict the greatest injury
upon the Church and State.
"It is the intention of our sovereign, moreover, that your
missionaries should not only preach about the Bull, but
should also distribute it among the faithful. Your Lord
ship will please comply with the wish of his Majesty, by
informing us on receipt of this decree, of the number of
Bulls which you think your missionaries will be able to
distribute. The Bulls will be sent opportunely by the royal
depository of the crociata, Don Salvatore Carl.
" His Majesty has finally charged me to tell your Lord
ship that, in proportion to the happy results accomplished
by the labors of your missionaries, he will not omit to show
you in due time marks of his royal satisfaction.
" Such is, Monsignor, the communication that I was
I779-] Letter 945. 3 1 7
ordered to forward to you in the name of the king. Your
Lordship will find therein marked all that is needed for
your guidance. — CASERTA, October 22, 1779. — The MAR
QUIS BELLA SAMBUCA."
You see, my dear Brethren, our very pious and very
religious monarch, by intrusting to us this mission, charges
us with a work that is in perfect conformity with the end of
our Institute. This end has always been to teach the faith
ful their duties to God, to their prince, to their neighbor
and to themselves. Now, how can such a result be better
attained than by promoting the excellent work which our
august sovereign had in view when he asked of His Holiness,
Pope Pius VI., the privilege of this crusade for the benefit
of his kingdom? See, in fact, the good results produced
by the small, yet voluntary, offerings annually placed by
the faithful into the royal hands. These offerings increase
our maritime forces, and thus counteract the efforts of the
pagans who have conspired to infest our shores continually ;
they thereby sustain the honor of our holy religion by
removing from the faithful, our brethren, all danger of
apostacy ; they procure the peace and the tranquillity of the
State; they protect property, liberty, the life of a multitude
of our fellow-citizens ; and what is more, they enable the
faithful thus to pay off a great part of the debt contracted
by their sins. Thanks to the superabundant merits of Jesus
Christ, our Redeemer, and of the Blessed Virgin, our
beloved Mother Mary, and of the other saints of heaven, —
merits deposited in the inexhaustible treasure of the Church,
which is at the disposition of the Roman Pontiff, they may
free themselves from the temporal punishments which must
be undergone either in this life or in Purgatory. In other
words, they acquire an immense capital of indulgences,
applicable either to the living by way of absolution, or to
the dead by way of suffrage, without speaking of a large
318 General Correspondence. [PARTI.
number of privileges which are enjoyed by the contributors
and which are contained in the summary of the Bull, which
is distributed to each one.
So pious a work, which has for its principal aim the
interest of religion and the welfare of the State, and the
advantages of which are so considerable, should not be
looked upon with indifference. We should, on the contra
ry, promote it with all our strength, since by our ministry
we are obliged to defend the honor of God, to procure the
good of the country, to promote charity towards our neigh
bor. We should do this with still greater zeal, since we
are charged with a formal command by our own ruler.
For all these reasons, my very dear Brethren, you
should propagate this work in all the provinces of the king
dom, as much as possible, and for this you should avail
yourselves of the holy missions which the bishops ask you
to give to the people confided to their care. You should
not confine yourselves simply to publish and to explain the
paragraphs of the Bull of the crusade; you should also
announce in detail to the faithful the very just reasons which
under present circumstances have induced his Majesty to
procure for his people so extraordinary a benefit. You
should make them understand how much the public and
private interests are served by accepting a copy of the
summary of the Bull of the crusade.
All the Superiors of our houses and the Superiors of the
missions shall comply with the following regulations which we
intimate to them in the name of the king. In all the mis
sions that they preach to the people, in all the private
retreats that they give in our houses, to whatever class of
persons, they shall explain in a catechetical form, and as
often as possible, the motives of Christian charity which
oblige all the faithful to furnish their part of the subsidy
required to augment our maritime forces. They shall
I779-] Letter 945. 319
explain the Catholic teaching- relative to the holy indulgen
ces, and enumerate the other graces and privileges con
tained in the pontifical concession of the crusade. They
shall make all understand that no one can participate in
this beautiful work of Christian piety, gain the above-
mentioned indulgences, and enjoy the privileges and favors
announced, unless he procures every year the summary of
the Bull which is distributed in the kingdom. One can, of
course, obtain this summary at any time of the year pre-
ceeding the time mentioned, since the indulgences, graces,
and privileges, of which mention is made, may always be
gained from one Sunday of Septuagesima to the other.
We also wish that the foregoing explanations be given in
our churches in which we preach every Sunday and every
Saturday of the year. And on the missions it is not only
the catechist, but also the preacher who should from time
to time recall this good work to the nv'nds of the faithful
and recommend it.
But this is not sufficient. A counsel is ordinarily more
efficacious, when it is given privately ; all the confessors of
the Congregation shall, therefore, endeavor to make all
persons, who come to confession, take interest in this ex
cellent work. They shall not, however, impose this upon
them as a duty or an obligation.
For this purpose we wish, and in the name of the king
we ordain, that every one shall procure from the Superior
of the missions as many Bulls as he can distribute. He is
to spread them among the faithful and promptly to collect
the alms according to the tariff indicated in the published
instructions, — a tariff fixed according to the various condi
tions of persons by the present Archbishop of Naples,
Commissary General of the Crusade in the kingdom. He
shall afterwards render an account to his Superior of the
money that he has received, and shall, at the same time,
320 General Correspondence. [PART i.
return the Bulls that he has not distributed. Every Super
ior of the missions shall also see that the Fathers observe
exactly all that has been prescribed in the aforesaid instruc
tions concerning the distribution of the Bulls, and shall
render a detailed account of all to his local Superior.
Finally, the Superiors of our houses shall, every year,
send us a detailed account of the alms collected, of the Bulls
that remain to be distributed, and they shall transmit to us
the money that they have received; we shall then forward
it to the proper persons.
We know by experience, very dear Brethren in Jesus
Christ, your promptness in executing our least orders, when
there is question of the glory of God and the salvation of
souls. As for the present regulations, you will, I hope,
comply with them as quickly as possible, seeing that they
are based on the orders of our sovereign. You certainly
need no other incitements.
Our advanced age and our continual infirmities do not
permit us to aid you in this great enterprise; but we can,
at least, ask heaven for the necessary graces, and we con
tinually pray to the Lord to bless your apostolic labors.
His Majesty, the king, having deigned to approve the
regulations above-mentioned, we wish to make known to
you the terms of this approbation. We cheerfully commu
nicate to you the royal rescript which was recently addressed
to us on this subject. It reads thus :
"Monsignor: His Majesty having taken cognizance of the
detailed letter which your Lordship wrote to him on the
loth inst, has enjoined upon me the duty of manifesting
to you his entire satisfaction for the solicitude that you
display in favor of the holy work of the crusade, and he is
pleased to approve the circular which your Lordship pro
posed to send to the Supenors of your four houses in the
kingdom.
I779-] Letter 946. 321
CASERTA, November 17, 1779. — The MARQUIS DELLA
SAMBUCA."
ALFONSO MARIA DE LIGUORI,
Rector Major.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
LETTER 946.
To Father Giovanni Battista Ansalone, Rector of the House
at Iliceto.
Instruction as to the distribution of the Bulls of the cru
sade.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, November 19, 1779.
Reverend and Dear Father: You will receive from the
Bishop of Bovino fifteen hundred copies of the Bull of the
crusade, which, conformably to the orders of the king, our
missionaries are to distribute.
Please accept them, give a receipt and note exactly the
expenses for freight and delivery; for all these details must
be transmitted to the Treasurer of the Crusade.
Our missionaries should spread these Bulls with all
possible zeal, as well in the interest of souls, as in obedience
to the formal order of our monarch (may God have him in
his keeping) ; and in the name of the king, I impose this
charge upon your Reverence and on all your subjects.
You will shortly receive a circular which I have had
printed, and which will serve to guide you in the distri
bution of these Bulls.
I bless you and all your companions.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
322 General Correspondence. [PART i.
LETTER 947.
To Father Diodato Criscuoli, Rector of the House at Ciorani.
Absolute necessity of obedience.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph!
[NOCERA, Decembers, 1779.]
.... I do not act through obstinacy ; it is you who act
through passion and party spirit.
I am the Rector Major and the head of the Congregation,
as the king has but recently declared. It is, therefore, I
alone who will decide, whether the cupola should be
taken down. As for the rest of you, who are not Rector
Majors, you have only to obey.
I exhort every one of you to have his eyes fixed upon
the star of salvation ; for, if obedience is no longer re
garded, the Congregation will disappear, and there will
remain only a place of discord. He that resists Superiors,
declares himself an enemy of the Congregation.
But such is not our opinion, you will say. — In this case
there are more heads than one, and everybody is master.
After all, it matters little ; Lam approaching the end of
my life, and I hope to save my soul through the merits of
Jesus Christ and of the Blessed Virgin; as for you, you
will deplore the ruin of the Congregation when it will be
too late to apply a remedy. Be, therefore, convinced that
if the authority of the Rector Major is once destroyed, that
of the local Rectors will also disappear at the same time,
and the wicked will rejoice to see our work destroyed.
I bless you, my dear Father, and all the Fathers who
are not Rector Majors.
Tannoia, Book iv., Chapter xiv.
I779-] Letter 948. 323
LETTER 948.
To Father Bartolomeo Corrado.
He contradicts the rumors about changes introduced into
the Rule.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, December 15, 1779.
I have received your letter and have weighed all its
words. You do not imagine, I hope, that I wish to
deceive you or to affirm what is false, or that I have lost all
spirit, so as to permit the least change in the Rule.1 I say
no more about this matter.
If after that people refuse to believe me, what am I to do?
I accept all this on account of my sins.
All these rumors cause me great pain; for I clearly see
that it is the devil that spreads them to create trouble in
our ranks. I repeat, and affirm on my conscience, that
nothing is being done against the Rule or against the
observance that is in vigor in the Congregation. If you do
not wish to believe me, I can only say that we must have
patience.
Tannoia, Book iv., Chapter xix.
1 In fact, would to God that no change had been introduced into the
Rule ! St. Alphonsus knew absolutely nothing about this ; he could not
have even the slightest suspicion, as he had given no orders to this
effect. But Providence wished that the saint should be tried even
in his old age, and that his last days should be a real martyrdom ;
it, therefore, permitted a strange abuse of confidence, to which he
could not at first give credence.
324 General Correspondence. [PART i.
LETTER 949.
To Father Antonio Tannoia, at Iliceto.
The same subject.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, December 17, 1779.
My dear Don Antonio: The devil is raising a great com
motion, in order to destroy the Congregation.
Father Cimino and I have thought that you might be of
some service by coming here ; please come then as soon as
possible.
This is all that I have to say to you. I bless you and re
main . . .
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA,
Rector Major.
[P. S.~] Among other things the devil has made some
of our Fathers, even of the house at Iliceto, believe that
Fathers Cimino and Maione wished to change the Rule
and to destroy the Institute.
Tell every one that this is false, a thing altogether false ;
in a word, I assure you, it is truly a lie. How could I in
conscience ever permit that the Institute should be de
stroyed or that a change of the Rule should be introduced ?
After the original preserved in the archives of our house at
Pagani.
I7?9.] Letter 950. 325
LETTER 950.
To the Fathers of the House, at Iliceto.
He requests them to distrust rumors.— Necessity of obe
dience.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph!
NOCERA BE' PAGANI, December 26, 1779.
My Brethren, I take a thousand precautions, whenever I
wish to assure myself of the truth of a fact; and you give
credit to the first rumors that are spread ! Please, then, in
future do not credit all the rumors that you hear.
I have learned that some among you have begun to
reason about obedience. Do not touch this virtue, I en
treat you, and submit to the Superiors; for, if obedience is
lost, the Congregation will be ruined.
When you know that I have said a thing, or that I have
written it in a letter bearing my seal, I wish you to obey.
In order to act otherwise you must recognize the falsity of
the fact with a certitude that will permit you to affirm
it under oath. Meanwhile, obey.1 (Some words are
here wanting^) I will severely punish those that will not
submit. On this condition I bless you.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
1 According to this letter it would appear that certain insubordinate
subjects took advantage of the saint's advanced age to evade his
orders and to disregard them. According to their view, what was said
in his name in his letters and signed by his hand, was not his
thought, but that of his counsellors. But this was a great mistake.
There was no doubt that the saint had no longer the energy of
mature age; but his admirable correctness of judgment remained
the same, and all those that approached him, looked upon it as a
miracle that a man worn out by years, by infirmities, and by labors
21*
326 General Correspondence. [PART i.
LETTER 951.
To Marquis Domenico Antonio di Avena, Counsellor of the
Royal Chamber of S. Chiara, at Naples.
He gives him the reasons why he dismissed a subject from
the Congregation.
J. M. J.
NOCERA DE' PAGAN I, January 14, 1780.
Your Excellency : I have received the letter which you
have done me the honor of writing to me in favor of N.,
whom I dismissed, some months ago, from the Congrega
tion.
The following are the reasons why such a measure was
taken :
For about four years this subject lived outside of the
Congregation to attend to certain civil and criminal suits
regarding his family. This was unbecoming an ecclesiastic ;
and, moreover, though he had two other brothers, who
could have occupied themselves with these lawsuits, he
never wished to intrust these to their care.
In the second place, in consequence of so long a stay
outside of the Congregation, his fervor had greatly cooled.
I also received many complaints from persons outside, who
informed me of his conduct quite opposed to our state ;
and, finally, after having several times invited him to return
to the Institute, he refused to obey.
All these reasons, your Excellency, induced me to decide
upon the measure of which I have spoken, and I decided
upon it after having consulted several of my companions.
The latter told me, that I could not in conscience suffer
such a subject to remain any longer in the Congregation,
and that I should at once protect the honor of the latter
of every kind, should have lost nothing of his lucidity of mind and
of his rare prudence.
1780.] Letter ^57. 327
and obey the order of the king, our sovereign, who desires
that the members of the Institute serve the interests of their
neighbor by giving missions and exercises of piety.
Notwithstanding all that, when he presented your Excel
lency's letter, I begged him to return to the novitiate and
to remain there for some time, in order to acquire again a
little of the spirit of devotion. He answered me that his
good name would then be ruined.
I finally suggested to him, that he withdraw to our
house at Caposele to occupy himself there with the affairs
of his soul. He answered, that he wished to live at Nocera,
because he was obliged from time to time to frequent the
tribunals of the capital about another suit that remained to
be finished. You see, your Excellency, what imperti
nence !
I have, therefore, made up my mind to dismiss him if he
does not obey ; and I believe that you would be of the same
opinion.
The bearer of this letter will have the honor of making
known to you more in detail the conduct of this Father.
Meanwhile I recommend myself to your prayers, and I
beg you to accept the expression of my profound respect.
Your very devoted and grateful servant,
ALFONSO MARIA DE LIGUORI, Bishop.
After the Neapolitan edition of 1848.
328 General Correspondence. [PART i.
LETTER 952.
To Father Gasparo Caione, Rector of the House at
Benevento.
He announces to him some important work of the ministry
and recommends other grave matters.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, January 25, 1780.
The Archbishop of Salerno J has sent me word that he,
by all means, wishes to have you to give the retreat to the
clergy of Salerno ; it is to be given during Passion week.
It was altogether impossible for me to refuse; for, under
the present circumstances, we stand absolutely in need of the
favors of his Grace. Please, then, do all that you can to
be free at this time.
I have learned that Father de Meo wishes to have you
for the retreat to be given to the soldiers at Naples ; but
write to Father de Meo that such a thing is impossible, this
year, on account of this previous engagement.
If afterwards the Cardinal 2 wishes to employ you at
Benevento, try to let him know beforehand that I must
positively send you to Salerno during Passion week, and
ask him in my name not to put me at variance with the
Archbishop of Salerno. In fact, I have given the latter the
formal promise, and we should, by all means, avoid dis
pleasing him.
I will now ask you to do another thing.
Please see to it that your Fathers go out on missions ; at
least, send them alternately in company with other Fathers.
It is not well that these young men thus remain at a fixed
post. They will lose all energy, if made to stay at Benevento,
unless you send them on missions. And, in order to replace
1 Mgr. Sanchez de Luna.
2 Cardinal Banditi, Archbishop of Benevento.
i7*o.] Letter 952. 329
them, try to have Fathers come from Sant' Angelo, who are
not engaged ; or, rather, write to Caposele (you may even
use my name); for this change of subjects between Bene-
vento and our other houses of the kingdom, is necessary
for various reasons.
I foresee that the devil will make strenuous efforts this
year to create the greatest possible division among us.
Have, therefore, recited every evening the short prayers
marked on the leaf enclosed. Begin, then, the first eve
ning of the month of February, and continue them till the
end of May, that is, for the space of four months.1
Please, my dear Father, answer me in regard to all the
points of which I have spoken. I bless you and all the
Fathers.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA,
Rector Major.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
1 The saint, we have already said, knew nothing of the changes
that had been introduced at Naples into the Rule of his Institute.
He even contradicted all the rumors that were spread on this
suhject. But in the month of February the mystery was cleared up ;
in the month of March a Regolamento (mutilated Rule) was im
posed upon the Congregation, absolutely contrary to the Rule ap
proved by the Holy See; in the month of May a Chapter assembled
at Pagani which, instead of pacifying the minds of the Fathers,
embittered them still more . There was, therefore, something
prophetic in the foresight of the saint, when he ordained prayers in
anticipation of so many troubles.
33° General Correspondence. [PART i.
LETTER 953.
To Father Bartolomeo Mattia Corrado, at Naples.
Regarding the Regolamento.
Live Jesus, Mary, and Joseph !
NOCERA, March 3 [1780].
As the weather was so bad all day yesterday, I suppose
you were not able to do anything. I should like you to
pay a visit some morning or afternoon to Cantore, and, if
possible, also to Vecchietti, and endeavor to show them
that the measures introduced by one of our Fathers, whose
name I need not mention,1 are not trifles, but serious mat
ters that undermine the very government of the Congrega
tion.
This Father has arrogated to himself the right to expel
subjects, even the priests. He, moreover, wishes that the
subjects transfer all their revenues to the Congregation, a
measure to which they are opposed, and, lastly, he has
introduced various regulations that are objectionable to the
Fathers. The members of the Congregation in all our
houses are highly incensed at these proceedings, and some
of them, perhaps, are thinking of abandoning the Institute,
if things go on in this way. Cantore should tell all this to
the Marquis de Marco, and he will then reject the extrava
gances of Maione.
Father Cimino is here. I had a talk with him last
evening, and I trust I have brought him around. Let us
leave all to God. I expect to hear from you by Saturday.
I wanted to send you twenty ducats for the time being,
intending to send more later on; but I have no one by
whom to send them. If you can find anyone who will lend
you what money you need, I will pay you all when you
1 He alludes to Father Maione and the modifications introduced
by him into the Rule.
i78o.] Letter 955. 331
come to see me. Meanwhile I give you my blessing and
remain . . .
To-morrow I expect the Fathers from Calabria.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA,
Rector Major.
After an old copy.
LETTER 954.
To the Same.
Grief of the saint at the sight of the changes introduced
into the Rule.
NOCERA, March 10, 1780.
My dear Father Bartolomeo: I am in danger of becom
ing demented.
I have seen the new Regolamento, the work of Father
Maione; it is entirely contrary to my views.
The young Fathers here are creating a commotion
about it.
I beg you to leave everything to come to see me, if you
do not wish to hear that I have lost my senses and have
died of apoplexy.
Tannoia, Book iv., Chapter xix.
LETTER 955.
* To the Same.
He asks him to take steps to repair the evil occasioned by
the Regolamento.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, March 13, 1780.
My dear Father Bartolomeo : You see that our Congre
gation is near destruction ; you should, therefore, do your
utmost to come to its assistance.
33 2 General Correspondence. [PART i.
I send you enclosed a petition with a letter addressed to
Marquis de Marco. Carry it to him yourself and inform
him of everything.
You must speak plainly, otherwise Father Maione will
work underhand.
You must tell the Marquis that Father Maione wished to
increase the powers of the Consultors, because he is a Con-
suitor himself; that in a number of points he has annihilated
the power of the Rector Major, and that such a slight of
my authority now prevents my companions from showing
me any respect.
You must one of these days and as soon as possible, go
to the Marquis ; tell him that I have not lost my mind, as
Father Maione would like to persuade him that I have. I
have still my senses, though this Father is trying to make
me lose them.
I also send you a petition to the king; it should be
presented to his Majesty by Marquis de Marco.
Besides, do not forget to carry the enclosed letter to the
Grand Almoner, and tell him all.
I bless you.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA,
Rector Major.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
LETTER 956.
To the Same.
He revokes the power of attorney given to Father Maione
and transmits it to Father Corrado.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
[NOCERA, March 73, 1780.]
By the terms of the present power of attorney, I the
undersigned, Mgr. Alfonso de Liguori, Bishop and Rector
i78o.] Letter <) tf* 333
Major of the Congregation of the Missionary Fathers of the
Most Holy Redeemer, established in the kingdom of Na
ples, make known to all concerned that a certain number
of months ago (I cannot precisely determine how long ago
it was) I drew up a power of attorney in favor of Father
Angelo Maione, a member of this Congregation of Mission
aries. I thus appointed him my general, as well as my
special, agent for the affairs mentioned in this power of
attorney, and for whatever other business in my depart
ment, as appears from the said act, signed by the notary,
Giovanni de Novi of Angri.
But, at present, I have no need of the person called
Father Angelo Maione to watch over and to defend, ac
cording to justice, any of the interests and rights of the
aforesaid Congregation; for I am absolutely opposed to
whatever he may plead, for whatever reason, before any
tribunal, be it even the supreme, ecclesiastical or secular
tribunal; and I wish that all in said Congregation should
live as quietly as possible. I, therefore, by these presents
revoke, rescind, and annul the aforesaid power of attorney,
made in favor of the above-mentioned Father Angelo
Maione, and I desire that, in future and perpetually, this
power of attorney be regarded as never having existed and
as never having constituted Father Angelo Maione to be
my agent.
On the other hand, knowing well the fitness of Reverend
Father Bartolomeo Corrado, of the same Congregation,
and the affection he feels for this Institute, considering him
also as present, notwithstanding his absence, I appoint and
constitute him my ordinary and certain agent for myself and
for said Congregation, with the clause invested with full
powers and holding the place of my own self \_ad votum, ct
ut alter ego\, in order that he may be able, in the first
place: to make Father Angelo Maione give up his office of
agent, and that he may declare to be null every act, written
334 General Correspondence. [PART i.
agreement, or appeal addressed by him, or, at his instance,
addressed to any judge or magistrate, whoever he may be,
even to his royal Majesty (whom God may have in his
keeping). In the second place: that the said Father
Corrado may appear in my name, and in the name of the
said Congregation, before any tribunal, even before the
supreme tribunal, whether ecclesiastical or secular, and even
before the royal throne, to plead in my favor, and in favor
of this Congregation ; consequently to present for this
purpose every kind of appeal, documents and petitions, to
refute the acts of the same kind, presented or prepared by
the party of the other side, and to examine even the
sworn testimonies of our adversaries ; in a word, to do and
to conclude all that I could do and conclude myself, if I
were personally occupied with these affairs. I promise also
to regard as valid and binding all that he will do, and for
this I pledge all the property of the Congregation, whatever
it may be.
NOCERA DE' PAGANI, the thirteenth of March, one
thousand seven hundred and eighty (1780).
I, ALFONSO DE LIGUORI, Rector Major, appoint the
agent as above designated.
I, DOMENICO TORTORA, am a witness.
I, DIOMEDE TORTORA, am a witness.
All done in my presence. In testimony whereof I have
placed thereto my hand and seal: HYACINTHO PEPE of
Nocera, Notary.
L. * S.
After an authentic copy.
Letter y 57 . 335
LETTER 957.
To the Same.
He notifies him of his appointment.
Praised be Jesus and Mary !
NOCERA, March 13, 1780.
My dear Father, To-day I received the following piece
of information. Hearing of the opposition made by the
Fathers of the Congregation who will not accept the new
Regolamento, Father Maione, by virtue of the Procurator-
ship which I confided to him, intends to go to the king,
and in my name demand the expulsion of all the Fathers
who do not want to receive the new Rule. While there
was still time, I summoned a notary and revoked absolutely
the power of Procurator given to Maione, constituting
yourself, my dear Father, in this capacity. As an assistant
I send you Father Gallo, with whom you will confer, and
to whom I have given full powers. Pray for me.
With affection,
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA,
Rector Major.
After the original in possession of Rev. Father Spoos,
C. SS. R.
336 General Correspondence. [PART i.
LETTER 958.
To Father Diodato Criscuoli, Rector at Ciorani, on a
Mission at Castrovillari.
He informs him of a measure that he has taken, and asks
for prayers.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, March 16, 1780.
I do not know, how I escaped a hemorrhage, after all
this excitement that has been so long agitating the minds
of the members of the Congregation.
When Father Maione learned, that neither I nor any one
in the Institute wished to have the new Regolamento, com
posed by him and not by the king, he formed the plan of
having recourse to the sovereign, that the latter should
ordain the immediate dismissal of any one that would not
accept this Regolamento.
Thank God, I heard of this fine project in time, and at
once revoked the power of attorney granted by me to
Father Maione. I wrote to Father Corrado to extinguish
the conflagration that this Father will enkindle on this
occasion. I trust that this blaze will be smothered.
In the meantime, I beg you and your Fathers to return
to Ciorani, i£ you have not begun another mission; and if
you have begun a mission, return as soon as it is finished.
Begin a novena to the Blessed Virgin of nine Aves and
Glorias, that this good Mother may prevent any evil.
I am losing no time in applying a remedy; but it is the
Blessed Virgin who must intervene.
Have prayers said also by others, but never mention a
word about the troubles that agitate the Congregation ; and
call upon me at Nocera as soon as you can. For the
i78o.] Letter y 5$. 337
present, it is not necessary that others should accompany
you. Ask our Lord to grant me resignation.
I bless you, my dear Father, and all your subjects.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA,
Rector Major.
After the original in possession of the priest Alphonsus
Boone, Superior of the College of St. Louis, at Menin,
diocese of Bruges, Belgium.
LETTER 959.
To Father Angelo Maione, at Naples.
He pardons all the wrong that he has done and entreats
him to return to the house at Ciorani.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
[NocERA, March 20, 1780.]
I write you this letter at the foot of the crucifix. It is
also at the foot of the crucifix that I beg you to prostrate
yourself during these days on which this good Master gave
his life for the love of us.1
My dear Angelo, let us forget the past, and let us trample
under foot all that has happened.
I entreat you to return to the house at Ciorani ; and if
this house does not please you, choose any other you may
think fit.
Rest assured that for my part, I will love you as before;
you will learn this by experience. You will remain Con-
suitor as in the past, and you will give your opinion in all
the important affairs of the Congregation.
As for your honor, leave it to me ; it will be my constant
care to defend it before every one, before confreres and
strangers.
1 The 2Oth of March of this year was Monday in Holy Week.
22
338 General Correspondence. [PART i.
Let us, therefore, remain tranquil, I beg you by the
wounds of our Lord.
I have nothing else to tell you ; take counsel of the
Blessed Sacrament, and then answer me whenever you
choose to do so.
I bless you. May our Lord deign to fill you with his
holy love, and give you the grace to belong entirely to
him.
Tannoia, Book iv., Chapter xx.
LETTER 960.
To Father Bartolomeo Mattia Corrado.
Reasons why he treated Father Maione with kindness.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
[NOCERA, March 20, 1780.]
I thought it my duty to treat Father Maione most kindly ;
this is the wish of Jesus Christ, and thus he inspires me to act.
I have written him a letter full of kindness, begging him
for the love of Jesus Christ to forget the past. This is the
way I intend to act, until it may please the Lord to establish
peace among us.
I begged Father Maione to return to Ciorani, or to
choose any house he pleases.
This manner of acting certainly pleases Jesus Christ, and
I hope thus to obtain peace and everything else.
We must have patience and recommend ourselves to
Jesus Christ and also to Mary, the Mother of peace. . . .
Tannoia, Book iv., Chapter xx.
i78o.] Letter 961. 339
LETTER 961.
To Father Diodato Criscuoli, Rector of the House at Ciorani.
He points out to him the means of removing the difficulties
caused by the new Regolamento.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph!
NOCERA, March 28, 1780.
In reading the new Regolamfnto, approved by his Ma
jesty (whom may God preserve), J noticed various diffi
culties, which were, besides, pointed out to me by many
of our abler subjects, and in regard to which opinions have
been nearly unanimous in all our houses.
After having considered and leisurely weighed these
difficulties, I have found them serious and important. I,
therefore, believe that it will be necessary that they should
be maturely and seriously examined by a certain number of
subjects.
For this end I have ordained that there be chosen in each
of our four houses two of the most capable subjects. After
having well studied the questions, they should deliberate
together as to what should be decided upon.
I hope, then, to have recourse again to our sovereign, in
order that the work of the missions (so highly recom
mended and protected by the king), may, before my
death, be organized in the best possible way. I will, at
the same time, ask that a practical rule be made for our
apostolic labors, and that proper measures be taken to
assure the good government of our Congregation of Mis
sionaries.
There is here question of the service of God and of his
Majesty. Please, therefore, read this letter to all the Fathers
of your house; then let them choose from among them
the two priests who are most capable and edifying. Later
on, it will be made known to the latter at what time they
34° General Correspondence. [PART i.
should meet here for the purpose which I mentioned. The
time, I -hope, will be towards the end of April.
I bless you, dear Father, and all your subjects.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA,
Rector Major.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
LETTER 962.
To his Nephews Giuseppe and Alfonso de Liguori, at the
College of Nobles at Naples.
He gives them wise counsels to incite them to virtue and
the love of study.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA DE' PAGANI, April 4, 1780.
It is a miracle of God's goodness, that he still allows me
to live, that I may weep over my sins.
I expected to see you here 1 to give you my last blessing
and my last counsels, but God has refused me this consola
tion, which I do not merit ; praised be his holy name for
ever!
I bless you, then, at a distance, and I do so with all my
heart. I pray to God to bless you from heaven on high,
and to instil his holy fear into your young hearts. May he
also grant you his love, but a love that may endure till
death, and that may lead you to that happy eternity,
where I will expect you, if the Lord be merciful to me.
Strive to fear God as your Master, but still more to love
him as your Father. Father ! how sweet a name, and this
you give him every day in the Lord's Prayer, when you
say, Our Father.
Yes, God is indeed your Father; love him, then, with
1 The saint expected them at Nocera de' Pagani during the Easter
holidays.
i?«o.] Letter 962. 341
tenderness. He is your Father, and what a Father! his
goodness, his sweetness, his love, his tenderness, his be
neficence, his mercy, are so many titles which should make
you love him with a tender and filial affection. Happy
shall you be if you love him from your tenderest years.
His yoke will appear to you not hard, but sweet ; his holy
laws will have for you only charms, and by subduing your
inordinate passions, you will learn to triumph over the
enemies of your souls. This good habit will, by degrees,
be strengthened in you ; and you will find easy and sweet
what the slaves of vice find painful and difficult.
Love God, my dear children. I call you my children,
because I love you with all the tenderness of a father and
also because I wish holy charity to increase in your soul.
Love, therefore, my dear children, Jesus Christ, our
Lord and God ; love him much, and watch over this love
with a jealous zeal, and fear that you may lose it. How
great a loss is the loss of the love of God, of his grace and
of his friendship, thus incurring his indignation and ven
geance !
Do you wish to avoid this evil? Be humble.
He that is humble, flees from the danger ; in involuntary
temptations he has recourse" to God with confidence, and he
thus preserves divine love. On the contrary, he that is
proud, easily falls into sin and into disgrace with the Lord.
Without humility, either you will never do anything truly
good, for want of sincere and solid virtue, or you will lose
virtue very easily.
God resists the proud ; as for the humble, he treats them
with mercy ; he regards them with favor ; he makes them
his true friends.
You will not be proud if you consider your own miseries,
for, in your own interior, you will find motives for always
humbling yourselves. You belong to an honorable family;
but this is a gift of God. You are at a college directed by
22*
342 General Correspondence. [PART i.
zealous and watchful masters, who join to an illustrious
birth, great and admirable virtues; prudent, enlightened,
exemplary professors give you a good education; but this
is also a benefit which you receive from God. In a word,
all the good that you have, you have received from the
Lord ; and if you are, more than others, indebted to the
divine goodness, you have no reason to be proud.
Consider, afterwards, your personal faults (for they are
entirely your own), in them you will find matter for con
tinual self-humiliation. Obey your masters with love and
gratitude, as very humble children, for whether they in
struct and encourage you, or whether they reprimand you,
they always bear towards you in everything the charitable
affection of their hearts ; and even their reproofs, however
disagreeable they may be, are the fruit of the love that
these good religious cherish in your regard.
Obey them as so many fathers; for your father has
intrusted you to their care and invested them with his own
authority. Obey them, respect them, love them as you
have to respect and love and obey your own father.
I am confident that you will do so, to please God, your
father and myself.
I have, however, learned with pain that you apply
yourselves very little to study. O my children ! if you
only knew what wrong you are doing! Ignorance and
sloth are fruitful sources of sin and of vice. Study, then,
with attention, with diligence, with ardor, that you may
know God, his benefits, his rewards, to think much of him
and to love him ardently.
He that is ignorant knows neither God nor his benefits,
or he knows them but little ; neither does he know his own
obligations and duties ; this is the reason why he does evil.
Study, then, and afford me the consolation of hearing
before my death, that you are profiting by my counsels.
I have reached the end of my days, and I know not
i78o.] Letter 962. 343
whether you will ever see me again. May these last rec
ommendations remain engraved on your young hearts and
may they produce the fruit that I desire !
Read this long letter attentively, ask for an explanation
of the passages that you do not understand, and impress it
deeply on your memory, in order that you may put these
recommendations in practice.
Cherish a tender love for God. Study to know this
great and amiable Master, in order to love him always
more and more. Preserve in your hearts this holy love by
means of humility. Obey with docility, with affection,
your Superiors and your father; keep the rules of the
college, in order to please God ; finally, be devout to the
Blessed Virgin, under whose tutelage and patronage I leave
you, and to whom I shall always recommend you.
I bless you in our Lord, in order that you may belong to
him for time and eternity. Amen.
Give my regards to Father Rector and to all the other
Fathers who are with you at the college ; tell them that I
sincerely thank them for the care they take of you. I again
bless you.
Your very affectionate uncle,
ALFONSO MARIA DE LIGUORI, Bishop.
After two original copies, one preserved in the chapel of
the convent of the Capuchin Fathers at Vasto-Aimone, arch
diocese of Chieti, the other in possession of his Eminence
Cardinal Guglielmo Sanfelice, Archbishop of Naples.
344
General Correspon den ce.
[PART I.
LETTER 963.
To Father Gasparo Caione, Rector of the House at
Benevento.
He condemns the new Regolainento.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, April 7, 1780.
Do me the pleasure, my dear Father, of attentively
examining the points that Father Maione has changed in
our Rule.
This Rule was examined by Mgr. Falcoia, who was a
holy man and worked miracles ; it was afterwards revised
by Cardinal Spinelli, and finally approved by Benedict
XIV.
Now I see it entirely changed. I do not understand,
how the present Regolamento can be preferred to it. It is
not the work of the king, nor of his secretary, but of
Father Maione. The latter may have had a good intention ;
but I cannot call such a change the work of God.
As for myself, I am approaching eternity, I am eighty-
four years of age ; I have not long to live ; my principal
care is to die at the feet of Jesus crucified.
Tannoia, Book iv., Chapter xx.
i;so.] Letter 964. 345
LETTER 964.
To Father Isidore Leggio,1 at Frosinone.
He tries to calm the disquietude of the houses in the Pon
tifical States, and draws up rules to be followed for the
election of a deputy to the Chapter.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, April 12, 1780.
I have received your letter.
Be firmly attached to the old Rules ; they were com-
1 Father Isidore Leggio was bom on the 1-j.th of December 1737,
at S. Angelo in Fasanella, diocese of Capaccio. He entered the
Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer in 1755, and made his
profession, June 3, of the following year, into the hands of Father
Tannoia, the Master of novices. His unusual talents obtained for
him success in the apostolic ministry; he was also successful as a
writer, as is proved by two works which he composed ; one of which
is entitled: "The Man of Science recalled to his Duties by the
Light of Sound Philosophy" ; the other " The Priest in Retreat
occupied with his Own Duties." Father Leggio was living at
Frosinone, when the famous Regolamento appeared. The Congrega
tion soon found itself divided into two camps, and Father Francesco
Antonio de Paola, appointed by the Sovereign Pontiff President of
the houses of the Pontifical States, chose Father Leggio to be the
Procurator-General. The latter by reason of his office found
himself greatly involved in the negotiations that were carried on ;
for St. Alphonsus and the Fathers of the kingdom of Naples made
great efforts with the Sacred Congregation of Bishops and Regulars
to obtain a reunion and to recover all the privileges granted by the
Holy See. That Father Leggio, far from seconding these efforts at
reunion, tried on the contrary to thwart them, the Fathers of the
kingdom and St. Alphonsus himself never entertained the least doubt.
However, we have not here to discuss this question. It is certain
that the Holy See wished, before all, in its successive refusals to the
petitions for reunion, to combat the incredible pretensions of a laic
government that was intermeddling with the affairs of the Church.
As for Father Leggio, it is but just to admit, that in 1790, when
346 General Correspondence. [PART i.
posed not by me but by the saintly Mgr. Falcoia,1 and by
means of them the Congregation has maintained itself ever
since.
This Congregation the devil wishes to annihilate; but I
see that Jesus Christ is protecting us.
Tell your companions to ask God unceasingly, that the
Institute may remain such as it was at the beginning.
Certain things may be changed, in order not to infringe
upon the righ'ts of the king; but as for the interior govern
ment, I hope that we shall always observe the same Rules.
Satan had thrown everything into confusion ; but the
Blessed Virgin has come to my assistance, and efforts are
being made to restore things to the condition in which they
were before.
Be, therefore, without disquietude. To maintain all the
rules of the Pope, for example the vows, is not possible;
for the king does not wish to hear anything about vows ;
but the oath of obedience wall be taken, and this oath will
sufficiently maintain the old rules regarding the interior
government without infringing on any of the king's
rights.
I have been in affliction for a while; but now I am
King Ferdinand IV. permitted the Fathers of the kingdom to
observe their Rule and to lay aside the Regolamento, he was one
of the most ardent promoters of reunion. He even had the honor
of assisting, in his quality of Con suitor, at the General Chapter
which in 1793, elected Father Pietro Paolo Blasucci Rector Major
of the whole Congregation. Later on in 1798, he became Bishop of
Umbriatico; he died three years afterwards.
1 It has been seen in the first pages of this Correspondence in
what esteem St. Alphonsus held Mgr. Falcoia and what dependence
he professed in his regard. It is not astonishing, therefore, that he
should attribute to him the honor of everything that was done, par
ticularly the composition of the Rule — a composition in which the
holy Bishop of Castellammare had, no doubt, considerable share.
i78o.] Letter 964. 347
happy, for I see that the Lord is aiding us. Let all recom
mend me to Jesus Christ.
I bless the Rector and all his subjects.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA,
Rector Major.
[P. S.~\ In order that everything may be done by com
mon consent, send the subject chosen by your Community
and him who has been elected at Scifelli.
I desire that there should be only one Congregation of
the Most Holy Redeemer and not two. If some minor
points have been changed, in order to obey the king, the
matter is of little importance. The essential thing is, that
the interior government of the Congregation remains the
same as before. '
A word more. Please tell the Rector of your house that
the election, of which I have spoken, should take place
without delay and in accordance with canon law ; he should
assemble for this purpose all the Fathers of the house,
having previously mentioned to them the day fixed for the
election.
The subject in question should be elected by secret
votes; once elected he should take with him the act of
election duly legalized ; he should also be provided with
ample faculties.
As for the absent Fathers, your Father Rector should
write to them, asking them, either to have themselves
represented by proxy, or to renounce their vote.
Be so kind, dear Father, as to communicate these coun
sels to Father Landi for the house at Scifelli ; and do not
fail to do so.
I again bless you.
After the original preserved in the house of the Redemp-
torist Fathers at Dongen, Holland.
,48 General Correspondence. [PART i.
LETTER 965.
To Father Giovanni Battista Ansalone, Rector of the House
at Iliceto.
He requests him to send to Nocera two Fathers chosen by
the Community. — Rules of election.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, April 12, 1780.
Send hither as soon as possible, the two Fathers chosen
by your Community to settle the difficulties, or rather, to
confirm the old Rule; otherwise our adversaries will say,
that our Congregation is destroyed by internal dissensions.
However, if I mistake not, every one is of opinion that
the ancient Rule should be maintained, and that there
should not be two Congregations.
I bless you, dear Father, and all your subjects.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA,
Rector Major.
\_P. S.~\ A word more. The election of the two subjects,
of which I have spoken, should take place with all the
requisite formalities, and everything should be avoided that
might make it null and void. The subjects elected should
take with them the act of their election duly legalized.
Mention should be made of the fact that full powers have
been conferred upon them.
As for the absent Fathers, be so kind as to write to
them ; tell them the day of the election, and request
them to select a representative or to renounce their vote ;
for voting by letter is null, though it be secretly done. I
again bless you.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
1780.] Letter 966. 349
LETTER 966.
To a Father of the Congregation at Naples.
Measures taken by the saint to combat the fatal effects
of the Regolamento.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCKRA, April 12, 1780.
I have learned that our friend 1 has probably used one
of my blank signatures, in order to obtain from the king
things of which I did not dream.
I have written to the Grand Almoner, asking him to
grant you an audience; but you should be accompanied by
Father Gallo.2 After the letter that I have written to him,
the Grand Almoner will, I hope, listen to you most kindly.
Make known to him the whole plan of Father Maione ;
tell him that, in order to give more authority to the Con-
sultors, this Father has sought not only to despoil the
Rector Major of all his powers, but has put into the Rego-
lamcnto, composed by him and not by me, whatever he
pleased. Add that all the confreres are complaining, and
that for this reason I am trying to obtain a new decree from
the king.
You must speak plainly and forcibly, and tell him that
1 Father Maione.
2 The general catalogue of the Congregation has the following
notice concerning this Father: "In the year of our Lord 1748, on
Saturday, January 20, the deacon Don Salvatore Gallo of Monte-
forte, diocese of Avellino, of about twenty-three years of age, was
admitted to the novitiate. He made his profession into the hands
of our Father Rector Major on January 17, 1749, having been
ordained priest on the Ember days of the preceding December.
He died in the odor of sanctity on June 4, 1792, in the house of S.
Michele de' Pagani, at the age of sixty-eight years, ten months and
four days. He had spent in the Congregation forty-four years, four
months and fifteen days."
350 General Correspondence. [PART i.
Father Maione wishes to obtain a new decree, by virtue of
which, whoever refuses to accept the Regolamcnto, shall
be expelled, and that for this purpose Father Maione will
use one of my blank signatures.
I send you a letter for Don Giuseppe Cantore.1 He will,
I hope, attentively listen to you, and lend you his assist-
tance.
I send you twenty-five ducats. Try to divide them the
best way you can between Cantore and Vecchietti. The
present to be made to them should consist of sweetmeats ;
the best would be, in my opinion, to choose chocolate.
Do, however, as you please.
I regret to hear that Father Maione is able to distribute
much money, thanks to certain persons who are favorably
disposed towards him. I tell you this that you may
know it.
If you desire to say orally to Cantore and Vecchietti that
I will not be ungrateful in their regard, say so to them ; in
case you should think this inexpedient, keep silent about it.
It seems to me to be of the greatest importance to
convey to the Grand Almoner the information that Father
Maione, to strengthen his authority, has tried to despoil
me of mine. In the course of conversation, let him also
know the state of our Institute. Tell him, among other
things, that we have upwards of one hundred young men,
who have finished their Dogmatic Theology, and who, if
they presented themselves at the Sorbonne or at Louvain,
would make a good showing ; but Father Maione, to ob
tain his own ends, washes to see all these beautiful expecta
tions frustrated.
Let me know, whether you desire a letter for Vecchietti. I
send you a power of attorney, which revokes the old one,
and in which I authorize the new agent to collect the annual
1 One of the first officials of the royal secretariate.
1780.] Letter 966. 351
pension from the College [of Doctors] and for the chaplain
cy of Ciceri.
I also send you the revocation of all blanks that bear
my signature. All these revocations should be sent to Father
Corrado.
Here are the terms in which I have thought of drawing
up a petition to the king, with a view of having the Grand
Almoner to correct the Regolamento, composed by Father
Maione for his own personal ends:
"Sire: — All the Fathers of our Congregation of the Most
Holy Redeemer have deemed it necessary, in order to
secure the tranquillity of the subjects and the good govern
ment of the Congregation, upon which your Majesty has
imposed a Regolamento to make the following declarations :
For this reason I, the undersigned, Rector Major of
this Congregation and very faithful vassal of your Majesty,
beg you to deign to intrust the examination of these decla
rations to Mgr. the Grand Almoner, who will afterwards
submit them to the approbation of your Majesty."
I have also learned that our friend wished by means of
a false petition, that is, by one of my blank signatures, to
have the king order me to expel any one that rejects the
Regolamento. In a word, he wishes to make me the exe
cutioner of my brethren.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
35 2 General Correspondence. [PART i.
LETTER 967.
To Father Amelio Ficocelli,! at Frosinone.
Principal points in which the Regolamento differs from the
old Rule. — To adopt it is to destroy the Congregation.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
[NOCERA, April 16, 1780.]
Father Maione by his writing nearly destroyed the Con
gregation, for he has completely spoilt the old Rule.
Here are some of the alterations that he has made :
1. The old Rule prohibited the preaching of Lenten
sermons, which is so injurious to the missions.
2. By virtue of the old Rule, the Rector Major alone
could dismiss subjects, but with the consent of the majority
or sounder part of the Consultors. In the new, the Con-
suitors can, if they have the majority, dismiss every one,
even priests.
3. Before, the Consultors had only a decisive vote for
the reception of young men who had not yet received
Orders ; the new rule confers this vote upon them for the
reception of subdeacons and even of priests.
4. Under the old Rule the Consultors could, without per
mission, write only to the subjects of the Congregation;
in the new, they can write even to outsiders.
5. Under the old Rule subjects possessing revenues
could bestow them upon their families or give them to the
Congregation ; by the new they are positively obliged to
give them to the Institute.
6. Under the old Rule the subjects could acquire benefi
ces in property, provided they did not use the fruit thereof;
in the new, they must give them to the Congregation ; and
1 This Father had made his profession on April 3, 1764. He
unfortunately left the Institute after seventeen years of religious
life.
ivso.] Letter 967. 353
this disposition applies to everything that they can receive
in whatever manner it may be.
7. Formerly, the General Chapter had to be held every
nine years, to reform abuses and to make new constitutions
when necessary ; at present, it has none of these faculties.
8. Formerly, after the death of the Rector Major a
Vicar-General had to be appointed, who was charged to
govern for the space of six months only; at present, the
Vicar-General must govern until the new Rector Major has
been elected.
9. As regards the jurisdiction of the bishops, it was for
merly established that they are to be obeyed only in what
concerns the apostolic ministry. At present, both temporal
and spiritual affairs are subject to them ; so that the bishops
may now, in whatever way, go so far as to interfere in the
interior government of the Institute.
10. Before, there were vows. At present, the king of
Naples, if he does not admit vows, admits the oath. But
Father Maione decides that no point of the Rule obliges
under sin. How can this be so, since there is an oath ?
Other points have attracted the attention of the confreres.
I omit them, so as to confine myself to this simple conside
ration : to abandon the old Rule is to destroy the Congre
gation. There would, in fact, be two Congregations, one
for the Romagna, the other for Naples ; now, if there are
two Congregations, the Congregation of the Most Holy
Redeemer no longer exists.
If there were nothing else, but this last point, who would
ever dare to admit two Congregations to the destruction
of both ?
I beg the Superior, Father Ficocelli, to read this letter,
or to have it read, to his Community. Let him also tell
me, whether there are among you any who approve of the
writing of Father Maione.
Please also to have a copy of this letter sent to the house
23
354 General Correspondence. [PART i.
at Scifelli, so that I may be informed, whether there is any
one there who is not of my opinion.
I bless you, my dear Father, and all your subjects. I
expect to receive an answer, at least from the house at
Frosinone. Send hither one of your subjects, that he may
give his opinion on the points of which I have spoken
above. Write also to Scifelli that a member of that Com
munity may be sent to Nocera.
But some one will say that the Rector Major speaks thus
in order to preserve the faculty of receiving and of dis
missing subjects.
I am eighty-four years of age; am I, then, in a condition
to hope to live a hundred years more? Even this morning
I received a warning to prepare myself for death.
Besides, it is not true that the Rector Major can govern
as he pleases ; the Rule imposes upon him many restric
tions preventing him from doing what he pleases.
I have, it seems to me, only a few days to live. My
desire is to leave the Congregation free from troubles ; for
the devil always gains something amid disunion. I hope,
nevertheless, not to leave this world before seeing peace
restored. But if God wishes to call me to him, while the
Congregation is in the midst of these trials, I will be re
signed ; for I desire only one thing : to die and to live in
the accomplishment of the will of God. Nevertheless, if I
mistake not, affairs are now on the way of being settled. I
hope, then, that the Blessed Virgin will gain the victory,
and that Satan will be defeated.
As for the fact of granting the decisive vote to all the
Consultors, Father Cimino says that in the transaction of
business six persons are better judges than only one person.
But St. Thomas (ppusc. 20, cap. 2, de Reg. Princ. p.
326} says that the government in the hands of one man
is more favorable to peace than in the hands of sev
eral. The reason of this is clear: the government by
1780.] Letter 968. 355
several persons facilitates the formation of parties; now
parties are the ruin of good government. If among us the
six Consultors had decisive votes, we should soon have
six parties.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA,
Rector Major.
After the original preserved in the archives of the Congre
gation of Bishops and Regulars, case: Liguorini 1806.
LETTER 968.
To Father Carmine Picone, Rector of the House at S. Angelo
a Cupolo.
Day fixed for the opening of the General Assembly at
Nocera. — Conditions of the validity of the elections.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, April 23, 1780.
My dear Father Carmine: It has been decided that the
Assembly is to open on the i6th of next May. Please send
hither on this date the members of your Community,
chosen by virtue of the instruction that you have received.
If, by chance, the election should not have been legiti
mate, either because it has been neglected to have the
subjects vote who are in the house and who are desirous of
voting ; or, because it has been neglected to notify the
absent members of the Community, so that they might
send their sealed votes, — votes that should be opened only
by the scrutators of the election ; in these two cases (unless
the absent had renounced their vote) a new election would
have to take place. This would also have to take place, if
liberty had not been allowed the electors of choosing one or
two subjects from among the members of the Community
who are present, as well as from among those that are
absent. It is, moreover, understood that the absent can
by letter communicate their views to the deputies elected,
356 General Correspondence. [PART i.
if they cannot do so orally. Such is the explanation of the
difficulties presented by some Fathers to your Reverence
and forwarded through you to Father Andrea [Villani].
Take care to send a copy of this letter to those
of your Fathers that are absent from home; they will
thus know their rule of conduct in the election that is to be
held. Send the necessary messengers, therefore, so that
the conditions of a legitimate election may be fulfilled, and
that the deputies elected may be present here on the day
that has been fixed. If they are on a mission, have them
replaced, or defer the mission to another time of next year.
Have the proceedings of the election deposited in the
archives of the Community, and give a copy of them to the
deputies, a copy signed by the secretary of the election and
furnished with the seal of the house. It should be men
tioned in the document that the Fathers electors commimi-
c.ite to the individuals elected by them, the power of sitting
in their name in the aforesaid Assembly, there to propose
and to determine, all that will be regarded as necessary
concerning the new Rcgolamento, approved by his Majesty,
our sovereign (may God have him in his holy keeping} and
to decide upon all the measures indispensable to the good
government of the Congregation.
Please to execute faithfully the prescriptions that I have
marked out, otherwise you will cause me great displeasure.
Besides, the Assembly will begin its sessions, even though
the deputies of your house be absent, and in the Assembly
measures will be taken to prevent any subsequent acts of
disobedience.
I expect from you, dear Father, an acknowledgment of
the receipt of this letter, and I bless you and your subjects.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA,
Rector Major.
[P. S.~\ Do not scruple to lend one or the other book to
any respectable person. Send the Life of Abbe de Ranee,
1780.] Letter 969. 357
therefore, to the Fathers at Benevento, that they may give
it to Don Michele Capasso, through Canon Capobianco.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
LETTER 969.
To Father Gaspare Caione, Rector of the House at
Benevento.
He should invest his two deputies with more ample
powers.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, April 25, 1780.
Complaints are made here about you, that you have
given to your deputies power to give counsel, but not to
decide anything.
I have, however, always written to you and requested
you to send those two subjects, not only to give counsel,
but to come to a decision touching our present difficulties.
It is true, all the members of the Assembly can only give
counsel ; on the king alone is it incumbent to decide.1 But,
since it is desired that you should give to your deputies the
power of deciding, give it to them, in order to satisfy the
confreres.
I bless you, dear Father, and all your subjects.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA,
Rector Major.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
i It is not that the saint recognized in the king any power in
matters that concerned only ecclesiastical authority; for, it is well
known what he thought of regalism. He spoke only of a question
of fact, at present so burdensome to the Congregation, and the evil
consequences of which he tried as much as possible to diminish.
Every time, therefore, that he spoke of the king and of his pretended
23*
358 General Correspondence. [PART i.
LETTER 970.
To Father Amelio Ficocelli, at Frosinone.
He manifests his financial distress. — Advice relative to the
approaching Assembly.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, April 28, 1780.
My dear Father Amelio: I have, as yet, received noth
ing of my pension ; but I hope to receive a considerable
part of it next month.
I had almost resolved to write to you not to borrow those
hundred ducats, for I wished to send them to you myself;
but now I wish you to borrow them. In fact, although I
might receive, next month, my entire pension, or, at least,
a part of it, yet I should be none the less in trouble ; for,
at present we are negotiating with the Grand Almoner, in
order to obtain a new royal ordinance which will assure the
future of the Congregation. This ordinance is intended to
correct the Regolamento, which for three months has
thrown the Institute into disorder and has caused it the
greatest injury, and to assure the good government of the
Congregation.
I hope, however, to send you some help next month ;
but it will not be such as I would desire ; for my pension
will be very much impaired by reason of the new road that
is to pass through Calabria, towards which, by virtue of a
royal ordinance, I must give 10 per cent, of my pension.
Send me, without delay, the subject of your Community,
who is to take seat in the Assembly.
I repeat: send him immediately, for the Assembly will
rights, he concurred (we shall see other examples of this) rather
with the opinion of the government; but this was in order to avoid
a greater evil and in order not to provoke on the part of the civil
authority, the most disastrous measures.
Letter 971. 359
open next week. Give your deputy the power to decide
the questions that will be proposed.
The Father, whom you will send, is to be elected by
secret vote and by the majority of the Fathers of your
house (of those absent, as well as of those present). He
must be given the faculty of giving a decisive vote on
questions relative to the good government of the Congrega
tion.
Pray to God for me, for, in the midst of all these difficul
ties, I feel myself overwhelmed with sorrow.
I bless you, my dear Father, and all your subjects.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA,
Rector Major.
After the original in possession of Cavaliere Giancarlo
Rossi at Rome.
LETTER 971.
To Father Bartolomeo Mattia Corrado.
Regret at hearing of his illness.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, April 30, 1780.
My dear Father Bartolomeo: How much do I regret,
amidst my many trials, to hear of your illness! But I
expect to see you here, as soon as your health is restored.
Father Maione did not wish to withdraw to a house in
the Romagna, and I am told that he still continues to
intrigue.
When you come here you will be told all.
Do not fail to bring with you Father de Meo and the
other deputy of your house.
This Father, who wishes to know everything, will be
able to learn all, when he comes here, when he may read
all the papers at his leisure.
360 General Correspondence. [PART i.
I bless you, my dear Father, and all your compan
ions.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
After the original in possession of Cavaliere Giancarlo
Rossi at Rome.
LETTER 972.
To two Fathers, Elected to the General Assembly.
He entreats them to give up a certain project.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
[NocERA, end of April, 1780.]
I earnestly entreat you, my very dear Brethren, to give
up the idea of deposing those two Consultors,1 because that
would ruin everything.
It is true, several of you cannot bear these two subjects ;
but I hope to God, with the aid of the Blessed Virgin, that
all animosities will come to an end. Let us carry on the
work of conciliation as we have begun it, and God will reap
glory therefrom.
If, on the contrary, we wish to carry things by storm, I
fear that the minds will become still more divided, and the
devil will thereby derive some profit.
I feel that God continues to inspire me with this manner
of looking at things ; the Grand Almoner will not be hostile
to it, and you should do violence to yourselves to embrace
the same view, though it may not be your own.
I am the head of the Congregation ; I regard it as certain,
therefore, that God does not lead me on to what is false or
prejudicial to the Institute.
Hell, I see, is making every effort to sow discord among
us; but I, on the contrary, feel myself moved to establish
1 Fathers Maione and Cimino.
1780.] Letter 97 3. 361
peace, and surely, it seems to me, this result will be
obtained, if my advice is followed.
Write me a few words of peace on Sunday morning.
Tannoia, Book iv., Chapter xxi.
LETTER 973.
To Father Gasparo Caione, Rector" of the House at
Benevento.
He formally orders him to send to Nocera the two deputies
elected by his Community.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph!
NOCERA, May i, 1780.
To avoid new delays, and since the numerous messen
gers sent hither and thither, have not yet been able to
induce any one to come (which causes me great pain, as it
is a breach of formal obedience), I believe it my duty to
send the present messenger to tell you that the two deputies
elected by your house should be here at the latest on the
1 2th of this month.
You will, therefore, dear Father, without fail take the
necessary measures to send the aforesaid deputies to the
General Assembly which will open its sessions on the i2th
instant.1
I bless you and all your subjects.
1 In fact, the deputies of the houses assembled on the I2th of
May. From the beginning of this date till June 26, the Assembly
held its sessions, more than one of which were stormy on account of
the division of minds. St. Alphonsus did not, nor could he hardly,
take any part in it. However, he was confirmed in his office and
Father Corrado was given him as his Vicar-General, and that for the
houses of the kingdom. The seeds of division, sown by the Regola-
mento, which could not be openly rejected, had then already pro
duced their fruit. The houses of the Pontifical State, keeping the
primitive Rule in its full vigor, were thus separated from the houses
of the kingdom, which were condemned to pass under the Caudine
362 General Correspondence. [PART i.
A word more. The order that I give you, dear Father,
in your quality of Rector, or to any one in your place, I
give by a formal precept of obedience. I see myself con
strained to have recourse to this measure, for you make so
little of obedience, that you have not answered a word to
the many letters that I wrote to you on the subject.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA,
Rector Major.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
LETTER 974.
To Marquis Domenico Antonio di Avena, Counsellor of the
Royal Chamber of S. Chiara, at Naples.
He recommends to him a Canon of Evoli for promotion.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA DE' PAGANI, June 5, 1780.
Your Excellency: An ecclesiastic, and, above all, a
bishop should nourish the greatest desire of seeing the
churches and their respective dignities bestowed upon the
most worthy and meritorious subjects. I, therefore, take
the liberty of recommending to your Excellency, Don
Giuseppe Maria Pisciotta, Chanter of the collegiate church
of Evoli, in the diocese of Salerno.
The dignity of primicerius, the first of all, is vacant in
this church, and to be invested with it, I am told, that one
must have the degree of doctor, as is required by the Bull
of the foundation of this church, and by a decision emanat
ing from Rome, in 1710. Now, among the Canons no
one, except Don Pisciotta, bears the title of doctor, and
forks of the royal Regolaniento. This separation was only a separa
tion de facto; but it afterwards became a separation de jure, when
the Sovereign Pontiff intervened, as we shall see later on.
i?8o.] Letter
he, moreover, possesses (as the subjoined note testifies) the
other requisite qualities. All this being considered, he
seems to me to be preferable to all his confreres. But,
according to the regulations that are now in vigor, the
recommendation to the court of Rome should be made by
the king, our master. I, therefore, appeal to your well-
known goodness, and I earnestly request you to intercede
in favor of my client with Mgr. Sanseverino, confessor of
his Majesty, in order that this prelate may obtain the
desired recommendation.
Your usual kindness and the personal merits of my client
inspire me with the firm confidence that you will grant me
this favor.
Please believe me to be entirely at your service, and
accept the expression of profound respect, with which I
have the honor to be, your Excellency's
Very devoted and grateful servant,
ALFONSO MARIA DE LIGUORI, Bishop.
After the Neapolitan edition of 1848.
LETTER 975.
To the Fathers and Brothers of the Four Houses of the
Kingdom.
Act by which the saint notifies the subjects of the houses
of the kingdom of the decision reached by the General
Assembly. — Various dispositions.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
PAGANI, June 26, 1780.
The king, our master (may God preserve him), has
directed by his royal ordinance, dated August 21, 1779,
that our four houses of the kingdom, that is, of Ciorani,
Nocera, Iliceto and Caposele, should each have its respec
tive head, charged with the interior government, and that
there be established also the various necessary offices. As
364 General Correspondence. [PART i.
these various offices have hitherto been subject to changes,
we have believed it to be our duty, by reason of the afore
said ordinance, to proceed to the election of new officials,
and thus to provide for a good government of the Congre
gation.
For this end, by a letter addressed to our four houses on
the 28th of March of this year, we ordained that each of
them should elect two deputies. The latter were to assist
at the General Assembly of these four houses, and to
decide upon all the measures necessary to assure the good
government of the Congregation; in other words, they
were to proceed to the election of the Assistants or Con-
sultors of the Rectors of the aforesaid houses, and finally of
the other officials.
Moreover, there was no law fixed for the duration
of office as Rector Major,1 and we were, besides, weighed
down by years. For these and other reasons, which
are expressed in our act of resignation, we thought it
necessary to lay down the burden of government. We,
then, formally and spontaneously resigned the office of
Rector Major; but upon the earnest and numerous repre
sentations of the aforesaid deputies of the four houses, and
to respond to the unanimous desire, which sought to con
firm us in this charge, we believed it our duty to yield to
their solicitations. We have, therefore, notwithstanding
our advanced age, sacrificed ourselves to the interests of the
Congregation.
Consequently we, Rector Major of the Congregation
existing in the aforesaid houses of the kingdom, on this
day, the 26th of June, of the current year 1780, by virtue
1 That is, by no civil laws. For the Pontifical Brief Ad pastoralis
dignitatis fastigium> dated February 25, 1749, declared Alphonsus de
Liguori, Congregationis SSmi Redemptoris perpetuus Rector Major
(Alphonsus de Liguori perpetual Rector Major of the Congregation
of the Most Holy Redeemer).
iy8o.] Letter 975. 365
of the ordinance of August 1779, already quoted, and of
the new Regolamento, in the manner and with the necessa
ry reservations * expressed in another writing, signed by us
and by the general deputies before-mentioned, after taking
the advice, the counsel and the vote of these same deputies,
we choose as General Assistants, Reverend Fathers Barto-
lomeo Mattia Corrado, Andrea Villani, Antonio Maria Tan-
noia, Pietro Paolo Blasucci, Alessandro de Meo, and Giu
seppe Maria Pavone. We, moreover, choose for Procura
tor-General of the four above-mentioned houses Giov. Bat-
tista di Costanzo , and we desire and ordain that they
should be recognized and received as such by all the subjects
of the aforesaid houses.
But our advanced age does not permit us to bear alone
the burden of the government of the whole Congregation.
Hence, always with the advice, counsel and vote of the
same deputies of the four houses, we have decided to ta.ke
as our Vicar-General or Coadjutor Father Bartolomeo Mat
tia Corrado, already chosen by us as an Assistant, and to
this end we communicate to him all the necessary authority
that is at our disposal. Nevertheless, it is understood that
we wish to be informed of the more important affairs.
Hence we ordain that all the subjects of the four above-
1 The members of the General Assembly that believed that they
should accept the Regolamento^ did so, not without conditions, but
with the necessary reservations. They only wished to avoid the
destruction of the Institute, to gain time, and to devise a means of
obtaining from the king larger concessions, destined to protect the
substance of the Rule, approved by the Holy See. It is not, there
fore, astonishing that St. Alphonsus believed that he should yield to
circumstances. On the other hand, the Fathers representing the
houses of the Pontifical State, absolutely refused to vote and corn-
batted the project. Strong as they were with the Pontifical authori
ty, under the regime of which the most perfect liberty was assured
them, they did not in any way wish to recognize the authority of the
king. Had they, moreover, wished to take part in the voting, they
could not have done so legally, as the royal placet was wanting.
366 General Correspondence. [PART i.
mentioned houses should recognize and receive Father
Bartolomeo Mattia Corrado as our Vicar-General.
Wishing, besides, to provide at once for the good
government of the four houses of the kingdom, we com
mand all the subjects of the respective houses to rec
ognize and to receive as local Rectors, the Reverend
Fathers : Diodato Criscuoli for the house at Ciorani ;
Giuseppe Gaetano Cardone for the house at Nocera ;
Sosio Lupoli for that at Iliceto ; Lorenzo Negri for that
at Caposele, all appointed by the advice, counsel and
vote of the aforesaid deputies of the four houses. We
intend by this election to rescind every other election
held in the past, and at the same time, we annul every
other letter patent of the Vicar-General formerly drawn
up by us, as also every other writing, every other letter
containing appointments or elections of Rectors, Superiors,
Consultors, general and local, and Admonitors.
In testimony of which we have drawn up the present act,
signed with our own hand and furnished with the usual seal.
PAGANI, June 26, 1780.
Father Avena, one of the two deputies of the house at
Iliceto, called to take part in this election, refused to do so,
having this very morning, as he says, resigned the deputation.
ALFONSO MARIA DE LIGUORI, Rector Major.
BARTOLOMEO MATTIA CORRADO, deputy of the
house at Ciorani.
MICHELE TOZZOLI, deputy of the house at Ciorani.
ALESSANDRO DI MEO, deputy of the house at No
cera.
GIUSEPPE GAETANO CARDONE, deputy of the house
at Nocera.
FRANCESCO AMATI, deputy of the house at Iliceto.
VINCENZO GENINO, deputy of the house at Caposele,
and Secretary.
L. * S.
i78o.] Letter 976. 367
Ita et tales sunt, et in fidem sigilli. [The foregoing sig
natures and seals are authentic.)
GIOVANNI DE Novi, Notary at Angri.
L. Hh 5*.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
LETTER 976.
To Cardinal Francesco Banditi, Archbishop of Benevento.
He begs him to take in hand the cause of the Congrega
tion, and to intervene with the Holy See.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
[NocKRA, July? 1780.]
After a thousand thoughts had crossed my mind, I,
finally, adopted that of writing to your Eminence, and I
come to tell you, my Father, that, if you wish to see our
Congregation saved, you must necessarily espouse its cause
and act with freedom, doing as God may inspire you;
otherwise the dissensions will continue to divide us, and we
shall not attain any good.
It is necessary, I repeat, for you to take our cause in
hand, without regard to anything that may have been writ
ten by us, without regard to the Assembly, or the election
of Consultors and of Rectors ; and if your Eminence wishes
to deprive me of my office of Rector Major, do as you
think best before God.
In fact, I desire only one thing, namely, to see my poor
Congregation saved, and the only means to do so, is that
which I have just pointed out.
Do not listen to what others may say ; and please write
to our Holy Father, the Pope, what you believe may be
most calculated to resuscitate this corpse.
I pray and will continue to pray to the Blessed Virgin to
368 General Correspondence. [PART i.
aid you to triumph over all difficulties. I have, moreover,
ordered all our subjects, strictly to conform to the least
directions given by your Eminence.
May it please your Eminence to accept the expression of
very humble respect with which I have the honor to be ...
Tannoia, Book iv., Chapter xxii.
LETTER 977.
To Father Pietro Paolo Blasucci, at Girgenti.
He requests him to go at once to Naples, to attend to the
interests of the Congregation.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, August 19, 1780.
My dear Pietropaolo: To call you to Naples at the
present time is, I know, unfortunate for the affairs of Sicily ;
but when a man is on the point of drowning, he grasps
whatever happens to be within reach.
Your presence at Naples seems to be indispensable. The
letter which you wrote might have done much good ; but,
in my opinion, the Congregation is still on the brink of
destruction.
My life is only a prolonged death ; this is all that I can
say.
As long as I am in this world, the Congregation, I hope,
will maintain itself; but once I am dead, and this will
happen soon, it seems to me impossible that the confreres,
dependent on the Pope, will submit to the Regolamento of
the king, as they have already given to understand.
Examine, therefore, thoroughly, my dear Father, the
danger in which we are, and do as you think best; other
wise, I fear we shall be witnesses of a catastrophe.
You should go to Naples and visit all our houses ; for, as
1780.] Letter qj8. 369
to myself, I am a poor cripple ; I can hardly breathe, and
every day my breath fails me more and more.
Recommend yourself to our Lord, and do afterwards
what God will inspire you to do.
I bless you, dear Father, and all your subjects.
Pray to the Blessed Virgin that she may grant me a
good death.
We must address ourselves to the king ; for the Grand
Almoner is the one that has ruined us. I have tried to
induce him, no longer to sustain the Regolamento of Father
Maione, but I did not succeed. I can only repeat without
ceasing : May Thy holy will be done, O Lord!
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA,
Rector Major.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
LETTER 978.
To Father Diodato Criscuoli, Rector of the House at Ciorani.
He asks him for a small sum of money.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
PAGANI, September i, 1780.
You know, my dear Father, the needs of the Congrega
tion; it has incurred considerable expenses and is still
doing so.
I have already given my contribution, and I will con
tinue to do so ; but at present I am without resources. Now
money is absolutely necessary, since negotiations must be
begun at Rome and at Naples.
I, therefore, beg you most earnestly to send me ten
24
370 General Correspondence. IPART i.
ducats. I hope there will be no difficulty in doing so, for
there is question of the common cause.
I bless your Reverence and all,
BROTHER ALFONSO,
Rector Major.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
LETTER 979.
To Sister Maria Saveria Pescara, in the Monastery alia
Croce di Lucca, Naples.
He promises her the prayers that she asks for.
J. M.J.
NOCERA DE' PAGANI, September 25, 1780.
Reverend Mother: I have received the letter that you
have done me the honor to write to me. I will recommend
your niece to our Lord and to the Blessed Virgin, that
things may not turn out as you fear they will, and that the
will of God may be accomplished.
It is understood that you will share in the prayers that I
will offer for your relative.
On the other hand, I recommend myself to your prayers,
and I am with great respect, Reverend Mother,
Your very humble servant,
ALFONSO MARIA DE LIGUORI, Bishop.
After the original in possession of Father Netti, Oratorian,
at Naples,
1780.] Letter 980. 371
LETTER 980.
To Mother Maria Angelica del SS. Sacramento, Superior of
the Rederaptoristines at Sant' Agata de' Goti.
He recommends to her the daughter of his servant Alessio.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph 1
NOCERA DE' PAGANI, October 4, 1780.
I have learned with pleasure from your letter, that two of
your postulants will take the religious habit during the
present month, and thus increase the number of your
daughters. I pray to our Lord to communicate to them
his spirit.
I also hear that the daughter of Alessio will enter among
you on the same day.1 I recommend her to your charity
1 Alessio Pollio was the faithful servant of St. Alphonsus. After
having placed his daughter in the convent, he himself took the habit
of our Congregation, and appeared later on as a witness in the
process of canonization of the saint. We cannot here give his long
and important deposition, but we can, at least, quote the passage in
which the good servant relates in a general way the relations in
which he stood to the illustrious bishop.
"It was in the year 1758," he says, "that I had the happiness of
seeing for the first time the venerable servant of God, Alphonsus
Maria de Liguori. In company with my late director, D. Urbano
Cimino, I went to visit him at Naples, my native city. I met him
in the palace of his brother, Don Ercole, near my dwelling. He
gave me the most salutary advice, and thenceforward, whenever he
called upon his brother, I did not fail to offer him my respects,
either alone or in company with Don Urbano. When he had been
consecrated bishop, he received me into his service, on his return
from Rome in 1762. I was then engaged in shoemaking, and I was
delighted to serve so holy a prelate. After this time I remained in
his service, either in the diocese of Sant' Agata or the house of S.
Michele, whither he retired after resigning the episcopate. I have
also had the happiness of being near him till his death, and I very
often spoke to him, either of things spiritual or of the details rela
tive to my employment." (Catalogue of Witnesses. Witness v. page 4.)
372 General Correspondence. [PART i.
and, if you can be a little lenient in the matter of dowry, I
shall be most happy, for Alessio is embarrassed enough in
consequence of the expenses that he has to incur.
I recommend myself to your prayers and to those of
your Community, and I bless you, Reverend Mother,
while signing myself,
Your very humble servant,
ALFONSO MARIA DE LIGUORI, Bishop.
[P. S.~\ Please send back Alessio immediately, for I
need his services.
After a copy.
LETTER 981.
To Father Francesco Antonio de Paqla, President of the
Houses in the Pontifical State.
He rejoices at the success of the Congregation in the
States of the Pope. — Grave reason for accepting the Regola-
mento; he requests Father de Paola to make this known to
the Sovereign Pontiff. — Admirable resignation of the saint.1
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, October 8, 1780.
My dear Don Francesco: The day before yesterday I
had your letter, written to Father Ficocelli, read to me.
1 On the 22d of September the Sacred Congregation of Bishops
and Regulars had published the following decree : " Wishing to give
a lawful Superior to the houses of the Congregation of the Most
Holy Redeemer, established in the diocese of Benevento and in
that of Veroli, Our Holy Father the Pope, in an audience granted
by him to the undersigned Monsignor, the Secretary of the Congre
gation of Bishops and Regulars, has deigned to appoint as President
of these houses, Father Francesco de Paola, the present Superior
of the house at Frosinone, diocese of Veroli ... in the place of
those who as Superiors-General of said Congregation have adopted
with their partisans a new rule, essentially different from the old
one, and who, on account of having thus deserted their Institute,
i78o.] Letter $8 1. 373
Thank God, I have not lost my head; I am, therefore,
happy that the Fathers in the Pontifical States are subject
to the power of the Pope, and that you have been appointed
their Superior. The news of the mission at Velletri gives
me great pleasure. All is well, and you could not but
accept the office, as it was the will of the Pope.
have ceased to form part of this Congregation, and have, conse
quently, lost the favors and prerogatives granted to it by the Holy
See."
Thus Pius VI. spoke in 1780; but sixteen years afterwards, when
occupied with the beatification of Alphonsus, the same Pontiff
published the following Brief, which attests the innocence of the
servant of God :
Pius VI., Pope.
FOR A PERPETUAL REMEMBRANCE.
" The Congregation of Sacred Rites, in a special session which it
recently held by our order, has discussed, on the report of its
Prefect, our venerable Brother, Cardinal Giovanni Archinto, Bishop
of Sabino, the question, whether the objection raised against the
servant of God, Alphonsus Maria de Liguori, Founder of the Con
gregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, and formerly Bishop of Sant'
Agata de' Goti, in regard to the changes of the Rules of his Congre
gation, is in opposition to the giving of a signature required for the
further progress of the ' Examination of the Virtues in the Case and
for the Effect, of which there is Question' (Super dubio virtutum in
casu et ad effectum, de quo agitur\. The Sacred Congregation has,
therefore, heard our dear Son, Master Gerolamo Napulionio, Proc
urator of the Faith, examined the reasons given pro and con, and
then deemed it a duty to answer as follows : The objection is, by no
means, valid, and silence must be put forever on this point, so that in
the ulterior examination of the cause, no one, either the Promoter of the
Faith, or any person whatsoever, having a right to vote on this matter,
can make the least mention of it. — We had approved this decree, but
our dear Sons, the present Superior-General of said Congregation,
and his confrere, Giuseppe Gaetano Gardone, Postulator of the
Cause of the servant of God, have begged us most earnestly to give
a more explicit approbation. We do this the more willingly, since
we recall to mind with what admirable zeal the servant of God often
exhibited, either orally, or by his acts and writing his respect and
24*
374 General Correspondence. [PART i.
The Pope will, no doubt, believe me culpable for having
accepted the Regolamento of the king; but could you not
make him understand by some friend that we were running
the risk of losing all, if I did not accept the Regolamcnto?
If the Pope knew this, he would certainly not condemn me.
Later on, when the proper time arrives, I hope to be
able to inform the Sovereign Pontiff of all that has happened
and to ask the favor that I desire ; for I have not forgotten
the affection which he has shown me in the past, notwith
standing my unworthiness, and I hope to live and to die as
a very faithful servant of His Holiness, and as a very faith
ful servant of the Church.
I beg you, my dear Father, to find some one to plead my
cause with the Pope ; for at present I cannot write to him ;
submission to this Holy Apostolic See. We, therefore, again ap
prove by virtue of these presents the decree issued by the said
Congregation of Rites. We confirm it, and we strengthen it by the
Apostolic sanction. We decree that the present letters be now and
in perpetuity invariable, valid and efficacious; that they obtain and
produce their full and entire effects ; that they be entirely profitable
to those whom they concern and whom they will concern later on in
whatever time it may be, and that they be by each of them inviolably
observed ; and that all the judges, whoever they may be, ordinary
or delegated, even the Auditors of the Causes of the Apostolic
Palace and the Nuncios of the Holy See, shall judge and define in
accordance with what has been established above, all power and
faculty of judging and of interpreting otherwise being taken from
them ; and that all that might be attempted in any other sense on
this subject by whomsoever and by whatsoever authority, with or
without knowledge of these letters, shall be of no effect ; the Consti
tutions and Apostolic Ordinances, and all things to the contrary
notwithstanding. We wish, moreover, that every copy of these
letters, even when printed, provided it bear the signature of a
notary public and be furnished with the seal of a person constituted
in ecclesiastic authority, be regarded in tribunals and outside of
them as authentic as if the original were exhibited or shown.
Given at Rome, at St. Peter's, under the Fisherman's ring, the
2gth of April, 1796, the twenty-second year of our Pontificate."
1780.] Letter $8 2. 375
and in the midst of grave dissensions, in which I have been
involved, I can only resign myself to the will of God.
And you, my dear Fathers, who reside in the Pontifical
States, do not forget to pray for me in the holy sacrifice of
the Mass that I may obtain the grace of a happy death, for
my end is near.
I have loved you all very much. The Lord has per
mitted this division; may his holy will be adored forever!
If you can write to me from time to time, to inform me
of your success, I shall be very glad. May Jesus and
Mary bless you all, and pray to them for me.
If in future you can do ought to further a reunion, you
will afford me pleasure. At least, I entertain the hope, that
later on, if we need assistance, or if you desire our help,
we may aid each other, not for private interests, but only
for the glory of God and for the welfare of souls.
Live Jesus and Mary ! It is not incumbent on me, but
on the Pope, to bless you.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA DE LIGUORI, Bishop.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
LETTER 982.
To Mgr. Carlo Bergamo, Bishop of Gaeta.
He solicits the favor of seeing him at Nocera in regard to
the affairs of the Congregation.1
[NOCERA, about October 12, 1780.]
My Lord : I had wished at first to pay you a visit in
person ; but the pains that keep me to my invalid's chair,
1 St. Alphonsus hoped that the mediation of this prelate, his in
timate friend, might induce the Grand Almoner to ask the king for
certain modifications in the R ego lame nto . These modifications
would have substantially saved the old Rule, and the reunion of the
whole Institute under one head, would have become easy. Mgr.
376 General Correspondence. [PART i.
my great age of eighty-four years, and my numerous in
firmities oblige me to renounce this project. I hope to
have you here, therefore, and I beg you to be so good as
to come to see me. God will surely reward you for this
journey ; for your presence, I hope, will put an end to all
the troubles.
All the Fathers of this house, and those of the other
houses, are expecting your visit as eagerly as myself, and
are asking for it. In fact, there is question of averting the
ruin of a Congregation that hitherto has sanctified innumer
able provinces. Your Lordship is full of zeal and charity ;
you will then, I hope, render me this service.
Tannoia, Book iv., Chapter xx.
LETTER 983.
To Cardinal Francesco Maria Banditi, Archbishop of
Benevento.
He begs him to listen to the explanation of the facts rela
tive to the Regolamento and to use his influence in favor of
the Congregation.
[NocERA, October 18, 1780.]
Your Eminence : I am at the end of my days, and a prey
to the most cruel anguish. My Congregation of missiona-
Bergamo willingly complied with the invitation of the saint and
proceeded to Nocera. The conclusion of the interview was, that
the Bishop of Gaeta should go to Benevento to see Cardinal Banditi,
" to confer," says Father Tannoia, " about the means of preserving
the work of the missions in the kingdom of Naples. 1 was charged
with another Father to accompany him ; and when we had explained
the state of things to the Cardinal, the latter was moved to tears.
Nevertheless, he was of opinion, that we should address no petition
to the Pope, all proceedings at Rome, according to his view, being
hurtful rather than useful to the Institute."
Mgr. Bergamo on this occasion gave to the Cardinal the letter that
follows.
i78o.] Letter 983. 377
ries, this Institute so favorably received in the kingdom of
Naples and in the Roman State, so highly approved by
ecclesiastical authority, and by the civil authority, this In
stitute, I say, is at present running the risk of being di
vided by some minds who do not agree among themselves.
On the other hand, I fear that higher Superiors, impressed
by the complaints of certain subjects, will judge things to
be different from what they are. After having recom
mended myself to God and to the Blessed Virgin, I feel
myself compelled, as it were, by an irresistible force, to have
recourse to your Eminence and to put everything in your
hands ; since you are the only protector, whom the Lord has
kept in reserve to dissipate all these troubles, and to sustain
a work which, I know, you do not cease to recommend.
I come then (and all my companions join their prayers to
mine) to supplicate you to take upon yourself this task.
For this your Eminence need only to listen to the two
Fathers who will explain to you the state of affairs ; then
you may form that judgment which your wisdom will dic
tate. This judgment will be the inviolable rule that will
guide and pacify all minds.
You have received from God the most precious gifts, and
all circumstances concur in rendering you alone capable of
treating this important question. You cannot, it seems to
me, refuse to do so, if you desire to render to the Most
High due acknowledgment for those gifts. It would, in
fact, be a beautiful act of gratitude to employ such gifts in
sustaining a work, in which the glory and the service of
God are concerned.
To accede to my request, to hear my prayers, you will
also, I trust, regard the good offices of the holy Bishop of
Gaeta, Mgr. Bergamo, who will convey to you my very
humble petition.
Your Eminence, I hope, will not, by refusing me this
favor, hasten my death and abridge the little time that still
378 General Correspondence. [PART i.
remains to me to live. You will rather, I am quite confi
dent, make me become calm, and you will consent to use
your influence to terminate these quarrels. Yes, I hope,
that either I shall see the end of these troubles before I die,
or shall, at least, leave the world without regret, thinking
that, thanks to your wisdom, these dissensions will soon be
succeeded by the most perfect peace.
After an old copy.
LETTER 984.
To Father Francesco Antonio de Paola, President of the
Houses of the Pontifical States.
The Pope, having desired to know the history of the new
Regolamento, the saint communicates it to him through
Father de Paola.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, October r 8, 1780.
I have read your answer, in which you state, the Pope
allows me to be Rector Major of the houses of the Pontifical
State and of those of the kingdom, provided an exact ac
count is given to him of the whole affair.
To understand well the nature of the question, it must be
known, that when Pope Benedict XIV. sent us the Bull, by
which he approved of the Congregation under the title of
the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, King
Charles, then reigning, refused to accept this Bull, and we
could not publicly use the Rules that the Pope had sent
us. It was with difficulty, that the monarch allowed
us to live together in the four houses of the kingdom. The
king refused to ratify the Bull, as he was opposed to the
introduction of new religious Orders into his States. Now
to approve our Congregation with its vows of poverty,
chastity and obedience and the oath of perseverance, was
equivalent to recognizing a new religious Order.
i78o.] Letter 98 4. 379
It was this refusal of the king which, later on, determined
some of our companions to procure from his Majesty this
new Regolamento, which speaks only of spiritual exercises
and of customs to be observed, either on the missions, or in
the houses, assigned to us by the head of the State.
All my companions and I would have liked to follow the
old Rule. For myself in particular I have labored with all
my strength, and for a long time, to uphold the old Rule;
but I did not succeed, and I had to yield to escape the peril
of seeing our houses suppressed.
What could I do to maintain the old Rule against the
determined will of the monarch and of his ministers, who
were all of the same opinion as he was?
You now see me plunged into the deepest affliction, and I
can only shed tears. But God wishes this to be so; may
his holy name be forever blessed ! I willingly believe that
my sins have drawn down upon me and all my companions
this chastisement of God.
The Pope lets me hope that he will restore to me the
office of Rector Major. It is not this that affects me. The
blow that has hurt me is the withdrawal of the faculties
proper to the missions, faculties without which we can
render to souls but feeble services.
I should like to have these faculties restored to us, in
order that the Fathers of the States and of the kingdom
may help one another, as we have hitherto done. See, then,
dear Father, whether you can recover them for us ; other
wise I will not be able to console myself on account of such
a loss.
As for the court at Naples, I really do not know what to
do. This court, you know, does not easily give up its
pretensions, and all the petitions, that I should make,
would be useless.
Answer me and give me some hope.
I embrace you with all my heart, with a truly fraternal
38o
General Correspondence.
[PART I.
affection. You would like, you said in your letter to
Father Tannoia, that I should tell you to come to Naples. 1
I also have a great desire to see you ; we could thus
arrange about a reunion, at least, a reunion, such as could
now be effected. You would, therefore, afford me the
greatest pleasure, if you could come soon. If you cannot,
write me, at least, another letter, that I may know what
line of conduct I should pursue.
Meanwhile, let us recommend the affair to our Lord and
put our confidence in the Blessed Virgin.
I conclude by embracing you.
The Bishop of Gaeta was here to-day ; he left here for
Benevento, where he will go to see Cardinal Banditi. The
latter, I hope, will do all that he can, to bring about a re
union, or, at least, to obtain for us the means of helping
one another in the best possible manner.
I embrace you once more and I remain, Reverend
Father, ....
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA, Bishop.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
LETTER 985.
To the Same.
Exposition of the stand taken by the government towards
religious Orders, and of the means to bring about more
favorable conditions.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, November 10, 1780.
My dear Father Francesco : We should well understand
the relation of our Congregation to the government. If
1 That is, to Nocera de' Pagani.
i78o.] Letter 98 '5. 381
we pretend that the king repudiates the system l adopt
ed at the present day by all the secular powers, we
only lose time. All the princes of the present day and all
their ministers absolutely defend the said system.
The only hope that we can entertain, is, that the Pope
may grant us what Innocent XI. granted to the priests and
to the clerics of S. Giuseppe in 1684, when he commuted
their vows of poverty, chastity and obedience into simple
oaths of observing these virtues (as we may read in the
Bullarium, pages 420, 421). This is precisely what is in
dicated in the Regolamento that the king has imposed upon
us. In this way, the members of the Congregation in the
kingdom will follow the directions given by the king ; those
in the Romagna and at Benevento will continue to observe
the Rule established by Benedict XIV. If we try to seek
another way out of the difficulty, we shall obtain nothing.
We must, therefore, ask the Pope to grant us this favor.
On this condition only, he must be told, our Congregation,
which to the present day has done so much good in the
kingdom of Naples and in Sicily, will continue to be useful
to souls by means of the missions.
I have written to Father Caione that he should insist with
all his might with Cardinal Banditi, that this prelate may
obtain for us from the Pope the favor of which I speak.
I cordially embrace you and all your subjects.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA, Bishop.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
1 The system of amortization of all the property belonging to
laics.
382 General Correspondence. [PART i.
LETTER 986.
To Father Gasparo Caione, Rector of the House at
Benevento.
He requests him to solicit the signature of Cardinal Banditi
to a letter, addressed to the Sovereign Pontiff.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, November 10, 1780.
We have spent three days in composing the enclosed
letter addressed to the Pope. Cardinal Banditi, I hope,
will affix his signature, since without it it will probably have
no effect.
I, therefore, earnestly request you to do all that you
possibly can, to have the Cardinal add his signature. Once
more, I earnestly request this of you, because, on the
mediation of the Cardinal, we may found our hope of being
favorably listened to by the Pope.
This evening I am going to have the Community here at
Nocera begin a novena of nine Our Fathers and nine Hail
Marys in honor of the Blessed Virgin for the success of
this letter. I shall ask the Capuchins of St. Francis at
Naples, to begin a novena on next Friday, for the same
intention.
I bless you, dear Father, and all your subjects, and I
beg you all to recommend to God this affair; it is in prayer
alone that we place our hope.
Here in the kingdom, we have had a high Mass sung in
all the houses to obtain this favor.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
[P. S.~\ I leave it to your judgment, whether any pas
sage in the letter should be struck out.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
i78o.] Letter 987. 383
LETTER 987.
To Father Francesco Antonio de Paola, President of the
Houses in the Pontifical States.
He invites him to come to Nocera with another Father to
treat about a reunion.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, November 13, 1780.
I write this letter to both, Father Francesco de Paola and
Father Amelio Ficocelli, and I ask you both to come to
Naples [Nocera]; you may borrow the money that you
need for the journey.
After long and necessary deliberations, it was decided this
evening, November 13, that you both should, without de
lay, come to see me here at Naples. We shall arrange the
affair in an amiable and quiet manner, without disputing ;
for the vessel •cannot sail on in this way.
With a view to bring about peace, we decided several
points, in particular your journey to Naples ; otherwise we
.shall not .come to any satisfactory conclusion.
If, then, you have the intention of remaining in the Con
gregation, come as soon as possible. As for the expense
of the journey, try to :get what is necessary for coming and
going.
I hope that, if you .can possibly come, you will not refuse
to come ; for the welfare of the whole Congregation is at
stake.
I bless you. Continue to pray to God for the Congrega-
•gation.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA, Bishop.
![/?. S.~\ Remember that, if you do not come, nothing
of importance can be done, and things will remain in the
same confusion as before.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
384 General Correspondence. [PART i.
LETTER 988.
To his Niece, Maria Teresa de Liguori, Pupil in the Monas
tery of S. Marcellino, at Naples.
He exhorts her to leave the world.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
[NoCERA, the month of November, 1780.]
My very dear Niece': When your Father was still alive, 1
you wrote to me that you would embrace the religious life,
and I was greatly pleased to hear this ; but since that time
you have not said a word about such an intention.
I know that your father has left you some fortune ; but
your dowry is not rich, and if you go back to the world,
you will never be able to engage yourself to any one but a
poor cavalier.
As for myself, I desire your eternal salvation, and I say
to you that, if you remain in the world, you will easily lose
your soul, for the world at the present day is corrupt, and
you will have been there but a short time, when you will be
tempted to offend God.
I speak thus to you, because I know by experience that
at present all married women are exposed to great tempta
tions and that many fall.2 Hence, I repeat: if you marry,
you will soon lament having lost God.
After an old copy.
1 Don Ercole de Liguori died the 8th of September, 1780.
2 The saint refers here to the detestable custom of which he
speaks more plainly in the following letter and of which mention
was made in vol. ii., page 12, note 2. This wound, which was
festering in the high society of Naples, was looked upon by St. Al-
phonsus with horror, and he denounced it energetically, whenever
he had an occasion of doing so. With greater reason did he fear for
a young niece, whose eternal salvation he had greatly at heart, and
whose vocation to the religious state seemed to him to be certain.
Letter 989. 385
LETTER 989.
To Don Pietro Gavotti, Tutor of the Children of Don Ercole
de Liguori.
The same subject.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
[NoCERA, November 18, 1780.]
I wish to tell you that Maria Teresa, my niece and your
pupil, is to me a source of great affliction ; since formerly
she ardently longed to be a nun, but for some time she has
not said a word to me about this. I fear that she wishes to
marry ; this is as much as to say that she will more easily
lose her soul.
Married ladies, at the present day, can with difficulty
save their souls, for all of them usually live in sin on
account of the numerous cicisbeos, who are to them an
occasion of sin.
I have requested the priest, who is the confessor of my
niece, to direct her most especially that she may embrace
the religious life; be so kind as to do your part in this
matter; for, if she marries, the unfortunate times in which
we live will make me regard her as lost.
Tannoia, Book iv., Chapter xv.
386 General Correspondence. [PART i.
LETTER 990.
To Father Francesco Antonio de Paola, President of the
Houses in the Pontifical State.
He again proposes to him the expedient which could save
the houses of the kingdom, and requests him to induce the
Sovereign Pontiff to approve it.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA DE' PAGANI, November 25, 1780.
I have received your letter, and I understand your em
barrassment; but the contradiction dates from the day on
which the Congregation was definitively established. The
Pope approved it as a religious body, while the king never
approved it in this form.
We must then apply a remedy, and for this purpose we
must address ourselves, not to the king (for the king will
never abandon his line of conduct), but to the Pope. By
virtue of his supreme authority, the latter could find an
expedient which we could never find.
This expedient, the only one that we can hope for,
would be this: let the Pope consent that the Fathers of
the Romagna observe the Rule established by Benedict
XIV., and that on the other hand, the Fathers of the king
dom observe the Regolamento given by the king ; and this
Regolamento the Pope might sanction.1 In no other way
i One evidently sees here that the saint professed the greatest
submission towards the authority of the Sovereign Pontiff, since he
regarded his intervention as necessary under the circumstances.
Perhaps, one might say, he entertained too great a hope that the
Holy See would approve a royal Regolamento, published intentionally
in opposition to the Rule sanctioned by Benedict XIV. But this hope
found its justification in the fact that it was impossible for the holy
Doctor to obtain anything from the king, and in the fact that he
wished to avert an evil that was imminent, namely, the destruction
1780.] Letter 990. 387
can the houses of the kingdom subsist or be united with
the others by a durable bond.
The union that we might hope for, would consist in
this: when the Fathers of the Romagna need help, the
Fathers of the kingdom could go to assist them ; on the
other hand, those of the Romagna could come to the aid
of those in the kingdom. To do this it will be necessary
to have the powers that we enjoyed before.
This is, my dear Father, what you should try to obtain ;
we cannot think of any other expedient. Let us, then,
continue to pray, for God will lend his assistance, if the
Pope permits the Fathers of the kingdom to observe the
royal Rcgolamcnto, which favor, you say, it will not be
difficult to obtain.
You are unceasingly urging me to send Fathers to
Rome. I have often, and at great expense, deputed
Fathers to apply to the Sacred Congregation ; I have also
used other means, and what was the result? I have merely
thrown away my money.
I willingly consult with those around me; I have even
made known to them the contents of this letter, and all tell
me that nothing else could be done than what I propose.
None of them could give me any other advice.
Let us now await the Pope's decision, since the Cardi
nal of Benevento, whose affection for us is unbounded,
has written to him.
The Blessed Virgin, I hope, will suggest to the Pope
some means which we cannot think of, and of which the
Pope alone can think to avert the ruin of our Congregation.
Notwithstanding our troubles, how many young men desire
to be admitted into our ranks ! God wishes that all these
events should serve to increase his greater glory !
of a work so useful to souls as his Congregation was. Here one is
reminded of the words of the Apostle: Abraham hoped against hope.
— Rom. iv. 1 8.
388 General Correspondence. [PART i.
I was recently told that it was a settled thing- that Father
Corrado should go to Benevento, where he would find
Father Gasparo Caione, and both would then go to Rome,
in order to deliberate with you what steps are to be
taken. I have no news about their departure , but I fear
that the bad weather may have prevented it. If I hear
anything, I will let you know. Meanwhile let us continue
to pray to Jesus Christ and to trust in the protection of the
Blessed Virgin. I bless you.
ALFONSO MARIA DE LIGUORI, Bishop.
[P. S.~] To second your efforts, I have written to Father
Gasparo Caione to go without delay to join you at Rome.
He was to make this journey in company with Father
Corrado ; but bad weather, I think, must have prevented
them from setting out. We must have patience. This
evening I wrote again to Father Caione to hasten his de
parture.
To sum up. We have absolutely nothing to hope from
the king; on the other hand, if the Pope wishes that our
Congregation be maintained, he could in his quality of
common Pastor of souls and by his supreme authority,
restore to us the powers that have been taken from us, or,
at least, restore them secretly to us, with the prohibition to
publish them.
The Sovereign Pontiff, I hope, is well disposed towards
us. Courage, then ! my dear Father, speak to him of this
means ; tell him that, if he wishes, he can save our Congre
gation and that this year the requests for missions are
innumerable ; but, if we do not recover our faculties, many
souls will be lost.
I repeat : do not give way to fear, and speak to the Pope
in the way I propose. His Holiness has so much zeal for
the salvation of souls, and then there is question of the
spiritual interests of two kingdoms, that of Naples and of
Sicily.
1780.] Letter 99 f. 389
I recollect, my dear Father, that on the 5th of this
month, I ordered to be sent you at the same time with a
letter of Father Cimino, a bill of exchange on the Bank del
Salvatore, dated September 25, of the current year, drawn
in favor of Father Bartolomeo Mattia Corrado, and en
dorsed by him for several others. I think I asked you not
to use this draft, until the Fathers, of whom I have spoken,
should come to you.
You have received it, I hope. As you are, without
doubt, short of money, you may begin to use the draft at
once.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome,
LETTER 991.
To Father Gaspare Caione, Rector of the House at
Benevento,
He requests him to goto Rome. — Reason why this journey
is absolutely necessary.
J- M.J.
[NOCERA, November 25, 1780.]
My dear Don Gasparo: Father Francesco de Paola
writes a long letter to me from Rome. Among other
things he says that he hopes to succeed in his negotiation,
but that the presence at Rome of several Fathers, and your
presence especially, is necessary for this purpose.
I have answered him that he should lay aside all fear
when speaking to the Sovereign Pontiff, and should try to
obtain from him the restoration of the powers of which we
have been deprived. But I think, my dear Father, that
Father de Paola will not call upon the Pope, if you do not
yourself go to Rome. You should, therefore, join him and
accompany him to His Holiness. Thus united you will,
25*
390
General Correspondence.
[PART I.
perhaps, be able to succeed in obtaining from the Pope the
restoration of our faculties.
As for myself, I cannot stir from this place. Were it
not for my numerous infirmities, I should already have
departed. Go, then, to Rome, it is necessary; and, with
Father de Paola, ask the Pope to restore to us our powers.
If this point is gained, all is gained.
The re-establishment of the affairs of the Congregation
demands, I repeat, that you go to Rome; for Father de
Paola, left to himself, will obtain nothing; but, if he has
you as a companion, he will, I hope, obtain the restitution
of our powers.
I bless you and beg you to go to Rome without delay,
and to confer with Father de Paola.
I had collected the sum of a hundred and seven ducats ;
but I do not know whether all has been absorbed by the
numerous expenses that had to be incurred. I cannot,
therefore, promise you any pecuniary help. Every one of
us must, at the present time, do what he can for the inter
ests of the Congregation.
I expect your answer at Nocera, and I bless you and
your companions.
ALFONSO MARIA DE LIGUORI, Bishop.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
1780.1 Letter 992. 391
LETTER 992.
To the Sovereign Pontiff, Pius VI.
He narrates to the Holy Father the history of the Regola-
inento and the reasons that determined him to submit to it.
He humbly solicits a reunion of the houses of the Congrega
tion.
[NOCER\ DP:' PAGANI, December 15, 1780.]
Most Holy Father: Prostrate at the feet of your Holiness,
in the sentiments of most respectful resignation, I take the
liberty of making known to you the following facts.
Since the day that some priests and I formed an Associa
tion to preach missions to the country people of the king
dom, the work that I wished to establish has met with
continual obstacles and contradictions. Never did I suffer
so much, however, as in these last days of my life;
for after so many efforts and so many labors, I see this
work on the point of being annihilated, and no one will
be able to estimate the injury done to souls.
I have already made known to your Holiness through his
Eminence, Cardinal Banditi, the sorrows that afflict me,
and I have conjured you, Most Holy Father, not to allow a
work to perish, so useful, and even so necessary to a king
dom, the needs of which are immense and the apostolic
laborers so few. Under the circumstances, in which I
found myself, it was impossible for me to pursue another
course, in order to have my humble request reach your
Pontifical throne.
I, therefore, asked this worthy Cardinal to draw the
attention of your Holiness to the Rescript of the Sacred
Congregation of Bishops and Regulars, dated the 25th of
last September, and beginning with the words Ex audien-
tia Sanctissimi [After an audience with the Holy Father].
This rescript has not only given to Father de Paola the
392 General Correspondence. [PART r.
charge of governing, until other arrangements have been
made, the houses of our Congregation situated in the
dioceses of Veroli and Benevento, but it has also separated
these houses from those of the kingdom, and, moreover,
declared that my companions and myself had made our
selves unworthy of being regarded any longer as members
of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, and that,
consequently, we can no more enjoy the privileges and
favors granted to this Institute by the Holy See, since we
had rejected the Rules approved in 1749, by Benedict
XIV., of happy memory, and had adopted a quite dif
ferent mode of living. On the occasion of this rescript
I asked the Cardinal to give your Holiness all the desirable
explanations, and to expose to you the true facts concern
ing the imputation with which I am charged.
Permit me now, Most Holy Father, to submit to your
enlightened mind certain considerations: they will show
the irreparable evil that will follow the execution of such a
rescript.
This Congregation took its rise in the kingdom, and the
subjects that compose it are all, except two or three, na
tives of this country. As for the foundations established in
the Pontifical States, they date back for many years ; that
in the diocese of Benevento is more than twenty-five years
old; and no subject of the State has yet entered there.
The result is that, if the houses of the States are to remain
perpetually separated , the work of the missions will
necessarily have to be abandoned; for it will be impos
sible to replace the subjects that the aforesaid houses at
Veroli and Benevento will infallibly lose in time, either
by death or from other causes. Besides, if it be made
known, as has already been done, that the Congregation
really exists only in the houses of the States, and that the
subjects of the houses of the kingdom, not being regarded
by His Holiness as members of this Institute, are declared
i78o.] Letter 992. 393
unworthy of enjoying the privileges and favors granted by
the Holy See; if, I say, this becomes known, even those
of this country will not apply for admission to the houses of
the kingdom ; and, on the other hand, the bishops, out of
respect for the supreme decisions will cease to ask us for
missions for their dioceses. This would then be the de
struction of the immense good that we have begun here and
in the States; and this is what I do not cease to deplore
with bitter tears, at the foot of the crucifix.
I, therefore, invoke the innate clemency of your Holi
ness to allow me to submit the following considerations. The
apostolic laborers are so rare in these two kingdoms of
Naples and Sicily, that the requests for missions have been
up to the present extremely numerous; and our Congrega
tion has sent every year six or seven bands of missionaries,
who during eight entire months have scoured the provinces
of the two kingdoms, und thus given as many as fifty
missions a year. I pass over in silence the innumerable
novenas and retreats given with the greatest success in the
course of the year to persons of every condition.
Labors so fruitful will, however, be destroyed, if your
Holiness does not allow us to appeal to your paternal chari
ty; if you do not cover with your high protection all the
houses of this Congregation, those of the States and those
of the kingdom ; and if you do not re-establish among them
the exchange of services that existed before. But you are
the universal Pastor of the flock of Jesus Christ, the Pontiff
destined to live in immortal fame by your zeal in preserving
from destruction and in feeding the sheep confided to your
care. We, therefore, hope to receive help from you.
The aforesaid decree of the Congregation is based on an
imputation, with which I am charged, that I have abandoned
the Rule of my Institute, to embrace another that is quite
opposed to it.
If this were true, the authorities should have administered
394 General Correspondence. [PART i.
a reproof and chastisement to me and my partisans personal
ly, without going the length of separating the houses from one
another, at the evident risk of causing the ruin of all of them.
The fact is not, however, what they say it is ; for, if the
new Rule is carefully examined, it is easily seen that it
absolutely maintains the essence of the Institute, its end,
the manner of living in it, the obligations of the subjects,
and the interior government of the Association. The re
trenchments, to which the Rule of 1749 was subjected,
have, by no means, effected any essential changes, and
may be reduced to this: these rules have been made to
conform to the ordinances of the Catholic king, formerly
issued for this Congregation, either when he gave his con
sent for the foundation of each of the four houses of the
kingdom, or when I presented to his Majesty, on his
formal order, the apostolic Brief of approbation, in order to
obtain the royal Placet required by the laws of the king
dom. These royal ordinances and other documents bearing
on this matter, I have transmitted to Cardinal Banditi. I have
begged his Eminence to render an account to your Holiness
and to remark to you, that certain points of the rule being
the direct and personal work of the monarch, I necessarily
had to yield to the decisions of the sovereign, if I wished to
save the Congregation.
What could I then do, Most Holy Father, when the first
foundations of the Institute had obtained the consent of his
Majesty only with the most formal reservations? The con
ditions were the following: The houses of the Institute
should not resemble convents of religious ; they should be
mere houses of retreat for secular priests, and each one of
these priests should live there as in his own house: their
existence, finally, would entirely depend on the will and
good pleasure of the king. What objection could I make
to the sovereign, when, after having examined the Rule
approved by the Holy See, he made various changes ?
i78o.] Letter 992. 395
On the model of this Rule he composed a general
rule containing various prescriptions absolutely opposed to
certain points, in particular to the vows and to the oath of
perseverance; on these conditions, and on these conditions
only, would he allow the existence of the four houses
established in this kingdom, and permit no more new foun
dations. If I had not accepted this law, thus issued by the
provident monarch , I would have incurred the king's
indignation, and would have been obliged at once to
abandon the work of the missions, since outside of the
kingdom the Congregation had then no houses to continue
this work.
I, therefore, believed it my duty to subject myself to this
law of the sovereign, but I informed His Holiness, Benedict
XIV., of what I had done, and I asked him again (for I
had done so already) to deign to interpose his high media
tion and to obtain for us the royal Placet for the whole
Rule approved by the Holy See. The Pontiff was pleased
to answer me that he would willingly do so, but his re-iter
ated recommendations remained fruitless.
Finally, during these latter times, a terrible persecution
nearly destroyed the whole Congregation, and for the fol
lowing reason : We had been accused of not having ob
served the conditions prescribed by the royal ordinances of
which I have spoken, and especially of having followed the
Rule, approved by the Holy See, in opposition to the
decrees, which I have mentioned, without having obtained
for it the Placet of the king ; as a proof of this a copy of
this Rule, printed at Rome in 1749, was given. There
lived then a minister of the king, who, being charged with
giving his opinion, counselled his Majesty to suppress our
Institute. The royal Chamber of S. Chiara, commissioned
to issue a definitive decree, after having listened to the two
fiscal advocates, one of the Crown, the other of the royal
Patrimony, came near advising the king to forbid us all
396 General Correspondence. [PART i.
that is necessary to constitute a Congregation, namely,
Superiors, novitiate and house of studies, General Chapters,
vows, oath of perseverance, observance of any rule whatso
ever, the use of any apostolic privileges.
All this commotion was created, Most Holy Father, not
because it was established that this Rule was observed in its
entirety, but merely because it was printed ; that was
enough to suppose that it was put in practice.
Wishing, then, to avert imminent destruction, and to
prevent the blow, that the royal Chamber meditated, I
made final efforts to obtain the approbation of the king by
adapting the Rule of 1749, to the Constitution of the king
dom and to the prescribed ordinances.
By a favor altogether special, I obtained this approbation.
Thus I saved from shipwreck the work of the missions, the
houses of the kingdom, and also the houses in the States,
as they were also taken into consideration. The substance
of the Rule was, however, not touched; for I had again
taken all possible care to protect the essential features of the
Institute.
Your Holiness now sees, by the humble exposition that I
have the honor of giving you, whether this poor Congrega
tion has run great risks. You also see what I have done to
save the Institute under these critical circumstances : nothing
else was done than to present to the king the Rule approved
by the Holy See, but with the restrictions which the Cath
olic king had made, and which we followed, in fact, in all
that concerned temporal things and the relations with the
government.
Your Holiness, I hope, will permit yourself to be con
vinced by this sincere exposition of facts, and will render to
my companions and me your favors as formerly. You will
re- unite the houses of the Congregation by prescribing for
this reunion such regulations as you will think to be most
suitable, and will permit us to continue to cultivate the
i78o.] Letter 993. 397
vineyard of the Lord, in the two kingdoms of Naples and
of Sicily, the needs of which are so great.
With this hope, Most Holy Father, I most humbly
prostrate myself at your feet, and I solicit your apostolic
benediction.
I have the honor to be, Most Holy Father,
Your very humble, submissive and obedient son,
ALFONSO MARIA DE LIGUORI, Bishop.
NOCERA DE' PAGANI, December 15, 1780.
After the original preserved in the archives of the Sacred
College of Bishops and Regulars : Case, Liguorini 1806.
' LETTER 993.
To his Majesty, Ferdinand IV., King of Naples.
He solicits various concessions conducive towards recon
ciling the Regolamento with the Rule approved by the Holy
See.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
[NocERA, December, 1780.]
Sire: It has always appeared to me necessary for the
success of the work of the missions that the missionaries,
engaged in giving them, should profess absolute detach
ment from temporal interests, and that this virtue, so com
mendable, should shine in them in all its splendor. I
would, therefore, wish that so important a conviction
should be profoundly engraved in the hearts of my com
panions and of those who in future will consecrate them
selves to so useful a work. I, therefore, believe that, in
my quality of Head of the Congregation, I should propose
to your Majesty the most proper means of securing this
result. This would be that your Majesty should permit
those who voluntarily embrace this ministry, to take an
oath before God to lead a perfect Community-life, conform-
398 General Correspondence. [PART i.
ably to poverty, without prejudice, however, to their own
patrimonial goods and their usufruct of these goods, of
which they can always dispose according to the terms of
the RegolameniO) approved by your Majesty by an ordi
nance of the 22d of last January.
Long and serious reflections have also convinced me of
the importance of another point: it is that those who asso
ciate themselves in the work of the missions, should be
obliged to remain in it and not to abandon it without a
reasonable cause. Hence it would, it seems to me, be
sovereignly useful, that your Majesty should permit them
to take the oath of perseverance, an oath from which the
Head of the Congregation may dispense for a just cause.
The passions, small though they be, are most frequently
the cause why the best resolutions are abandoned ; now the
oath, of which I speak, would serve as a check. One
could count then more surely on the sincerity of those who
solicit admission, and their request would not inspire a
suspicion that they were actuated by a strange motive.
Besides, the Head who receives and supports them, and
the older priests, who welcome them, would not see them
selves deprived of an exchange of services, to which they
have a right, above all, in the extreme poverty, that afflicts
all the houses devoted to this work. Finally, those that
enter the Association, will never seriously apply themselves
to acquire the virtues necessary for the apostolic laborer, if
they have not the intention, always to remain attached to
the Institute; and, therefore, their missions would be hurt
ful rather than useful to souls.
The houses of the Congregation are extremely poor.
This was the reason why your Catholic Majesty decided in
1747, by an ordinance addressed to the Mixed Tribunal,
that the work should be aided by means of the superfluous
revenues ofyfttttf places -, and especially of the Congregation
of the Castel di Sangro. But this arrangement was never
1780.] Letter ppj. 399
carried out, and, on the other hand, the expenses are
considerable. It would then be proper, if your Majesty
would grant to the aforesaid missionaries the permission to
ask of their friends and benefactors some help during the
harvest of grain and of olives. Their enemies have already
counted this a crime ; but your Majesty has never forbidden
it; you have even tolerated it by an ordinance of 1752.
These three favors must necessarily be granted to the
work of the missions, if one wishes it to continue its labors,
to be consolidated, to enjoy tranquillity, good order and
peace.
I implore, then, your Majesty to grant me these favors ;
they will be for my last days a very great consolation ; they
will permit me to die full of happiness and contentment. I
will, moreover, employ the little time that remains to me to
pray more earnestly to God than ever, and I will conjure
him to lavish abundantly upon your august person and
upon the entire royal family his choicest blessings.
I have the honor to be, Sire, in the sentiments of the most
profound respect, your Majesty's
Very humble and very respectful subject,
ALFONSO MARIA DE LIGUORI, Bishop.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
400 General Correspondence . [PART i.
LETTER 994.
To Marquis Carlo de Marco.
He requests him to present the foregoing petition to the
king.
Live Jesus, Mary. Joseph !
[NOCERA, December 1780.]
Your Excellency : You have always been full of kindness
towards me; you have always shown me a benevolence that
I do not deserve.
I should gladly have wished to call upon you in person,
but infirmities confine me to my arm-chair, and I am
eighty-four years of age. At present I am in great trouble,
for all the good that my Congregation could accomplish,
has been stopped, and the glory of God will thereby suffer.
Not knowing, to whom to have recourse, I invoke the
aid of your Excellency, whose love for the glory of God is
so well known, and I beg you to present this memorial to his
Majesty.
Be so good, as to come to my assistance, and accept the
profound respect . . .
Tannoia, Book iv., Chapter xxv.
LETTER 995.
To his Nephew, Don Giuseppe de Liguori.
As a Christmas greeting he wishes him the fear of God
and the love of study.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA DE' PAGANI, December 28, 1780.
Your dear letter has caused me great pleasure, and I
thank you for your good wishes for Christmas.
In return, I offer you my sincere felicitations. I pray
i7sr.] Letter 996. 40 1
that these days of joy may bring you every spiritual and
temporal happiness that you can desire. On this occasion
I recommend to you the holy fear of God and the love of
study ; for, if you know not how to profit by the time that
God gives you, and by the graces that he lavishes upon
you, your neglect may afterwards be a source of great
sorrow to you.
Recommend me to our Lord.
I bless you and am always,
Your very devoted and affectionate uncle,
ALFONSO MARIA DE LIGUORI, Bishop.
After the original in possession of his Eminence Cardinal
Sanfelice, Archbishop of Naples.
LETTER 996.
To Father Gasparo Caione, Rector of the House at
Benevento.
He recommends to his prayers the application that he had
made to the king.
[NOCERA, January 2, 1781.]
I request your Reverence to recommend to God the
petition that I have addressed to the king. If it is success
ful, as I hope it will be, our Congregation will present a
new aspect.
When Rome hears of the favors granted us by the king,
neither the Sacred Congregation, nor the Pope, I trust, will
oppose the reunion.
We are fervently praying for it here ; may you also do the
same. . . .
Tannoia, Book iv., Chapter xxv.
26
4O2 General Correspondence. [PART i.
LETTER 997.
To his Niece, Maria Teresa de Liguori, Pupil in the Monas
tery of S. Marcellino, at Naples.
He thanks her for her Christmas wishes, and exhorts her
carefully to study her vocation.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, January 3, 1781.
The good wishes that you addressed to me for the festival
of Christmas, have afforded me much pleasure ; and I feel
very grateful to you for them.
On my part, I also wish that you may begin this year hap
pily and that it may be followed by many others ; may you
employ them only to serve God, who is so worthy of being
loved!
Recommend yourself to the Lord, and pray to him to
manifest his divine will, so that you may know to which
state of life he calls you.
Consult also your confessor, and act according to his
advice. You will surely please the Heart of God by acting
thus.
I recommend myself to your prayers, and I bless you in
the Lord.
After the Roman edition.
i78i.] Letter 998. 403
LETTER 998.
To Father Francesco Antonio de Paola, President of the
Houses in the Pontifical State.
Reasons why he cannot openly reject the Regolamento. —
Why he cannot write directly to the Sovereign Pontiff.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph 1
NOCERA DE' PAGANI, January 4, 1781.
My dear Don Francesco: Since the day, on which you
promised to send me some good news in the near future, I
have received nothing from you.
The feasts of the new year have now passed; tell me
then, if there is a ray of light in our affairs. For myself, I
am always in darkness , and I have no one here to
console me.
Tell me whether you have received the letter that I have
written in answer to yours.
Give me also news about the health of Signor Zuccari ; 1
for you wrote me that he was unwell. Father Tannoia was
somewhat intimate with him, but that has been of no benefit
to us.
You wrote me, if I mistake not, that you desire to see
Father Tannoia. I have just learned that he is sick. If
you need him, write to me; I will send him to you, if you
see any ray of hope.
The Pope is angry with us ; but I should like to know
what I could do to appease him. He wants us to reject the
royal Regolamento; but what would we gain thereby ? We
should lose the favor of the king, or he would forbid us to
give missions, and would order us to be driven from the
four houses. All that I have already written to you.
1 L' Abate Zuccari was Pro-Secretary of the Sacred Congregation
of Bishops and Regulars.
404 General Correspondence. [PART i.
Answer me, I beg you, and give me some counsel ; for I
know not what to do nor what course to pursue.
I have not, however, lost the hope of being aided by the
Blessed Virgin; it is she who will set afloat our poor
damaged little vessel.
As I have told you, the requests for missions continue as
formerly.
I have nothing more to say. Let us without intermission
ask God not to abandon us.
I embrace you, and I salute all my confreres.
I would long ago have written directly to the Pope; but
how can I do so? The king has forbidden us to write
without the Chamber's permission, confirmed by the king
himself.1
The Pope knows very well all the prohibitions that
hamper us; he knows that we have no means of defending
ourselves; why, then, does he keep us in his disfavor?
May the will of God be done !
A letter, which you wrote to Father Cimino, has just been
read to me. Trouble upon trouble (here some words are
missing}; hence, I can do only one thing at present, name
ly, I can hinder our subjects from having recourse to
others.2 Please intimate to your Community the same pro
hibition; for every recourse of the kind, whether on your
1 This was a trial added to all the other trials. The saint could
not treat freely and directly with Rome. If he had wished that a
justification of his conduct should reach the Sovereign Pontiff, he
would have been obliged to do this secretly through others, and
without communicating the required documents, for these could not
be sent from the kingdom. In a word, this would be the loss of the
cause in advance.
2 The separation of the houses of the Pontifical State from those
of the kingdom had incensed many minds; hence there was a
reciprocal accusation of having provoked this evil. It was feared
that some malcontents might address themselves, either to the Pope,
or to the king, to make known our troubles. This is the reason of
>78i.] Letter ppp. 405
part, or on ours, may bring about our ruin. On the con
trary, one can always remedy an evil, as long as one leaves
the matter in suspense ; but we must for some time nego
tiate by way of correspondence, in order to be able to
come to a decision afterwards.
I will request Fathers Corrado and Pavone to call upon
me to-morrow; but I fear that they will not respond to
my appeal ; for I see that they do not listen to me any
longer. But enough ; I will do all I can.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA, Bishop.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
LETTER 999.
To Father Bartolomeo Mattia Corrado, Vicar-General, at
Naples.
He requests him at once to forbid any appeal to the king.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA DE' PAGANI, January 5, 1781.
Yesterday I received a letter from Father de Paola, in
which he informs me that at Naples a petition to the king is
being drawn up by Father Pavone, in the name of the
Fathers of the kingdom. I beg you to call upon me, that
we may together examine the line of conduct that must be
followed, in order to hinder the complete destruction of the
Congregation.
I expect you to come as soon as possible.
the measures, of which St. Alphonsus here speaks, and of the
counsel which he gives to Father de Paola. One may, moreover,
clearly see in the following letter the opinion of the saint on this
subject.
26*
406 General Correspondence. [PART i.
Recommend me to our Lord and believe me, dear
Father . . .
ALFONSO MARIA,
Rector Major.
[P. S.~\ Every appeal on our part may bring about our
destruction. This is certain. Hence, in view of the cir
cumstances, in which we are, I cannot excuse from mortal
sin any one who would have recourse to such a means.
Please, then, strictly to forbid our Fathers every appeal of
the kind.
I repeat, I am expecting you.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
LETTER 1000.
To Father Francesco Antonio de Paola.
He sends him a letter addressed to a prominent person,
and dwells on the difficulties of the situation.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA DE' PAGANI, January 10, 1781.
My dear Don Francesco: I have just received your let
ter, and it gives me a ray of hope ; but this hope will not
be solid, as long as the Pope is not convinced that we find
ourselves between Charybdis and Scylla. If we reject the
Regolamento, what do we gain but the accomplishment of
our ruin?
Please have the enclosed letter sent to Signer Zuccari.
I explained to him our affairs and our affliction at seeing
ourselves punished without having committed any fault;
but I hope that the Blessed Virgin will not abandon us.
Meanwhile, we should, as you say, have patience and
put our trust in the divine mercy.
I cordially embrace you, and I beg you and all your
companions to recommend me to our Lord.
1781.] Letter 1000. 407
It is impossible to obtain from the king the Exequatur
of the Bull. On the other hand, to reject the royal Rego-
lamento, is to alienate ourselves from the king, who may
drive us from the four houses that he has given us, and
forbid us to give missions in the kingdom.
I hope that Signer Zuccari will plead our cause with
energy before the prelates of the Congregation. Be so
good as to write to him also to favor our reunion. I hope
that this reunion will take place before my death ; this I
hope to obtain with the help of the Blessed Virgin.
Please have the enclosed letter sent at once to Signor
Zuccari ; then write me all the news that you receive.
Let us place ourselves in the hands of God and the
Blessed Virgin.
I again embrace you with the warmest affection, and I
remain, dear Father,
Your very devoted servant and brother,
ALFONSO MARIA, Bishop.
[/*. S.] You may, however, begin to give the missions
at Sora, Aquino, etc. Here there is no want of work.
The mission at Foggia is to be finished and will be followed
by a mission at Nola ; the latter will be more important yet,
for the hamlets are more numerous than at Foggia.
When you write, always address yourself to me person
ally.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
408 General Correspondence. [PART i.
LETTER 1001.
To Mgr. Antonio Puoti, Archbishop of Amalfi.
Answer to a letter of good wishes for Christmas.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA DE' PAGANI, January 15, 1781.
The letter that your Grace has done me the honor of
writing to me on the i4th of last December, arrived only
this day, the i5th instant, that is, a month after it had
been sent.
Do not take it amiss, therefore, that I did not answer
sooner, as I should have done in order to thank you for
the good wishes for Christmas, and that I waited till now to
offer you my thanks and my most sincere wishes.
I will to-day cheerfully acquit myself of this duty. If it
is impossible for me, since the time is passed, to offer you
the good wishes according to a pious and laudable custom,
I can, at least, pray to God to grant your Grace, for many
years to come, all the spiritual and temporal graces that
you desire for the good of souls confided to your pastoral
solicitude.
May your Grace give me your commands ; it would be
for me an honor to execute them. I also recommend my
self to your holy prayers, and beg you to accept the ex
pression of sincere and affectionate respect, with which I
have the honor to be,
Your Grace's
Very devoted and grateful servant,
ALFONSO MARIA DE LIGUORI, Bishop.
After the original preserved at Amalfi in the family of
Emanuele Volpe.
i?8i.] Letter 1002. 409
LETTER 1002.
To Father Bartolomeo Mattia Corrado, Vicar-General, at
Naples.
He asks him tor news.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, January 18, 1781.
You said in your letter that you had good news to an
nounce to me.
Give me, I beg you, some explanation touching this
good news, for I am receiving no consolation from any
quarter.
I have already told you that Brother Leonardo has taken
the twenty-five ducats on account of the large sum that is
due to him. Here I am then in the same distress as before,
in spite of the twenty-five ducats that were given me.
If you can send me some help, I should be very grateful
to you ; if not, I will have to wait for the monthly income
from the College of Doctors, that is, till the end of January.
I bless you, my dear Father, and remain . . .
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA,
Rector Major.
[/*. S.~] Please to tell me, whether you have the official
letter, which the Grand Almoner has sent me, and in
which the king declares that he accepts our Congregation
under the title of the Most Holy Redeemer. Tell me,
whether the original letter is in your hands or in the hands
of the Fathers, for here we have only a copy of it.
After the original in possession of D. Floriano Bianchi
Cagliesi, at Rome.
410 General Correspondence. [PART i.
LETTER 1003.
To Father Francesco Antonio de Paola.
The same subject.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
[NOCERA, about January 20, 1781.]
It has been some time since I have received any news
from you. Please write to me, if you have anything good
to send me.
I have written to lawyer Zuccari; but as his vacation
extended to January 15, he has not yet answered me. In
your opinion, he had found means of aiding us to recover
the faculties from the Penitentiary. I hope that since the
time in which he spoke to you of this, he has again written
to you on this subject.
I desire also to know, whether you have begun the mis
sions at Sora, with which you have been charged.
You have written to me that the report of Cardinal Ban-
diti has been sent to the Sacred Congregation, and also the
letter in which I said that, to oppose the Regolamento of
the king, would be to expose ourselves to the danger of
being driven from the four houses and forbidden to give
missions in the kingdom.
These two reports ought, then, to be in the hands of the
Sacred Congregation by this time. They will probably be
examined after vacation, and I hope that the Congregation
will render a favorable decision.
This is all that I have to say for the present. Please rec
ommend me to our Lord, as I do for you and for all your
subjects.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA.
[Postscript written by the hand of the saint^\ The re-
i?8i.] Letter 1004. 411
port of the Procurator de Leone is still pending; we must,
therefore, be on our guard.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
LETTER 1004.
To the Same.
He speaks to him of the royal decree which he expects,
and of the great advantages that would result from the
projected reunion.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
[NocERA, January 29, 1781.]
Reverend and Dear Father: I received to-day, the 28th
instant, a letter from you, and my long waiting is finally
satisfied.
You tell me that you have always answered me ; but I
did not receive your answer. How that happened, I cannot
explain. But let us come to our own affairs.
Our petition has been presented to the Grand Almoner,
approved by him, then sent to the king. The decree that
ratifies it, has not appeared ; but there is nothing astonish
ing in this. According to my calculation, I will be satisfied
if the decree appears in a month or two.
If this decree will be favorable to us, it will approve the
oath of perseverance, of poverty and of Community-life.
This is the aim of the petition addressed by us to the Grand
Almoner and approved by him.
Affairs of this kind, I mean affairs of the supreme tribu
nal, demand great patience; and, according to my view, I
will be satisfied if all will be finished in a month or in two
months, as God wishes.
Before God, however, I protest a thousand times that in
412 General Correspondence. [PARTI.
this whole negotiation, I wish only what pleases God and
what pleases him most.
As soon as I have possession of the decree, I will send
you a copy of it and will have it legalized in the best
possible way. It will, then, be incumbent on you, dear
Father, to obtain the rest from the Pope. If I cannot
now obtain the oath of perseverance, I shall write to you,
and we might endeavor to overcome the difficulty by devis
ing, as you say, another mode of proceeding.
.... It will be better if you speak to Father Tannoia,
when you go to Benevento; you could then take measures in
accord with Fathers Caione and Corrado.
Let all recommend me to the Lord, as I also pray to the
Lord for all of you.
I embrace all most cordially, and remain, dear Father,
Your very devoted servant.
[/*. S.~] It is rumored here that you, the Fathers of the
Romagna, have a foundation at Rome, or, at least, that
you are on the point of establishing one. Tell me what
truth there is in this news. Do not, I beg you, conceal
anything, in order that we act in harmony; for we should
continue to treat one another as brethren and as friends.
I hope that you do not fear that I am going to spoil your
affairs.
If God wishes that we should remain divided from one
another, I can only say, May his holy will be done! But,
if we are to be re-united, it is necessary that the Congrega
tion should be really one ; if not, it will fail. Let us main
tain the idea of one Rector Major and of two Vicars-
General.
I have already one foot in the grave ; if after my death
there be two Rector Majors, the Congregation will be dis
solved. Let us speak plainly : even though our reunion
may not be established, the territory, in which we can save
most souls, will not be Rome, but the kingdom of Naples,
Letter 1004.
413
where the abandoned people are so numerous, and where
missions are so much liked. Hence, if we persist in our
separation, the Congregation will never be able to continue
to do the good that it has hitherto done, and after my
death, it will end in being dissolved.
However, I ask only one thing from heaven ; may that
happen which pleases God and which pleases him most.
As for the decree that we are expecting, concerning the
oath of perseverance and the other points, represented to
the king, we should not be astonished that it has not yet
appeared. According to my calculation, I will be satisfied
if it is issued in a month; but, as soon as it is published, I
will send you a copy.
Pray to God for me and write to me all the news. I em
brace you in Jesus and Mary.
I have tried to find out what Father Cardone has written
against me to Cardinal Zelada.
After inquiries had been made, nothing was found that
could hurt us.
Believe me, dear Father,
Your very affectionate servant and brother,
ALFONSO MARIA, Bishop.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
General Correspondence. [PART i.
LETTER 1005.
To the Same.
He promises to do nothing that can interfere with the ne
gotiations, and he expresses to him his firm hope of seeing
the reunion brought about.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA DE' PAGANI, February 8, 1781.
The past is past, and I can afford no remedy; but be
assured that in future I will do nothing that can interfere
with affairs. I will write neither report, nor letter; for I
see that all that I do turns against me.
The Lord, I hope, will inspire the Pope with the
thought of maintaining the Congregation on account of the
great good that God has wrought by means of its labors.
Continue, then, I beg you, and make every effort that the
houses of the Congregation be united as they were before,
or, at least, that those in the kingdom be tolerated.
As to the disagreements, from which you have to suffer
on the part of our Fathers, try to be as patient as possible,
and do not believe all that is reported to you.
Father Villani tells me that it is not true that a statement,
opposed to mine, has been sent from here to Cardinal Ze-
lada.
I am eighty-five years old; would to God that I could
do all myself! I must necessarily have recourse to the
help of strangers, but I take every possible precaution not
to do anything that may turn against me, as has happened
in the past.
At Naples certain negotiations have been opened, and,
thank God, Father Corrado is carefully attending to them.
I hope, however, that the Blessed Virgin will not abandon
me.
Recommend me, meanwhile, to our Lord. Of late I
L etter 1006.
415
have had a heavy fever in the evening, accompanied by
delirium ; but these past seven days I have been well.
I most cordially embrace you, dear Father, and I pray
to God to grant your wishes.
I learn with regret that Father Rastelli has refused to
send you Masses ; such a thing shall not take place again,
for I will forbid him to act thus.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA DE LIGUORI, Bishop.
[/*. S.~] Be so kind as to send me all the good news that
you can, concerning our affairs.
If the Pope declares himself against us, do not, on that
account, despair of our reunion ; for I hope that the Blessed
Virgin will not abandon us, whatever may happen.
I continually recommend to all my companions the spirit
of charity. Do this also, dear Father. God loves those
who love charity.
Please write to lawyer Zuccari, and ask him to plead
our cause warmly with the Pope ; for the Sovereign Pontiff
has favorable intentions, since he is reserving his final deci
sion.
God be forever praised and blessed !
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
LETTER IOO6.
To the Same.
He requests him to write to Rome to solicit a necessary
delay.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, February 18, 1781.
My dear Don Francesco: I have learned that Father
Sorrentino has written that the examination, or rather the
decision, should be postponed, till the appearance of the
royal decree, which we expect, concerning the oath of per-
4 1 6 General Correspondence. [PART i.
severance of the subjects in the Institute. For this end we
have taken proper measures at the court of Naples, and we
have the firm hope that the decree will be favorable to us.
When it appears, I will inform you of it immediately.
You will do well, dear Father, to notify those at Rome
who are occupied with our interests ; ask them not to decide
till the affair at Naples has been concluded. This, I hope,
will turn completely to our advantage; for the Grand
Almoner has already declared himself openly in our favor
on the question of putting all our subjects under an obliga
tion of perseverance.
Earnestly ask the Sacred Congregation to suspend its
decision till the decree at Naples has ratified our request, as
we hope it will. As these are government affairs, we must
have a little patience ; but I repeat, we hope that the con
clusion will be most happy, thanks to the protection of the
Blessed Virgin.
I again embrace you.
Your very affectionate confrere,
ALFONSO MARIA.
[P. .9.] We are not losing time here. The king has
gone hunting, but his speedy return is expected.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
LETTER
To his Niece Maria Teresa de Liguori, Pupil in the Monas
tery of S. Marcellino, at Naples.
He strongly exhorts her not to return to the world.
Live Jesus and Mary !
[NOCERA, the year 1781.]
I have now reached the age of eighty-five, and am too old
to be useful to you ; but, if you should need any service of
me, write to me and I will do what I can.
i78i.] Letter i oo8. 417
In the meantime, recommend me to our Lord, and I
entreat you, should any one ever counsel you to leave
the monastery to return to the world, do not listen to him ;
for surely, if you did so, you would in a short time repent
of the step you had taken. I send you another copy of the
leaflet which I gave you before, that you may think of
saving your soul. This is the most important thing, the
most essential thing of all.
Take counsel of a good confessor; consult also some
fervent nun of the monastery where you are.
I will ask the Lord to make you take the surest road that
leads to heaven. And you should ask the Blessed Virgin
to grant me the grace of a good death, for my end is near.
In your prayers, repeat without ceasing the following-
words: My Jesus, I desire Thee, Thee alone, and nothing
more.
No more for the present. I bless you always, etc.
After an old copy.
LETTER 1008.
To a Pious Maiden.
He gives her wise counsels concerning the choice of a
state.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
[NOCERA, 1781?]
I can neither read nor write on account of my great age
and infirmities. I am, therefore, obliged to have the let
ters, that I receive, read to me and to dictate my answers.
I understand what you tell me on the subject of the
choice of a state of life. You should pray to God without
deciding in advance, either for the one state or for the
other. Be sure that, if you thus remain indifferent, the
Lord will place you, where you can most surely save your
soul.
27
4i 8 General Correspondence. [PART i.
I will pray to the divine Mother, that she may always
protect you; but do not forget to render me the same
service, for you see that I am near my end.
Please accept the expression of my profound respect.
Your very devoted and grateful servant,
ALFONSO MARIA DE LIGUORI, Bishop.
[P. 5.] I add that life in the world is a life full of peril,
where one loves our Lord but very little.
After the original in possession of Don Giacomo d'Auria,
at Naples.
LETTER 1009.
To Father Bartolomeo Mattia Corrado, at Naples.
He recognizes the intervention of heaven in the success of
the petition addressed to the king.1
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
[NocERA, February 24, 1781.]
The Lord has consoled us ; may he be ever blessed ! I
did not myself count on this favor; but the intercession of
the Blessed Virgin and of St. Joseph have obtained it
for us.
Tannoia, Book iv., Chapter xxv.
1 The following is the letter, in which Marquis de Marco an
nounces to the saint the favor that had been granted:
" Your Lordship : The king having been informed that the missiona
ries of the Congregation founded by you had preached with so much
zeal and at the cost of so much labor the holy work of the crusade,
he has wished to give testimony of his royal benevolence by granting
the favors which you have solicited in your petition.
" In the first place, his Majesty grants and permits that the mis
sionaries of your Institute, who voluntarily devote themselves to the
ministry of the missions, may take the oath of leading a poor life, a
life perfectly in common, without prejudice, however, to the domin
ion they hold over their own patrimonial goods and the usufruct of
those goods; for they can always dispose of them conformably to the
i78i.] Letter 1010. 419
LETTER 1010.
To Father Celestino de Robertis, at Caposele.
He informs him of the success of the petition and orders a
thanksgiving.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
[NOCERA, February 24, 1781.]
I send you a copy of the ordinance which we have
received through a real favor from God.
Go to the choir to thank the Most Blessed Sacrament
and the Blessed Virgin.
While we almost despaired of receiving such a favor,
we obtained it by a miracle of the Madonna. Yes, truly,
it is a great miracle !
Let us know how to show ourselves grateful to Jesus and
Mary, so that Jesus and Mary may again set on foot regu
lar observance, for we had greatly declined in this respect.
tenor of the prescriptions of the Regolamento, approved by his
Majesty by virtue of the royal ordinance of the 22d of January, of last
year. In the second place, his Majesty permits your missionaries to
take the oath of perseverance in the Congregation, an oath from
which the Head of the Institute can dispense for a reasonable cause.
It is understood that this oath should be exacted only from the new
subjects, who solicit admission, and full liberty is to be allowed to
those who have already left the Institute. Finally, his Majesty has
deigned to permit your missionaries to ask help from friends and
benefactors during the harvest of grain and olives. As for the rest,
it is to be understood that all the directions of the aforesaid Regola-
mento remain in full force, so also the sovereign decisions that they
contain.
I communicate to your Lordship, in the name of the king, these
favors and privileges, that you may make suitable use of them.
NAPLES, February 24, 1781. CARLO DE MARCO.
After a copy preserved in the archives of the Sacred Congregation
of Bishops and Regulars, Case : Liguorini 1806.
420 General Correspondence. [PART i.
Hereafter we must keep the whole Rule, as these troubles
have permitted us to observe it but little.
I bless you, and I embrace you all, one after the other.
I wish you all to answer me and to tell me with what joy
you received this favor, with what ardor you have thanked
God for it.
Tannoia, Book iv., Chapter xxv.
LETTER IOII.
To Cardinal Francesco Saverio de Zelada, Prefect of the
Sacred Congregation of Bishops and Regulars.
He sends him a copy of the royal ordinance and requests
him to favor the projected reunion.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, February 27, 1781.
Your Eminence : I have the honor of sending you a copy
of the royal ordinance, by which his Majesty on last Satur
day deigned to approve the two oaths of poverty and per
severance.
Your Eminence, I hope, will be satisfied with seeing the
extreme care with which I have protected the Rule. I
trust, with the help of heaven, and if God grants me life,
also to regulate the less important questions that remain to
be decided ; at least, my successors will do so after my
death. The great difficulty concerning these essential
points has been overcome, and God knows in what way ;
yet it has been finally accomplished. It is much more easy
to obtain the other things; they are less important and
cannot produce any great disturbance.
I recommend to your Eminence in a special manner the
houses of this kingdom. I also recommend to you those
of the States, for all are dear to me ; but in this kingdom
the wants are quite special, and a great deal of good is
done by these houses.
i78i.j Letter ion. 42 r
I can do nothing more than pray to God to lavish his
blessings upon your Eminence; and if the Lord is merciful
to me, I will ask this favor for you in heaven.
I entreat you to protect in the Sacred Congregation this
poor Institute, against which the fury of hell is let loose,1 and
please to accept the expression of profound respect, with
which I have the honor to be
Your Eminence's
Very humble, devoted and grateful servant,
ALFONSO MARIA DE LIGUORI, Bishop.
After the original preserved in the archives of the Sacred
Congregation of Bishops and Regulars ; Case : Liguorini
1806.
1 The Cardinal answered the saint as follows :
March 2, 1781.
" Monsignor: I will take care to send, to the Sacred Congregation
your Lordship's letter and a copy of the ordinance 'that accompanies
it. They will be reported together and all will be put before Cardi
nal Ghilini who has been charged to examine the affair. As for the
feeble part that I am allowed to take in this matter, I will have in
view only the grave interests that are at stake for the profit of reli
gion and of the faithful. Be perfectly reassured on this point.
I thank your Lordship for remembering me in your holy prayers ;
this is a pious service of which I confess I stand in need. I shall
gladly render you all the good offices, that you do me the honor of
asking of me. I beg you to accept with the expression of my profound
and sincere esteem, that of my very affectionate respect."
422 General Correspondence. [PART i.
LETTER 1012.
To Father Gasparo Caione, Rector of the House at
Benevento.
•He complains of the opposition which the reunion meets
with at Rome on the part of the Fathers of the Pontifical
States.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, March 12, 1781.
The procurator who is occupied with our affairs at Rome,
has written to us that certain subjects of the Pontifical States
are very active in their application to the Pope to prevent
your union with the Fathers of the kingdom. Not without
reason do we suspect that Father Leggio is one of these
subjects, and that he is seconded by the authority of Father
de Paola, the President.
You see how the Fathers of the States, after having
made us labor a long time to obtain the ordinance relative
to the oath of perseverance; after we have obtained from
the king this favor by a kind of miracle of the Blessed
Virgin ; after the Fathers of the Romagna had themselves
assured us that, when once this favor was obtained from the
king, we should also obtain from the Pope the permission
to take the oaths of perseverance, poverty and obedience in
place of the vows ; you see, I say, how the Fathers of the
States now labor to hinder the reunion of the houses of our
Institute!
Please make this matter plain to Father de Paola, as
soon as he arrives at Benevento on the i4th of this month.
I was amazed on hearing this news ; for according to the
good tidings which had been brought to us, the union was
easily to be accomplished ; but, with the excitement created
by the Fathers of the Romagna, the Pope will, perhaps,
refuse to grant us the reunion.
i73i.] Letter 1013. 423
I beg all of you to endeavor to procure what you think
will be for the greatest glory of God and for the good of the
Congregation.
The rumor has also been spread, that the king had refused
us the oath of perseverance ; this is absolutely false.
Please write to me what you think about this matter. I
affectionately embrace you.
ALFONSO MARIA DE LIGUORI, Bishop.
\_P. S.'] It is quite possible, that the Fathers of the
Romagna will one day repent of their manner of acting.
May God grant what will procure for him the greatest
glory !
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
LETTER 1013.
To a Nobleman of Influence at the Court of Naples.
He solicits his protection against the attacks of Baron
Sarnelli.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, March 12, 1781.
Your Excellency: According to the news from Naples,
the Baron of Ciorani has again started the lawsuit which, so
many years ago, he began against our Congregation and
which has always been pending.1 I, therefore, feel myself
constrained to seek again the protection with which you
formerly honored me.
The Father who will deliver to you the present letter, will
give you all the desirable explanations.
I have felt too much the effects of your kindness to be
obliged to explain to you at length the object of my request.
1 The sentence was finally pronounced, on the loth of April, 1783,
in favor of the Congregation. Thus came to an end the vexations
of Baron Sarnelli; they had lasted nearly twenty years.
424 General Correspondence. [PART i.
I have made known to you my difficulty ; this is enough,
I know, to assure myself of your mediation. Your Excel
lency is filled with zeal and bears a tender love towards our
work, this work that promotes God's glory and the good
of so many poor souls.
I pray to our Lord to lend to your words his powerful
assistance. May I soon receive good news !
I recommend myself to your prayers, and remain with
respect and affection
Your Excellency's
Very devoted and grateful servant,
ALFONSO MARIA DE LIGUORI, Bishop.
After the original preserved in the archives of our house at
Pagani.
LETTER 1014.
To Father Isidore Leggio.
He begs him with tender charity to favor the union in
stead of hindering it.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph!
NOCERA, March 24, 1781.
My dear Father : While treating with Father de Paola of
our reunion, I wrote him, that I had the firm hope that the
king would permit us to lead a Community-life, to practise
poverty and take the oath of perseverance. He assured me
that, if the king granted this favor, all would be arranged
between us.
Thank God, the king has given us what we asked.
Such being the case, I beg you, dear Father, to do all in
your power that the union, so much desired on both sides,
be brought about.
Our Lord, I hope, will console us by permitting us to be
united as we were formerly, and I do not believe that your
Reverence will oppose this union.
1781.] Letter 1015. 425
I beg you, dear Father, to remember that, if you con
tinue to maintain disunion among us, and if you gain your
end, it will be impossible for you to enjoy a moment's
happiness the rest of your life ; for you would have before
your eyes the spectacle of the Congregation thus divided.
It will then be too late to remedy the evil.
For the love of our Lord, prostrate yourself at the feet
of this divine Master, and reflect.
I embrace you, and I pray to God that he may make
you accomplish his holy will. As for myself, I offer only
one prayer, and repeat it continually : My God, do not per
mit me to deviate in any measure from Thy holy will!
Such is my prayer while I find myself so near death.
Tannoia, Book iv., Chapter xxv.
LETTER 1015.
To Father Francesco Antonio de Paola, President of the
Houses in the Pontifical State.
He explains to him why he has charged a lawyer and a
procurator to defend his interests at Rome. — He requests
him to recall Father Leggio from Rome.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph!
NOCKRA, April 4, 1781.
My dear Don Francesco : I have received your letter of
the 3ist of last March.
It is true, I have engaged at Rome a procurator and a
lawyer to look after our interests ; but this is, by no means,
in opposition to the reunion, which I, as well as all the
Fathers of the kingdom, so ardently desire. I have done
this only for the purpose of proving to the Sacred Congre
gation and to the Holy Father that the new Regolamento,
such as it is at present, is, as to substance, absolutely con
formable to the old Rule, and that in our negotiations at
the court of Naples, we never pretended to deviate from the
426 General Correspondence. [PART i.
decision rendered on this point by the Sacred Congregation
and the Holy Father, the Pope.
We have engaged a procurator, because Father Leg-
gio is continually applying to the Congregation and to
the Pope, as we know that he is doing at the present time.
If we had had a procurator sooner, affairs would have
taken quite a different turn.
My dear Father Francesco , if you really desire the
union, as you have so often declared, withdraw Father
Leggio from Rome ; we could then negotiate together this
reunion, which is indispensable to the maintenance of our
Congregation. Our procurator and our lawyer will not
make the least objection on this point; on the contrary,
they will do their utmost to favor the projected reunion.
You have, therefore, no reason to complain ; for, if the
Cardinals and the Holy Father have once become well
informed as to our proceedings, we shall more easily obtain
the approbation of the Regolamento.
Once more, my dear Father Francesco, if you truly love
the Congregation and wish a reunion, as I hope you do,
recall Father Leggio, and prevent him from any longer
troubling those that are negotiating our affairs.
I embrace you and remain ....
ALFONSO MARIA, Bishop.
[P. S.] A word more. Father Corrado has not been
able to go to you, because he was hindered by the law
suit of the baron.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
i?8i.] Letter 10 1 6. 427
LETTER I0l6.
To Cardinal Tommaso Maria Ghilini, Reporter of the Cause.
He begs him to have the Pontifical decree of 1780 revoked,
and solves the difficulties that have been raised on the subject
of the Regolatnento.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph!
NOCERA, April 14, 1781.
Your Eminence: By virtue of a decree of his Majesty,
the king of Naples, issued on the 24th of last February, the
members of our Congregation may hereafter take the oath
of a perfect Community-life and of poverty, while retaining
the ownership and usufruct of their patrimonial goods, of
which they may always dispose. They may also take the
oath of perseverance, from which they can be dispensed by
the Head of the Congregation for a reasonable cause. I
firmly believed that after this the Sacred Congregation
would be willing to counsel His Holiness to declare null
and void the decree of September of last year; for we have
obtained from his Majesty the approbation of the entire
Rule of Benedict XIV., and hence our Congregation is no
longer menaced by the introduction of any substantial
novelty, to the prejudice of the old observance.
This my conviction has been inspired by another reason,
namely, by what happened in our two houses, established
in the territory of Benevento. On learning that the royal
ordinance put an end to the division, and that they thus
escaped the danger of separation from the houses of the
kingdom, which they justly feared, the members of these
houses gave themselves up to loud demonstrations of joy.
I now learn that certain difficulties have arisen on the
subject of this ordinance, both on account of the oath of
perseverance, and on account of the oath of Community-life
and of poverty.
428 General Correspondence. [PART i.
These difficulties may arise from two causes : either from
the inexact information addressed to the Sacred Congrega
tion, or from an imperfect knowledge of the Rule of Bene
dict XIV.
If there is question of the oath of perseverance, this Rule
clearly says (part ii., chapt. 2, § 4 and part iii., chapt. 2,
n. 3), that the head of the Congregation can dispense from
it. This is also what has been established by the royal
ordinance.
As for the dominion over patrimonial goods, this same
Rule (part i., chapter i, § i, n. 8, where it speaks of the vow
of poverty) establishes that the priests of the Congregation
possess this dominion ; for our vows are not solemn vows
of religion, but simple vows, made in a Congregation of
secular priests, declared such by the Rule of which I
speak. And the vow of poverty is not a vow of absolute
poverty, but a vow of partial poverty.
As for the dominion over the usufruct of patrimonial
goods, it also remains to the subjects, and the latter can
dispose of it in favor of another, although they cannot use
it for themselves.
Such is the interpretation which was given to the Rule in
1749, in the General Chapter, where it was accepted. It
was confirmed by the General Chapter of 1764, and it is
also the practice followed in the houses of the Roman
States. If your Eminence has understood just the contrary
(and this I do not believe) you may be sure that you have
been led into error. The priests of the house at Scifelli, in
the diocese of Veroli and those of the two houses at Bene-
vento can give you testimony of this.
Such has always been, I have said, the interpretation of
the Rule given by the General Chapters, and this Rule
confers upon the General Chapters the power of dispensing
for very grave reasons and in perpetuity, from any particu-
i78i.] Letter 1016. 429
lar point : this one may read at the end of the Rule in the
last paragraph.
All this being true, I do not understand why my con
freres at Frosinone can insist on maintaining a separation,
which is particularly fatal to them, and to the other houses
of Veroli and Benevento.
I love all the houses, because they cost me a great deal
of anxiety. In my opinion, which in the Roman States is
treated as extravagant, this separation will lead to their
ruin. I feel that God helps me to maintain the Rule of the
Pope and the interests of peace, and that he enables me to
govern these houses and to maintain their existence. I
have finally seen in the last ordinance, obtained in times so
difficult, a striking miracle of divine mercy. Hence, why
should I not be afflicted by these dissensions, kept up with
out reason, when the Lord renders so visible to every one
the protection that he bestows upon his work?
This work, so useful to souls, I earnestly recommend to
the Most High ; but I also place it under the protection of
your Eminence. You, as I have since learned, are to
examine the affair and to address your report to the Sacred
Congregation. You will see whether I have told the truth.
Great joy has been afforded me by the last ordinance.
Your Eminence, I trust, will deign to render it perfect by
giving me your assistance, by obtaining for me the blessing
of His Holiness for the houses of this kingdom and for me,
by finally revoking the decree of last September. I will
then say to the Lord with a most complete tranquillity and
most profound serenity : Nunc dimittis servum tuutn in
pace. [Now Thou dost dismiss Thy servant in peace. — Luke,
ii. 29.
I can only pray to God for your Eminence during the
few days that remain to me to live here below. I will also
do this in heaven, if the Lord is merciful to me.
430 General Correspondence. [PART i.
Please accept the expression of profound and very
humble respect, with which I have the honor to be,
Your Eminence's
Very humble, devoted and grateful servant,
ALFONSO MARIA DE LIGUORI, Bishop.
After the original preserved in the archives of the Sacred
Congregation of Bishops and Regulars ; Case : Liguorini
1806.
LETTER I0iy.
To his Niece Maria Teresa de Liguori, Pupil in the Convent
of S. Marcellino at Naples.
He counsels her to enter the religious life.
Live Jesus, Mary, and Joseph !
NOCERA, April 23, 1781.
I have received your letter. Yes, in compliance with
your request I will continue to pray for your vocation.
Besides, I remember that a few years ago, during the life
time of your father, you appeared to have the desire to
unite yourself to Jesus Christ ; there was then a time when
you were not disposed to give yourself to the world.
I pray to the Lord to strengthen you in this happy dis
position ; for in the midst of the world it would be difficult
for you to persevere in the grace of God.
What I say to you I have said to all the young persons
that have come here to ask my advice. I have made them
understand that, if they walk the road of the world, they
would with difficulty reach eternal salvation, because the
world at the present time is entirely corrupt.
As far as I know, ladies that frequent society, ordinarily
lose the grace of God.
Fear, then, to abandon Jesus Christ on account of the
world ; for you would lose Jesus Christ and your soul. By
the grace of God all those of my relatives, who died in my
i?8i.] Letter 1018. 43 1
time, have died a good death, and I hope to see them one
day in Paradise; I also hope to be there with you.
Pray to God to give me a good death, which is not far
off. Pray for me to the Blessed Virgin ; I do not cease to
pray for you. Recommend me continually to this good
Mother, and she will obtain for me the graces that you
desire. I bless you, and remain, etc.
After the Roman edition.
LETTER 1018.
To his Nephew, Giuseppe de Liguori.
He gives him some good advice.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA DE' PAGAM, June 3, 1781.
I have read with pleasure your very kind letter, and I
must thank you for your remembrance of me.
Only one thing, however, can console me ; it is to learn
that you are making progress in your studies, and that you
are advancing every day in the fear of God.
Have at heart these two points : I recommend them to
you.
I bless you, and remain, my dear Nephew,
Your very devoted uncle,
ALFONSO MARIA.
After the original in possession of his Eminence Cardinal
Guglielmo Sanfelice, Archbishop of Naples.
432 General Correspondence. [PART i.
LETTER
To the Sovereign Pontiff, Pius VI.
He earnestly requests him to restore to the houses of the
kingdom the favors of the Holy See.
[Month of June, 1781.]
Most Holy Father: Monsignor de Liguori, Rector Major
of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer in the
kingdom of Naples, prostrates himself at the feet of your
Holiness and asks permission to expose to you the following
facts.
In the year 1749, the undersigned author of the present
petition, obtained from the Holy See a Brief, approv
ing the Rules and Institute of this Congregation ; but, not
withstanding all entreaties, he could never obtain for this
Pontifical Brief the Exequatur of the king. Moreover, in
1752, the monarch of Spain, the sovereign of the kingdom
of Naples, issued a decree concerning the houses of the
Institute established in this kingdom and declared them
incapable of acquiring and possessing in common, either
immovable goods, or any kind of annual revenues. As for
the goods acquired by them up to that time, the same
decree intrusted the administration of them to the bishops
of the dioceses, where these houses were established, and
these prelates were ordered to furnish a daily support to all
the members of the Institute as long as the work of the
missions should continue. The king, finally, wished that
every subject should be permitted to retain his personal and
patrimonial goods, and the decree concludes by this decla
ration: On these conditions, and on these conditions only,
his Majesty permits the of oresaid priests to live together in
the four houses of Nocera, Ciorani, Iliceto and Caposele,
and in no other, provided they live in them as secular
priests, and always subordinate to the Ordinaries of these
1781.] Letter 1019. 433
places; for his Majesty does not regard these houses as
colleges or Communities. There was nothing for the peti
tioners to do, but to submit to the law, emanating from the
sovereign.
Later on, the houses of the kingdom were the object of
several accusations. Our adversaries said: "The Fathers
observe in these houses the Rule approved by the Holy
See, which is not invested with the royal Exequatur. Be
sides, contrary to the intentions of his Catholic Majesty,
they live there as if they had been constituted a Community
or college ; they have a Superior-General ; special Superiors
for the respective houses, officials of high and low degrees ;
they possess a novitiate and a house of studies ; they take
the simple vows of chastity, obedience, Community-life and
poverty with the vow and the oath of perseverance ; finally,
they have obtained from the Holy See certain privileges."
These different accusations having been referred by his
Majesty to the fiscal lawyer, Don Ferdinando de Leone,
the latter was of opinion that all this was in opposition to
the orders of his Catholic Majesty, and he counselled the
king to forbi$ us the reception of new subjects, to command
the novices and students to return to their families, and to
suppress among us the vows, the Rules, etc.
The houses which the Congregation possessed in the
kingdom were, therefore, threatened with suppression. To
prevent this evil, the undersigned was advised, as it seemed
impossible to obtain the royal Exequatur for the Brief of
the Holy See, to ask his Majesty for an approbation of the
Rules alone. The execution of this project was confided to
a member of this Congregation.1 But the latter acted
according to his own notions; and without consulting
the other subjects of these houses, he presented a mutilated
rule for the royal approbation. Hence the approbation
1 Father Angelo Maione. He had as his companion Father Fa-
brizio Cimino.
28
434 General Correspondence. [PART i.
given by his Majesty in the month of January, of last year,
was defective.
These facts came to the knowledge of the Sacred Con
gregation of Bishops and Regulars, and the latter, by a
decree of the month of last September, declared that the
houses of the kingdom had forfeited the Apostolic approba
tion, and were deprived of the powers and faculties granted
by the Holy See to this Institute. It appointed, moreover,
a President for the houses established in the Pontifical
States.
But, if certain fundamental points were defective in the
Regolamento, of which I have spoken, the undersigned has
now obtained from his Majesty the approbation of them as
he did of the others, and the decree of the 24th of February,
of this year, which I have the honor to transmit to your
Holiness, gives testimony of this. The rule approved by
the king is, therefore, substantially in conformity with that
which has received the approbation of the Holy See ; the
differences regard only details of little importance, as your
Holiness will easily be convinced by reading the subjoined
parallel columns, in which is stated what is substantial in
the two Rules.
After having thus preserved the houses of the kingdom
from imminent suppression, the undersigned now appeals
to your paternal clemency. He earnestly conjures you to
restore to him, and to the aforesaid houses, the old favors of
the Holy See. He, finally, trusts, that your high intelli
gence and your paternal love will find means of re-estab-
mg this Congregation in its original form.' Souls
1 All the hopes of the saint were doomed to disappointment. The
oly Father, obliged to defend his Apostolic authority against the
unjust usurpations of regalism, did not wish to yield in any point.
What was to be a law for a religious Congregation was the Rule
approved by the Holy See and not a royal Regolanlento. Hence the
ion was maintained. It was even definitively established by
>f the Sacred Congregation of Bishops and Regulars under
Letter 1019.
435
Rule approved by the Sovereign
Pontif, Benedict XIV.
In § 2 and j of this Rule,
Roman edition:
"The simple vows of chas
tity and obedience are pre
scribed."
will thereby gain more advantages, and the members
will themselves continue with greater success their apostolic
labors. In recognition of such a favor, they will pray to
God, etc.
The Same Rule approved by the
King, but under another Form, in
1780.
In chapter i, n. 14, it is
said:
" Every one who wishes to
live in this Congregation,
shall bind himself by oath,
after a certain time of trial, to
observe with all exactness the
virtues of chastity and obed
ience."
Remark.
On this point the Rule approved by the king perfectly
agrees with the Rule approved by the Sovereign Pontiff.
For the promises made with an oath, such as the king ap
proves, although they are not called vows, are, nevertheless,
by their nature true, simple vows. It is, in fact, the common
opinion of theologians that promises made with an oath are
always true, simple vows, as long as they are made to God
with the intention of acknowledging one's self guilty of a
fault in transgressing them.
Rule approved by the Sovereign
Pontiff.
Poverty and Community-life.
In chapter i, § /, n. i, we
^ ead:
" The subjects of this Con
gregation shall lead a perfect
Community-life."
Rule approved by the King.
Poverty and Community-life.
In chapter i, n. 10, we
read:
11 Every subject is obliged,
by an explicit and a formal
promise with an oath, to leave
date of August 24, of this year: Standum in decisis per Sanctissimum
sub die 23 Septernbris . . . Et amplius non adniittantur preces. (The pre
vious decisions rendered by the Holy Father, September 23, should
stand . . . and let no further petitions be received.)
436
General Correspondence.
[PART I.
In n. 4: " Although every
subject of the Congregation
should be promoted to Or
ders under the title of his
patrimony, yet the use of this
patrimony is forbidden to all.
This prohibition also extends
to the life-annuities that the
subjects may have, and to
every kind of property that
they may possess. Hence,
all the revenues that the sub
jects derive from whatever
belongs to them, under what
ever title, shall be adminis
tered and expended by the
Superiors."
to the house, which may be
assigned to him as his resi
dence, not only the small
contribution furnished to each
subject by his Majesty for the
maintenance of the missions,
but also all his Mass stipends,
his life-annuity, if there is
any, and every other rev
enue that may be received
by them. This promise shall,
however, leave intact, for all
subjects the ownership and
usufruct, either of their patri
monial goods, or of every
other property, which they
may acquire in particular,
and which reverts or can
revert to them. They may
according to their own will
dispose of all these, either
during their life-time, or at
their death, in favor of those
who can acquire them. It is,
however, forbidden to every
one to have the use of the
things which belong to him,
without the permission of the
Superiors."
By his ordinance of Feb
ruary 24, 1781, the king gives
his consent " that the mission
ary priests take an oath of
leading a life perfectly com
mon and poor, without preju
dice, however, to their own
patrimonial goods; for they
can always dispose of them
conformably to the articles of
the Regolamento, approved
by the decree of his Majesty,
dated January 22, of last
year."
Letter 1019.
437
Remark,
On the subject of poverty one sees no difference between
the Rule approved by the Sovereign Pontiff and the rule
approved by the king. Both forbid the subjects to use,
without the permission of the Superiors, the revenues of the
goods which they possess ; both permit them to dispose of
the ownership of their goods.
Rule approved by the Sovereign
Pontiff.
Perseverance.
In chapter i, § 4, page r8,
we read as follows:
" To the vows, above-men
tioned, the members of the
Congregation shall add the
vow of perseverance. By this
vow they oblige themselves
to live in the Congregation
till death, and not to ask for
a dispensation from them ex
cept from the Sovereign Pon
tiff or from the Rector Ma
jor."
In Part iii. ch. 2, n. j, p.
77, we read:
"They shall be admitted
(the young men who have
made their novitiate) to pro
fession by making the simple
vows of chastity, poverty and
obedience with the vow and
oath of perseverance in favor
of the Congregation that ac
cepts them. These vows and
the oath cannot be relaxed
nor be dispensed from, ex
cept by the Sovereign Pontiff
or the Rector Major ; and it
is always on this condition
that they are made."
28*
Rule approved by the Kin%.
Perseverance.
Chapter /, n. 14, gave to
each subject the liberty to
leave the Congregation. But
the aforesaid ordinance of
February 24, 1781, is thus
expressed : <( His Majesty per
mits these missionaries to take
the oath of perseverance in
the Congregation, — an oath
from which they can be dis
pensed by the head of the
Congregation for a reason
able cause. This oath, it is
understood, should be ex
acted only from new subjects
who seek admission ; the old
subjects remain perfectly free
to do so or not."
438 General Correspondence. [PART i.
Remark.
Here also one does not see any difference between the two
Rules. In the Rule approved by the Sovereign Pontiff the
vows and oaths are reserved to the Pope or to the Rector
Major ; and in the rule, which has received the king's approba
tion, no such reservation is mentioned. But there is no dif
ference ; for the vows that are made in the Congregation
are vows and oaths in favor of a third party ; now every
vow, every oath made in favor of a third party, is by its na
ture reserved to the Sovereign Pontiff.
After the original preserved in the archives of the Sacred
Congregation of Bishops and Regulars ; Case : Liguorini
1806.
LETTER 1020.
To Father Bartolomeo Mattia Corrado.
He requests him to ask the Sovereign Pontiff for a favor.1
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA DE' PAGANI, June 28, 1781.
My dear Father: According to the primitive Rule, I am
bound in regard to the Pope by my vow of poverty. I de
sire to observe this vow, as I am obliged to observe it. I
should then in my special doubts and in difficult cases,
have to depend on the Superior of the Congregation. But,
at present, I have in the Institute no Superior on whom I
can depend in what concerns my vows. Hence I am a
prey to terrible disquietudes, and the devil profits by them
to tempt me to despair.
Far from me be the thought of offending God in any
Therefore, I do not wish to give myself up to de
spair ; hence I beg you to ask the Pope for a special audience,
known to him the trouble that agitates me. I
1 Father Corrado was on the point of going to Rome with Father
Francesco de Leo to negotiate the affair of a reunion.
i78i.] Letter 1021. 439
am a prey to continual disquietude, for my present state
arouses in me innumerable troubles of conscience, and
I should weary His Holiness, were I to make them known
to him.
I, therefore, request you to ask the Holy Father, whether
I may in all my doubts depend on the judgment of my con
fessor ; 1 I shall thus be delivered from this state of continual
agitation and anguish, which is worse than death.
Beg His Holiness to grant me this favor, and remind him
that there was a time when his goodness gave me some
access to his heart. Request him, therefore, to grant
what I desire, and believe me, dear Father . . .
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA,
Rector Major.
[P. S.] My agitation, or rather, my interior pain, was
so great to-day that the doctor found my appearance en
tirely changed, so much have I suffered. I have but a
short time to live.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
LETTER 1021.
To the Rector of the house at Iliceto.
He sends him a subject for the novitiate.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph!
NOCERA, July 13, 1781.
My dear Father Rector : Father Papa will call upon you
with a young man by the name of Biagio Antonio Altieri.
1 Father Corrado applied not to the Pope but to the Cardinal
Penitentiary who answered: Acquiescat suo confessario (Let him refer
everything to his confessor).
440 General Correspondence. [PART i.
The latter has been received as a postulant. Admit him
to the novitiate.1
I bless you and remain, dear Father . . .
ALFONSO MARIA,
Rector Major.
After the original preserved in the Piccola Casa della Divi-
na Providenza in Turin.
LETTER IO22.
To his Niece Maria Teresa de Liguori, Pupil in the Monas
tery of S. Marcellino, at Naples.
He rejoices to hear that she has decided to embrace the
religious life.
Live Jesus, Mary, and Joseph !
NOCERA, July 30, 1781.
I have experienced great consolation at seeing that you
are determined to carry out without delay your well-matured
resolution of consecrating yourself to Jesus Christ. May
the Lord strengthen your good will !
Since, as I have heard, it is thought necessary that you
should leave the monastery before the accomplishment of
your resolution, I willingly consent that you should do so.
Consequently, as soon as a suitable house has been found
for you, I will write to Signor N. and to Signor N.,2 to give
their consent to your entrance into religion, as well as to
your temporary residence in the house that has been se
lected, and to furnish you with all that you may need.
In the meantime recommend yourself to Jesus Christ; do
not give up prayer, and be convinced that you cannot
make a better choice. This I know by experience, having
attained so advanced an age.
1 The young man began his novitiate on August 15, and made his
profession on July 21, of the following year.
2 Probably Signori Vespoli and Gavotti, guardians of young Teresa.
iy8i.] Letter 1024. 441
Pray to Jesus Christ for me, and receive my blessing.
After the Roman edition.
LETTER 1023.
To Father Diodato Criscuoli, Rector of the House at Ciorani.
He wishes the students to observe the old Constitution.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
PAGAXI, August 9, 1781.
My dear Father Diodato : I believed that the Prefect of stu
dents made the latter observe the old Constitution ; but I
have some doubt on this point. Please tell Father Prefect
that this Constitution should be entirely and punctually ob
served, because such is my wish.
I give you my blessing and I remain . . .
After the Roman edition.
LETTER 1024.
To his Niece Maria Teresa de Liguori, Pupil in the Monas
tery of S. Marcellino, at Naples.
He rejoices to learn that, before entering the convent, she
will not be exposed to the dangers of the world.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, August ig, 1781.
I am very glad that the Duchess of Bovino, my old
patroness, has been willing to receive you into her house
during your temporary absence from the convent.1
1 It was customary for those that aspired to the religious state, to
leave for some time the monastery where they had received their
education. Father Tannoia in his Life of St. Alphonsus, speaks in
the following terms of the views of the saint in regard to his niece:
*' Young Teresa, before entering the novitiate, was to remain for
some time outside of the monastery. She might have gone to her
family; but Alphonsus was opposed to this, and he begged the
Duchess of Bovino, his penitent, to receive her into her house. ' If
44 2 General Correspondence. [PART i.
I, therefore, wrote to her at once a long letter, thanking
her for the great kindness that she has shown to me, the
poor cripple, who am kept in my chair awaiting death,
which is near.
Prepare yourself, then, to celebrate with joy the day of
your espousal to Jesus Christ. I should very much like to
be present, when you receive the habit, but God deprives
me of this consolation on account of my old age.
However, I shall not omit to recommend you to the
Lord, so that you may be content and happy. On your
part pray to the Blessed Virgin that she may obtain for me
a happy death.
I conclude by offering my regards to Sister Marianna,
and by asking her also to recommend me to Jesus Christ.
After the original in possession of Don Giuseppe Montuori,
parish priest of S. Liborio, at Naples.
I intrust her to her relatives/ he said, 'she will at once be in the
midst of a thousand dangers by visits, theatres, staying up at night,
She will have a cicisbeo, who will follow her everywhere * and
5 latter may make her lose the love of God and the thought of en
tering the convent." -The saint's niece left the monastery on
'ebruaryi6, 1782, but, faithful to her resolution, she re-entered on
June and persevered m her vocation till her death.
*
' '
the saint refers; had
senewc
morals but too often justified. It had been introduced into Naples
er ™* af rlTfo" °7Pahll°"' a"d ^ Positively no other object than to permit
rf rank to Ko to church without fear.-Celano. Curiosit. de Nalt*
Letter 1025. 443
LETTER IO25.
To Sister Brianna Carafa, in the Monastery of S. Marcellino
at Naples.
He thanks her for an act of kindness and compassionates
her on her brother's death.
Live Jesus, Mary, and Joseph!
NOCKRA, September 20, 1781.
The kindness yon exhibited towards my niece, by ar
ranging for her stay with the Duchess of Bovino, before
taking the religious habit in your monastery, is the effect
of your goodness of heart. Hence I cannot but express to
you my warmest thanks.
I am sure that, owing to your gentle persuasion and judi
cious advice, she will not only persevere, but will increase
in the desire of being united with Jesus Christ.
It is with pain that I learn the death of your brother — the
only one that you had. You have no need of my advice to
be resigned to the divine will.
I see very well that God wishes to purify you in this
world ; and believe me, in order that you may succeed in
the accomplishment of God's design upon you, there is no
surer way than the way of the cross.
The best mortification is that which God sends ; and such
are the corporal infirmities when we bear them with patience
and with joy.
In regard to the vocation of your niece, this is a matter
that must be settled with God. If she remains firm in her
resolution, you have nothing else to do than to exhort her
to conduct herself well, and to walk with the fear of God in
the state that she determines to embrace.
I conclude by offering you my services for every case in
which you may judge that I may be useful to you ; and
444 General Correspondence. [PART i.
while recommending myself to your prayers, I remain with
the highest esteem,
Your very humble servant,
ALFONSO MARIA DE LIGUORI, Bishop.
After an old copy.
LETTER 1026.
To Father Francesco Antonio de Paola.
Joy at the success of the Congregation in the Pontifical
States.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA DE' PAGANI, October 25, 1781.
I hear with joy of the favors that the Pope has conferred
upon you, and I pray God to continue to be favorable to
you for his greater glory.
I participate in your joy at the favors the Pope has con
ferred upon you at Velletri and at other places ; I advise
you to profit by the favors of the Pope, to procure the glory
of God in all places.
I have heard them speak of missions at Sabina; introduce
them there and wherever you can.
Your success consoles me, because I hope that it will serve
to extend the glory of God. When you make any further
progress, let me know, that I may "thank God for it, as I
will always do when you succeed. Pray to God for me and
for our brethren, in order that all may be employed in
serving Jesus Christ.
Pray for me for a happy death; I shall not live much
longer; and I pray that God may make you continually
increase in his love and that he will send you new founda
tions, as well as subjects.
Very many come to us here at Naples and also in Sicily ;
may all be for the glory of God ! I pray that Jesus Christ
may bless you all, you and all your houses and companions.
J78i.] Letter IO2J. 445
Send me some news of your progress, that I may thank
God for it.1
May Jesus and Mary bless you all !
ALFONSO MARIA DE LIGUORI.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
LETTER 1027.
To the Priest Don Gaetano di Geronimo, at Naples.
He disapproves a nun's design of entering another Order.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA DE' PAGANI, November 12, 1781.
I would gladly encourage the nun, of whom you speak,
and would approve of her design of entering the Order of
the Carmelites, if this could be done without noise and
without opposition. But as this Sister is already professed,
the opposition will be so great that it will be impossible to
resist it.
I do not enter into details as regards these difficulties ;
but I foresee that they will be insurmountable, and the
attempt to carry out such an intention, will have no other
result than to create for the nun innumerable crosses and
embarrassments.
I would, therefore, counsel her to abandon this design
and simply to begin a life more solitary and more united
with God ; otherwise I fear that she will be a prey to dread
ful disquietude for the rest of her life.
1 It is needless to remind our readers that at the moment in which
the saint wrote these lines and showed so touching a solicitude in
regard to the houses in the Pontifical States, he himself deplored
the sad separation of which we have spoken. Nevertheless, St. Al-
phonsus always proved himself a most loving Father of the Congre
gation, which he cherished as the apple of his eye. It is the
part only of the saints to seek thus sincerely in all things the glory
of God.
446 General Correspondence. [PART i.
I always profess the greatest esteem for the Order founded
by St. Teresa. I have written many pages in praise of the
Carmelites ; hence it cannot enter the mind of any one that
I wish to oppose these nuns.
What I have said, I have said for the good of the person
of whom you speak. If she acts otherwise, the injury to
her will be considerable, and there will be no advantage.
However, enlightened persons are found at Naples, who
can more easily examine the circumstances of the case; the
nun may consult them more profitably.
I conclude by begging you to recommend me to our
Lord.
Please accept, my dear Sir, the expression of my pro
found respect,
Your very devoted and grateful servant,
ALFONSO MARIA DE LIGUORI, Bishop.
After an old copy.
LETTER 1028.
To Father Francesco Antonio de Paola, President of the
Houses in the Pontifical States.
He is pleased to hear of the foundation of two new houses
in the. Pontifical States.-Salutary advice in regard to mis
sions.
Live Jesus, Mary, and Joseph !
NOCERA, November 23, 1781.
Yesterday, the 22d instant, I received with great conso
lation your esteemed letter of the i4th instant, in which you
give me the details of the two foundations of Foligno and
Gubbio, as also of that of Rome.
This has given me great consolation, for it will be not
only a means whereby you can be of mutual assistance, but
it will give you a new field in which you can give many
'ions, so much needed in these days, when corruption
i78i.J Letter 1028. 447
exists everywhere. Do not forget always to preach the
eternal truths, death, hell, judgment and paradise.
I am much pleased that fifteen novices have been re
ceived ; for you will now require a greater number of sub
jects, on account of these new establishments. Hereafter I
will send all my answers to Rome, as you desire.
I thank you for the Ave Maria that you recite every
evening for me ; apply it to me especially for a happy
death.
I thank our good God that he has used me to begin so
much good that has since been effected through you, and
especially through the Pope, whom God has deigned to
console in so many ways.
I rejoice that you are shortly going to give missions at
Foligno and at Gubbio. I hope that God will use you to
increase his glory, and I will not cease to pray to him for
this end.
I feel bound to tell you several very useful things, and I
entreat you to suggest them to your companions.
Recommend them to preach on the great means of pray
er; it is a subject on which I have written a whole work.
God wishes to diffuse grace, but he wishes to be solicited
for it; he that does not pray, does not obtain anything.
Constantly recommend devotion to Mary to all that wish
to be saved.
Arrange matters so that the sermon on the Blessed Virgin
be delivered every Saturday, and that it be never omitted
during the missions, and that it be shown how all stand in
need of recommending themselves to her by reciting the
Ave Maria, especially during temptations. These things
appear to some persons only fit for devout women, but what
ever may be said, they may save many souls.
Several Congregations have introduced the custom of giv
ing during missions a sermon on the Blessed Virgin; this
is done by the missionaries of St. Vincent de Paul. We
448 General Correspondence. [PART i.
must adopt the same practice in the retreats, whether we
preach to nuns or to priests.
I embrace you and I pray to God to grant that you and
your companions may be wholly his.
Your very affectionate aud grateful servant,
ALFONSO MARIA,
of the Most Holy Redeemer.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
LETTER 1029.
To Father Giovanni Battista di Costanzo.
He thanks him for having accepted an office which others
had refused.
Live Jesus, Mary, and Joseph !
NOCERA. November 26, 1781.
My dear Father Giovanni : I trust that Jesus Christ will
reward you for the consolation that you have afforded me
by accepting the charge of Lector of philosophy.
I was in great trouble on this account. From various
quarters subjects had joined our Congregation, and my
anxiety increased in proportion as their number augmented,
because at this time,1 when teachers are so rare, I could find
no one to instruct them.
I was in dire affliction, not knowing in my embarrassment
o whom to have recourse. You have come to my relief by
iformmg me that you have accepted the charge of instruct
ing these young people. I do not know how those can feel
easy before God that have refused this employment, since it
was evidently his will and good pleasure.
Hence I bless you and thank you very much; I pray to
^ord to grant you great consolation for this act of
obedience.
, ad withd'"» "> the »o».e» in ,h« Pontifical
love of the Rule approved by Benedict XIV.
i.] Letter lojo. 449
I bless you and thank you again and again.
After the Roman edition.
LETTER 1030.
To Sister Maria Angela Rosa Graziano, in the Monastery del
SS. Rosario, at Naples.
He censures the use of figured music in convents ; regrets
the separation.
Live Jesus, Mary, and Joseph !
NOCERA DE" PAGANI, November 29, 1781.
In the first place, I thank you for having remembered
me.
I learn with pain, however, that there are those that wish to
introduce among you the figured chant. Besides the expense
that would be incurred in keeping a teacher, much injury to
the soul would result therefrom, into the details of which I
refrain from entering for fear of troubling your mind. This
kind of chant pleases the devil, but not God.
Yes, there is among us something that is to be regretted,
for several of our confreres have wished to separate from us.
However, we pray to God for them, and they will not fail
also to pray for us ; and thus we hope that both they as
well as we shall please God and sanctify ourselves.
Never forget to recommend me to the Blessed Virgin; I
shall not fail to do the same for you.
In all these troubles, of which you complain, address
fervent prayers to Mary, and she will remedy them. I
pray to Jesus Christ to give you his true love ; and never
cease to ask for this love, if you wish to make progress.
May Jesus Christ bless you and me; pray to him for me
when you receive Communion ; and herewith I bless you in
the name of Jesus Christ.
As regards those of our confreres that have left us, we
29
450 General Correspondence. [PART i.
are at peace with them, and we keep up friendly correspon
dence with one another.
Your very humble servant,
ALFONSO MARIA DE LIGUORI.
After an old copy.
LETTER 1031.
To his Niece Maria Teresa de Liguori, Pupil in the Monas
tery of S. Marcellino, at Naples.
He encourages her in her design to consecrate herself to
God.
Live Jesus !
NOCERA, January 3, 1782.
I thank you for the wish that you have expressed in
regard to my temporal and spiritual happiness. It is the
same wish that I have in your regard, as you are a soul
purchased with the blood of Jesus Christ.
I rejoice very much at the resolution that you have taken
to embrace the religious life ; endeavor to make an entire
and a perfect sacrifice of yourself to the Lord. Indeed,
everything in this world is but vanity. Happy the soul
that knows how to save itself!
Recommend me to Jesus Christ and to his holy Mother.
I bless you with my whole heart, and remain etc.
After the Roman edition.
i?82.] Letter 1033. 45 1
LETTER 1032.
To Father Giovanni Battista di Costanzo.
Concerning studies. — Eulogy of Abelly's Dogmatic Theol
ogy.
Live Jesus, Mary, and Joseph !
NOCERA, January 17, 1782.
I have learned with pleasure that you have begun the
teaching of philosophy, and that the students follow your
instructions perfectly.
I hope that they will derive greater profit from their
studies, than the former students did, because your lessons
are given in better order. When you begin to teach theol
ogy, do not depart from Abelly.
Mgr. [Giulio] Torni thought very highly of this author,
because he explains things clearly, methodically and briefly.
Now continue to instruct these young men assiduously ; I
recommend them to you, and I bless you all.
ALFONSO MARIA,
Rector Major.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
LETTER 1033.
To his Niece Maria Teresa de Liguori, Pupil in the Monas
tery of S. Marcellino, at Naples.
He gives her some advice in regard to her stay in the
world.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph!
NOCERA, February 18, 1782.
I remember that the time has come for you to leave the
monastery, to return to it again when you will take the
habit. You will now go to live for some time with the
452 General Correspondence. [PART i.
Duchess di Bovino. I, therefore, recommend to you the
holy fear of God, modesty, and detachment from the things
of this world.
What I have most at heart is, that you do not go to
balls and the like amusements, which are all extremely
dangerous. Above all do I beg you not to frequent the
academy.1 The duchess, without doubt, will agree with
me on this point. Tell her what I think, and you will
see how far she is from approving of pleasures so perilous
to your soul.2
I pray to Jesus Christ that he may deign to give you the
grace that, on your return to the monastery, you may be
yet more modest and reserved than you were at your de
parture.
Give my regards to the duchess.
I bless you. . .
After the Roman edition.
1 This is the name that was given to the reunions, in which the
time was devoted to singing, music, games, reading, and conversa
tion.
2 The young niece and the duchess complied with the wishes of
the saint. They profited by this occasion only to visit him for whom
they professed so profound a veneration. St. Alphonsus gave at this
time a remarkable proof of his love of poverty. " He was," says
Very Rev. Father Berruti in his work, Lo Spirito di S. Alfonso " ex
tremely faithful in asking the necessary permission of the' local
Superior, when he wished to dispose of any object whatsoever His
Teresa, when paying him a visit before embracing the religious
s m the monastery of S. Marcellino, expressed the desire of hav
ing as a remembrance of her holy uncle a small picture of our Ladv
Good Counsel. Alphonsus answered that he could not dispose of
it on account of his vow of poverty; and Father Villani himself had
orward the present to the young person."
Letter 1034. 453
LETTER 1034.
To Sister Brianna Carafa, in the Monastery of S. Marcellino
at Naples.
The way of the cross is the surest and shortest to attain
salvation.
Live Jesus, Mary, and Joseph !
[NOCKRA], March 9, 1782.
I have become like a corpse : I am no longer in a condi
tion to give advice or to answer letters. However, as you
are singularly afflicted, I write you a few lines.
You have never been so sure as you are now ; for the
way of the cross is the surest and shortest way to attain
salvation.
It is on this road that the saints have walked, and the
Chief of the Predestined, Jesus Christ, espoused the cross
from the first moment of his life.
His holy Mother also passed her days in the midst of
crosses.
Take courage; do not be cast down. Look often at
Calvary, at heaven, at hell, in order to animate yourself to
surfer with patience.
Fear nothing; Jesus Christ loves you now more than
ever; and when you think that he is far away, he is near
you.
It is true that you do not feel his presence ; what does it
matter? He assists you by hidden means.
The only thing that I ask of you, is, to continue as you
have done, and not to omit your ordinary devotions, even
when you perform them only with your higher will. If you
do not lose courage, you will be saved, and you will be
saved as a great saint.
The pills that you have to take are, I see, bitter to the
taste ; but they will do you good ; you must swallow them
29*
454 General Correspondence. [PART i.
and be generous. Come, then ! do not be uneasy, and do
not lose any more time in useless anxiety.
Recommend me to Jesus Christ, as I myself do for you.
I bless you, and remain etc.
After the Roman edition.
LETTER .1035.
To the Same.
He recommends to her Christian indifference and prayer.
Live Jesus, Mary, and Joseph !
NOCERA, May 15, 1782.
I have already written to you that I am no longer in a
condition to read or answer letters.
I desire that you should preserve calmness when anything
is said to you. You are always speaking to me about your
niece, and you say that you are anxious about her. Keep
yourself in holy indifference in regard to the matter by
recommending her to Jesus Christ and to the Blessed Vir
gin, in order that she may know and may accomplish the
divine will.
As for your interior, it is not necessary for you to know
that you are going on well; we must advance, notwithstand
ing the darkness.
Be courageous, and fear nothing. Do not lose sight of
Jesus Christ, whose life was a continual martyrdom ; unite
your sufferings to his.
Remember me. I bless you, and remain etc.
After the Roman edition.
Letter 1037. 455
LETTER 1036.
To his Niece Maria Teresa de Liguori, in the Palace of the
Duchess di Bovino.
He reassures and encourages her in her design of embra
cing the religious life.
Live Jesus!
NOCERA, May 25, 1782.
I have left everything to Signer Gavotti in regard to the
time in which you should receive the habit. That I regarded
as quite proper, he being your tutor, and the reasons given
being very weighty. But you must be convinced that I,
by no means, stated that you had changed your mind ; I
said just the contrary.
Offer to God your desire ; this offer will be very profitable
to you.
Take courage, and recommend yourself to our Lord and
to the Blessed Virgin.
My regards to the duchess.
I bless you and remain. . .
After the Roman edition.
LETTER 1037.
To Father Francesco Antonio de Paola.
Sincere affection of the saint towards his brethren in the
Pontifical States.
Live Jesus, Mary, and Joseph!
NOCERA DE' PAGANI, June 21, 1782.
I thank you, my dear Father, and your companions for
your remembrance of me in your prayers ; I assure you that
I will not forget you.
I thank you and your companions with all my heart for
456 General Correspondence. [PART i.
your intention of applying the Masses 1 after my death for
the repose of my soul.
Write me a few lines when you can, because your letters
comfort me.
I am also comforted by the novitiate at Scifelli, which
contains twenty-two novices. May God render you more
and more fervent in his love. I thank him for having
caused your houses to prosper and permitted that I should
die in humiliation, for this humiliation is a sign that he
wishes to pardon my sins.
I thank you again for your remembrance of me.
I repeat, I do not cease to recommend you to Jesus
Christ, and to pray that he may fill you with his holy love.
I also entreat you to ask Jesus and Mary for this love for
me, and to pray that God may enable me to die full of confi
dence in his Passion.
The young men around me edify me by their fervor.
Once more let me beg you to recommend me to Jesus
and Mary, and I will not cease to pray to them for you all,
that they may fill you with their love. I embrace you,'
and all your companions.
ALFONSO MARIA.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
1 The Masses which, according to the Rule, had to be celebrated
by each priest for the deceased Father General.
1782.] Letter 1038. 457
LETTER 1038.
To his Niece Maria Teresa de Liguori, Novice in the Monas
tery of S. Marcellino, at Naples.
Joy that he feels at the thought that she will soon take the
religious habit.
Live Jesus, Mary, and Joseph !
NOCERA, September 16, 1782. 1
Your last letter afforded me so great a joy that I
could not restrain my tears. Only I feel sorry that I cannot
be present when you receive the habit.
If God permitted me to go to the convent on that day, I
surely could do nothing but weep ; however, the Lord does
not wish to give me this consolation.
Meanwhile I do not cease to recommend you to Jesus
Christ, that he may entirely inflame you with his holy
love, and may render you worthy to go one day to see him
face to face in heaven.
I beg you to recommend me frequently to Jesus Christ,
so that he may grant me a good death ; for I am in great
fear about my salvation on account of the sins that I have
committed. I bless you, and I will not fail, every time that
I communicate, to ask Jesus Christ that he may give you the
grace to belong entirely to him.
I send you this little picture of the Blessed Virgin,2 that
1 The Roman edition gives the date September 16, 1781; but
the true date seems to us to be September 16, 1782.
2 One cannot read without interest the account of another picture
of the Blessed Virgin, sent later on by the saint to his niece.
We borrow the account from the work of Very Rev. Father
Berruti, given in his book Lo Spirito di S, Alfonso: " The niece of
the saint, had taken the religious habit, when there appeared on
her foot a wound which defied all the skill of the physicians, and
being of a cancerous nature, would have been an insurmountable
obstacle to her profession. The rumor had already spread in the
45 8 General Correspondence. [PART i.
you may show your gratitude to her, and may never cease
to recommend yourself to her protection.
After the Roman edition.
LETTER 1039.
To Father Alessandro de Meo.1
He requests him to direct some missions and addresses to
him an important recommendation.
Live Jesus, Mary, and Joseph !
NOCERA, October 29, 1782.
My dear Don Alessandro : Some small missions are to be
given with the limited number of Fathers of your house. I beg
monastery that she would not be allowed to make the vows ; she had
even been advised to return to the world. Afflicted beyond measure,
Teresa de Liguori wrote to her saintly uncle, manifested to him her
trouble, and asked the help of his prayers, so as not to be forced to
leave the convent. As an answer to her letter the saint sent her a
picture of Our Lady of the Seven Dolors, and recommended that it
should be applied to the wound and that she should fervently pray
to the Blessed Virgin. The young novice obeyed, and had scarcely
applied the picture to the wound, when all dangerous symptoms dis
appeared, the wound closed without, leaving after it any pain, and
the nuns, assured of her complete cure, admitted her to profession.
The astonishing circumstances of this miracle did not, however,
stop here; for the effect of this wonderful favor continued for seven
ty years, as the s'aint's niece, then aged fifteen and a half, died
when eighty-six years old. I was her confessor for some time, and
as I knew of the miracle wrought in her favor by the saint, I great
ly feared for her, when I learned that the old wound had re-opened
(this was some months before her death); for I believed that, if the
cancerous secretion resumed its. course, after having been miracu
lously interrupted during seventy years, it would now deprive her of
the life that had been miraculously preserved to Rer. I was right ;
for the malignant humor spread through her whole system, and
Mother Teresa, who had always enjoyed good health, died soon
afterwards."
1 Father de Meo, one of the brightest ornaments of our Congrega-
i782.] Letter 1039. 459
you to take charge of these missions and to direct them.
You are older than the rest, more accustomed to the ways
of the missions, to which you have devoted yourself for so
long a time, and you are better known and more popular.
I beg you, therefore, in the name of the Blessed Virgin, do
not refuse me this favor, as I think it necessary before God.
During these missions do not allow the Fathers to go out
tion, was born at Volturara in the diocese of Montemarano, Novem
ber 3, 1726. Having early applied himself to study, he utilized the
rare faculties which he had received from nature and was remark
ably successful. He entered our Institute at the age of eighteen, as
a cleric, and made his profession on the i?th of January, 1749. His
progress in piety, his ardor for study were extraordinary. St. Al-
phonsus, who expected great things from him, sent him to the capi
tal of the kingdom to follow the course of Hebrew, which was
taught by the learned Tgnazio La Cake. The young man astonished
his professor by his proficiency in that language. He afterwards for
several years taught theology to our young men, then he devoted
himself to the apostolic ministry. The missions, the retreats, which
he gave to different classes of society, were innumerable; his sancti
ty and his learning worked real prodigies. " There was, so to
speak not a bishop," says Father Tannoia, "not a city, not a vil
lage that did not wish to have his services, and the requests for him
were so numerous, that the Superiors knew not whom they should
first satisfy." Thus does the historian of St. Alphonsus express himse.
in his Life of Father de Meo. What is really extraordinary, is, that
in the midst of occupations, so numerous and so various, the mde
fatigable apostle yet found the time and the means to continue 1
favorite studies, especially his historical studies. It is thus that,
besides the "Refutation of the Letter and Reply of Don Cipriano
AristasiotoMgr. de Liguori . . . about Frequent Communion he
left "A Chronological Apparatus" and twelve volumes of Cntico-
Diplomatic Annals of the Kingdom of Naples in the Middle Age.
The learned well know the merits of these works ; we necc
euWize them. The death of Father de Meo, prophesied by fe
Alphonsu as a great misfortune that would befall the Congre^on,
±rred on March 2o, I786. The illustrious missionary was giving
a retreat at Nola, and was speaking with earnestness on the .pa n
of hell when he was struck with apoplexy. His death was t
saint, and heaven was pleased to glorify him by several miracles.
460 General Correspondence. [PART i.
walking during the day, as I hear this is sometimes done.
The people are certainly scandalized when they see them
taking a walk. It would be better not to give missions
than to give them in this manner.
I expect to hear good news from you, and I bless all
that are with you.
After the Roman edition.
LETTER 1040.
To his Niece Maria Teresa de Liguori, Novice in the Monas
tery of S. Marcellino, at Naples.
Counsels relative to the choice of a confessor.
Live Jesus !
NOCERA, Novembers, 1782.
I am very glad that you have made the spiritual exerci
ses.
As for the confessor, whom you wish to take, I do not
know him; but if he is virtuous, wise, prudent; if you find
under his direction quiet of conscience, and that, while con
fiding in him, you have every liberty to make known your
interior,— you may make choice of him, after having offered
many prayers to Jesus Christ and the Blessed Virgin. You
should also consider that this is a matter as serious as is the
affair of your salvation, since eternal salvation depends for
the most part on the direction of a good confessor.
I recommend you and all the other Sisters to the Lord ;
do the same for me. Continue to repeat this prayer: O my
Jesus! grant me Thy love, and I desire nothing more.
I give you my blessing.
After the Roman edition.
1782.] Letter 1041. 461
LETTER 1041.
To Cardinal N.
He requests him to intercede for him with the Pope, and
humbly justifies himself in regard to the accusations lodged
against him.
NOCERA DE' PAGANI, November 15, 1782.
Your Eminence: These past two years I have been
plunged in the deepest affliction for having" caused sorrow •
to the Holy Father without intending to do so.
The fact is, in order to sustain the four houses of mis
sionaries, which we possess in the kingdom, I was obliged
to have recourse to the king to ask of him the approbation
of the Rule, for which I never had obtained the royal Exe
quatur.
This application seemed to me to be necessary, and all
the prudent men who were interested in our cause had
advised me to make it.
I did not believe that I should in this have offended the
Holy See, the prerogatives of which I have always de
fended. On the contrary, I intended to comply with the
intentions of the Holy See, such as Benedict XIV., of holy
memory, had declared to me in a letter of the year 1755.
I, therefore, acknowledge my fault, and I should like,
before I die, to obtain through your Eminence the Holy
Father's pardon, in order to leave this world in peace.
This pardon I desire not only for myself, but also for my
brethren who, besides, have had no part in this fault.
I have learned with very great joy that your Eminence
expressed yourself very favorably in my regard.
At Rome I have no other efficacious help than your
Eminence, for all the Cardinals with whom I was accus
tomed to correspond have passed away.
462 General Correspondence. [PART i.
Your Eminence is going to the capital: this is the Provi
dence of God, this Providence in which I have always
trusted, which has arranged this journey from which I
expect the greatest consolation and the best results.
I have written to a priest at Rome, a friend of mine, and
I have requested him to give you all needed information about
this affair. He is a learned and sincere priest, who of him
self has charitably and gratuitously offered to aid us ; he is
well instructed in regard to everything. May your Emi
nence deign to listen to him, and to intercede for me with
the Holy Father, to whom I have written, humbly soliciting
his benevolence and his pardon.
May your Eminence read this letter, and if you think it
proper, place it yourself in the hands of His Holiness, or
have it sent in another way ; otherwise withhold it.
Finally, I recommend myself to your kindness and your
holy prayers, and remain, with the profoundest respect,
Your Eminence's
Very humble and grateful servant,
ALFONSO MARIA DE LIGUORI, Bishop.
[T5. K£] On Tuesday I will send your Eminence the
letter for the Holy Father.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
LETTER 1042.
To his Niece, Sister Maria Teresa de Liguori, Novice in the
Monastery of S. Marcellino, at Naples.
He answers her Christmas greetings and encourages her to
be patient.
Live Jesus !
NOCERA, December 22, 1782.
I am indebted to your kindness, as well for the happy
wishes that you have deigned to offer me on the occasion
i782.] Letter 1042. 463
of the approaching festival of Christmas, as for the sweet
meats that you have sent me.
You may be sure that, for my part, I have wished you
everything good for your spiritual and temporal welfare.
In respect to your voice, do not be troubled.1 You will
gain more by doing the will of God than if you chanted
from morning until night.
Pray to Jesus and Mary with equanimity, as I also pray
for you, and go straight on.
Be prudent in the choice of your confessor; on it depends
for the most part your eternal salvation.
May Jesus and Mary bless you ! I remain. . .
After the Roman edition.
1 This defect in the voice was caused by a hoarseness which seized
Sister Teresa after her profession. The trouble increased to such an
extent that she could scarcely speak in a whisper. " This evil," says
Father Berruti in his book Lo Spirito di S. Alfonso," threatened even
to become chronic, and it seemed that medicine could not cure her.
The Sister, then, applied again to her holy uncle and represented to
him that she could neither recite the divine Office nor chant t
praises of the Lord. The saint sent her some small pictures of the
Immaculate Conception and told her to swallow one of them every
day in a little water, while fervently recommending herself to the
Blessed Virgin. The Sister obeyed ; but hardly had she begun this
pious practice, when her voice suddenly returned, clearer and
stronger than it had been before. She could thus freely chant I
divine Office till her death. It was astonishing that up to
old age she preserved a full and sonorous voice, which her yea
her assiduity in the choir did not in the least impair."
464 General Correspondence. [PART i.
LETTER 1043.
To one of his Cousins, a Nun at Naples.
He encourages her in an interior trial through which he
himself was passing at the time.
[NOCERA, 1782 ?]
Reverend Mother: You tell me that sometimes you be
lieve that you are lost.
Let us mutually console and encourage each other, for I
am passing through the same trial.
I am very near death, and yet temptations do not leave
me; but I console myself, as you do, by looking at the
crucifix.
Let us, therefore, cling to the cross, and try always to
keep our eyes fixed on our dying Saviour. While acting
thus, we must hope that he will not send us to hell where
we should be separated from him and incapable of loving
him; this would be the hell of our hell.
Let us, then, continue to say without ceasing: O Lord,
my God! make me love Thee, and afterwards do with me
as Thou wilt. My sins merit every punishment; punish
me, then, as Thou wishest; but do not take from me the
power of loving Thee; deprive me of everything; do not
permit me to be lost.
Recommend me to our Lord, I entreat you, especially
after holy Communion ; I will render to you the same
service.
When death approaches, I will let you know, so that
you may aid me in a particular manner to pass into eternity.
Notwithstanding your desolation, do not fail, when finish
ing your prayers, always to recommend poor sinners to our
Lord.
Tannoia, Book iv., Chapter xxxi.
1783.] Letter 1044. 465
LETTER 1044.
To Father Bartolomeo Mattia Corrado,1 at Naples.
Counsel in regard to Baron Sarnelli's lawsuit.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph!
NOCERA, January I, 1783.
In order to communicate the necessary information to the
ministers, do not be satisfied with the mediation of Don
Gaetano Celano; but employ also Don Nicola Viven-
zio, who was so well informed in regard to our process.
As for the accusations in question, I remember they
inspired us with fear the first time the process was men
tioned; but at present we enjoy the king's favor, and we
shall hardly lose our case, for the favor of the sovereign has
removed all the force of the complaints on which the baron
relied so much.
I do not recollect the other details ; your Reverence will
recollect them.
I bless you and remain . . .
BROTHER ALFONSO,
Rector Major.
[P. S.] I formerly gave Signor Vivenzio a bill of thirty
ducats ; but the case was not then pleaded, either by Celano
or by Vivenzio, in whose hands the bill still remains. You
will, therefore, do well to employ Vivenzio also to examine
into the case.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
1 See Letter 1013, page 423.
466 General Correspondence. [PART r.
LETTER 1045.
To Sister Brianna Carafa, in the Monastery of S. Marcellino,
at Naples.
He counsels her to practise holy indifference.
Live Jesus, Mary, and Joseph !
NOCERA, January 6, 1783.
I received your letter yesterday, and I answer it briefly.
I understand the embarrassment in which you are.
Keep yourself in holy indifference, ready to carry the cross
that the Lord will send you. St. Francis de Sales sanctified
himself by practising this maxim : Ask for nothing and
refuse nothing. You also should put this in practice. Often
repeat : O Lord! I ask for nothing and desire nothing but
Thy holy will.
I will pray for you ; be of good courage.
I bless you and always remain
Your very devoted and grateful servant,
ALFONSO MARIA.
After an old copy.
LETTER 1046.
To the Representatives of the Parish of Perdifumo.
He refuses to dismiss a subject without reason and com
plains about the accusations brought against the Institute.
Live Jesus!
PAGANI, January 18, 1783.
I was pleased to receive the letter which you did me the
honor to address to me; but I cannot comply with your
wish therein expressed for the reason that it is not permitted
me, without a very good reason, to dismiss any one from
the Congregation. If I acted otherwise, I should render
myself grievously culpable before God.
1783.3 Letter 1046. 467
The reasons that you have alleged in your appeal to his
Majesty, the king, are of no account in the eyes of Don
Pasquale,1 both in regard to the poverty of his family, as also
in regard to the spiritual necessities of your district.
I have ordered to be sent to him the royal decree which I
received, the appeal addressed to the king by his father,
and that which your council has signed, thus giving him
full liberty to return to his native city. He, however, ab
solutely refuses to depart, and denies all that has been
represented to the king, our sovereign.
Now what can I do? Should I, perhaps, forcibly drive
away this young man? That would be improper.
You, gentlemen, seem to think very highly of Don
Pasquale. Very well ; and if he wishes to return to you,
I will give him a thousand blessings. Should he change
his mind, he will not need my permission ; he is absolutely
free to do what he wishes.
Such is the sincere expression of my views. What has
displeased me, and displeased me greatly, was, that in
these appeals addressed to the sovereign, superfluous impu
tations have been cast upon our humble Congregation.
These should have been omitted. I hope, however, patient
ly to suffer these adversities for the love of Jesus Christ.
In conclusion, I offer myself to render you every kind of
service in my power, and I beg you to believe the senti
ments of sincere esteem with which I have the honor to be,
Gentlemen,
Your very devoted and grateful servant,
ALFONSO MARIA, Bishop.
After the original preserved in the oratory of the Archcon-
fraternity della Mercede and S. Alfonso, at Naples.
1 Probably this was Don Pasquale de Mauro, a native of Perdifu-
mo, in the Province of Principal Citra. He had entered
tiate, November 13, 1782.
468 General Correspondence. [PART i.
LETTER 1047.
To Sister Brianna Carafa, in the Monastery of S. Marcellino,
at Naples.
He exhorts her to perform the duties of an office that
draws her from her solitude.
Live Jesus, Mary, and Joseph !
NOCERA, January 30, 1783.
I see how much you are agitated on account of the new
charge that has been imposed upon you.
Bend your head willingly under the yoke, and do not
cease to keep your eyes fixed on God.
On the one hand, I feel compassion for you when I con
sider that you have been torn from the sweet embrace of
the beautiful Rachel, in order to be united with the blear-
eyed Lia. I wish to say that you have been drawn from
your delicious retreat, in which you have so long enjoyed
repose, in order to be thrown into the midst of business.
But, on the other hand, I have reason to be consoled, be
cause you become in this way more like Jesus Christ, who
lived among crowds of people, as well as in solitude.
Therefore, in order to resemble him, after having lived
happily in the desert, do not now be unwilling to treat with
the crowd. Move on courageously, and recommend yourself
in a special manner to Jesus Christ and to his most holy
Mother ; for now you need twofold assistance.
Pray for me. I remain. . .
After the Roman edition.
1783.1 Letter 1048. 469
LETTER 1048.
To Don Liborio Carfora.
The direction of souls is not to be sought of our own
accord.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph!
PAGANI, February 19, 1783.
Reverend and Dear Sir : I answer in a few words your
very kind letter.
In my opinion, as long as there is question of the care of
souls, it is always bad to solicit, either directly or indirect
ly, any employment connected therewith.
You should be indifferent ; and when you see that such a
charge comes from God himself, without any steps taken
on your part, voluntarily submit to the disposition of Provi
dence.
Oh, how weighty are the words of Holy Scripture: Pro
animabus vestris rationcm reddituri [As being to render an
account of your souls. — Hebr. xiii. 17].
You will thus enter, not by the window, but by the door,
and then you can depend on the assistance of our Lord, and,
consequently, find peace of conscience.
Placing myself at your service, I recommend myself to
your prayers and remain, Reverend and Dear Sir,
Your very devoted servant,
ALFONSO MARIA, Bishop.
After an old copy.
30*
470 General Correspondence. [PART i.
LETTER 1049.
To his Niece, Sister Maria Teresa, Novice in the Monastery
of S. Marcellino, at Naples.
About the choice of a confessor.
Live Jesus !
NOCERA, March 3, 1783.
I am pretty well; yet I am, after all, only a poor old
man, and it is wonderful that at this age I can move at all.
Since you find rest and peace of mind with the confessor
of the Community, continue to go to him. After three
years we shall see what is the will of God. It is so long-
since you have written to me on this subject, and you have
not yet made up your mind ! I am pleased to see that
such a choice is not made blindly; but on the other hand,
are you waiting for God to say to you : Take this one, and
not that one? — What is too much is hurtful.
I will say the prayers about which you speak. For your
part recommend me also to Jesus Christ. May Jesus and
Mary bless you always ! I remain etc.
After the Roman edition.
LETTER 1050.
To the Secretary of the Society " dei Bianchi", at Naples.
He notifies him that the obligatory Masses for a deceased
confrere have been said.
Live Jesus!
PAGANI, May 8, 1783.
I have spoken to the Father who keeps the register of
Masses, and I requested him to apply two Masses to our
Letter 7057. <-, 1
deceased confrere. > If I mistake not they have already
been celebrated.
I, indeed, believe that within a short time you will also
have to take the trouble of sending a mortuary letter about
your humble servant.
Help me by your prayers. With sentiments of sincere
esteem I remain
Your very devoted and grateful servant and confrere,
ALFONSO MARIA DE LIGUORI, Bishop.
After the original preserved in the Society del Bianchi
at Naples.
LETTER 1051.
To his Niece, Sister Maria Teresa de Liguori, Novice in the
Monastery of S. Marcellino, at Naples.
In the religious profession she should make an entire sacri
fice of herself, after the example of Jesus Christ.
Live Jesus !
NOCERA, June 23, 1783.
I hear with pleasure that the time of your profession is
approaching.
Think of making this sacrifice in a proper manner, that is
to say, by making it resemble that which Jesus Christ made
of himself to his heavenly Father. Let it be sincere, uni
versal, and permanent.
I will pray most fervently to the Lord, and I will have
others to pray, that you may obtain this grace on which,
one may say, your eternal happiness depends.
1 The Society dei Bianchi had charge of securing religious help for
those condemned to death. Each of its members had to celebrate
two Masses for every deceased confrere. St. Alphonsus entered this
pious association, April 15, 1725, having received only Minor
Orders.
472 General Correspondence. [PART r.
While informing you that I continue to live under the
weight of a thousand pains, I bless you, and remain etc.
After the Roman edition.
LETTER 1052.
To Father Diodato Criscuoli, Rector of the House at Ciorani.
Important elections to be held in the Institute. — Disposi
tions as to this matter.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph!
NOCERA UE' PAGANI, June 28, 1783.
My advanced age and my infirmities render me incapable
of governing the Congregation. I have thought of having
an election of a coadjutor, who is to succeed me after my
death in the office of Rector Major and who during my life
should be invested with my whole authority. I have also
resolved to proceed at the same time to the election of As
sistants, of a Procurator of the Congregation, and of other
officials, that is, Rectors of the houses.
For this end I communicated my resolution to his Majes
ty ; and the king having deigned to approve it by a special
decree, I wish that the whole Congregation should proceed
to the election of Assistants, of a Procurator-General, and
of other officials, and that for this purpose each house
should depute three of its priests. This election having
taken place, a Coadjutor should be chosen in the manner
prescribed by the Regolamento in the paragraph which
treats of the election of a new Rector Major, after the death
of his predecessor.1
1 By this measure, planned by the wisest Fathers, St. Alphonsus
intended to prevent a misfortune that might befall his Institute after
his death ; a misfortune that would completely ruin the houses of the
kingdom of Naples, the existence of which had already been greatly
endangered in consequence of the division that had occurred. On
the other hand, the Fathers in the Pontifical States, fortified by the
Letter
io53.
I make known to you, dear Father, this royal decision,
so that each house may at once designate the three Fathers',
who are to assist at the election of the Assistants, of the
Procurator, and of the Rectors. Each house should also
designate among those priests the one who, after the election
of which I have just spoken, should concur in the election
of my Coadjutor with all those who, by virtue of the Rego-
/ amenta, must vote at this occasion.
Please see to it that everything is done punctually, regu
larly, and that your deputies assemble here without fail on
the 22d of next July; for the above-mentioned elections will
take place on the 23d.
I wish you to acknowledge the receipt of this letter.
I conclude by blessing you and all your subjects.
ALFONSO MARIA,
Rector Major.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
LETTER 1053.
To his Niece, Sister Maria Teresa, in the Convent of
S. Marcellino, at Naples.
He congratulates her on her profession.
Live Jesus !
PAGANI, July n, 1783.
The news of your profession has, indeed, filled me with
joy, for now you may in very truth say to Jesus Christ:
Lord, now I am all J^hine.
There remains but one thing for you to do, to watch
with the greatest care over the affections of your heart and
Holy See with all the necessary powers, assembled on the I5th of
October of this year, and appointed as Rector Major Father Frances
co Antonio de Paola, in conformity with the Rule which they pro-
feised.
474 General Correspondence. [PART i.
to keep most faithfully the vows you have taken. The way
leading from the cell to heaven is, without doubt, a very safe
way; but it is, nevertheless, possible to pass from the cell
into the abyss of hell. It will not avail us much to have
lived in Jerusalem, unless in Jerusalem we have led holy
lives.
The only thing that I can do, is to recommend you to
Jesus Christ, and I promise you that I will do this with all
my heart.
I bless you in the name of Jesus and Mary, and I remain
etc.
After the Roman edition.
LETTER 1054.
To Father Diodato Criscuoli, Rector of the House at Ciorani.
He announces that the time fixed for the holding of the
Chapter has been postponed.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
[NocEKA, July 1783.]
I believed, dear Father, that all the deputies of the
houses would be able to assemble here on the 22d instant,
and afterwards proceed to the elections, conformably to the
royal instruction. But I have ascertained, that the deputies
of our house at Iliceto cannot arrive here before the 23d of
the month. On the other hand, those at Caposele cannot come
before Sunday the 27th, and may even arrive later.
Besides, Father Blasucci .says that before the 25th in
stant it would be impossible to receive any decisive answer
from Girgenti concerning the proposed elections.
You see, then, that, if we hold these elections on the day
originally fixed, the greater part of the deputies would be
missing. I have, therefore, thought it my duty to postpone
Letter io55. 475
them to another day of which notice shall be given later
on.
Communicate to all the Fathers this new decision. The
election of the deputies will, nevertheless, be valid.
I bless you and all your subjects.
ALFONSO MARIA,
Rector Major.
After an old copy.
LETTER 1055.
To the Same.
Date fixed for the opening of the Chapter.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
PAGAM, July 26, 1783.
Reverend and Dear Father: I am told that your house
has not yet chosen the three deputies who are to assist at
the next Chapter conformably to the circular which is well
known to you.
I had resolved to postpone the Chapter to a more favor
able time, in order not to create new troubles and new
dissensions, instead of procuring good order and peace.
But the deputies of the other houses heard my orders only;
they have arrived and urge me to convoke the Assembly,
the date of which had at first been fixed for the 23d instant.
I, therefore, notify you, dear Father, and your Community
at Ciorani that, if your deputies are not chosen by the ist
of next August, your house will forfeit its right, and the
election of its deputies will be declared to have lapsed.
The Chapter will then be opened by the deputies of the
other houses on August 3, without any prorogation.
476 General Correspondence. [PART i.
Please, dear Father, acknowledge the receipt of this
letter.
I give you my blessing.
ALFONSO MARIA,
Rector Major.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
LETTER 1056.
To the Fathers and Brothers of the Congregation of the Most
Holy Redeemer, in the Kingdom of Naples.
Obligation of submitting to the decisions of the Chapter.
Particular points of the primitive Rule the observance of
which must be put in force. *
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph!
PAGANI, August 30, 1783.
My dearest Fathers and Brothers in Jesus Christ: God
has deigned, in his infinite mercy, to bless the General
Chapter which has been held, with the consent of the king,
in our house at Ciorani. It was brought to a successful
conclusion; and, what consoles me most, everything ended
in peace and perfect tranquillity, to the great satisfaction of
the Fathers that were deputies. All our houses will, I
hope, receive with joy the decisions that have been given.
These decisions you will learn from the authentic copy of
the acts of the Chapter sent to each house, and after they
1 This circular of itself would suffice to prove the greatness of the
saint's attachment to the Rule approved by the Holy See, — a Rule
which, after all, was his work and from which he borrowed almost
literally all the points contained in this letter. In regard to the
Regolamento let us again say: The saint had to pass under the Cau-
dine Forks, in order not to see the work of his whole life annihilated
in the kingdom of Naples. The sacrifice was great, and every one
will admit that St. Alphonsus came forth from the ordeal a true mar
tyr.
Letter 1056. 4j;
have been read to the Community, preserve them in the
archives.
The deputies had not only brought to the Chapter instruc
tions relative to the election prescribed by our circular, they
had also been commissioned by their respective houses to
point out certain disorders and shortcomings in regard to
regular observance; and hence they also wished suitable
remedies to be applied to prevent the evil from growing
inveterate and, consequently, from becoming incurable.
But the Chapter had no other duty than that of electing
my Coadjutor, the Assistants, the Procurator-General and
the Rectors of the houses. The deputies, then, by unani
mous consent, as the acts show, arrived at the following-
decision : A list of the faults shoul be made ; it should be
sent to my Coadjutor and to me; and we both should then
take, with the advice of our Assistants, the measures that we
might judge to be necessary for the good' of the Institute.
These measures should then be imposed, not after the man
ner of a statute, but under the form of a precept, so as to
re-establish and revive in all the houses the observance of
the interior Regolamento, which his Majesty has deigned to
approve.
We wish, then, with God's help to second the just inten
tions of the Chapter, and thus, we are convinced, we shall
comply with the desire of our houses. Besides, my Coad
jutor, the Assistants, and I myself have maturely examined
and weighed everything. We, therefore, desire that the
respective Superiors and all the subjects of our houses
should exactly observe the following points which were pro
posed to us in the Chapter. This will be the means of re
viving everywhere the spirit of regular observance and
insure everywhere good order.
i. As regards the missions, we charge the Superiors who
direct them, and the local Superiors, carefully to watch
over the conduct of the missionaries and to examine whether
47 8 General Correspondence. [PART i.
the old customs, established and practised from the begin
ning, are observed ; whether, consequently, the missiona
ries preach and catechize with the learning, clearness,
gravity, and decorum suitable to the sacred pulpit ; whether
they go at their pleasure to this or that church ; whether
they abandon, without the express permission of the Super
ior of the mission, the employment assigned to them ;
whether they are edifying and reserved in their relations
with persons of the opposite sex, either in the confessional
or elsewhere ; whether they go to visit seculars without per
mission ; whether by modesty, humility, patience, virtues which
they are so strictly bound to observe by the character with
which they are invested, they edify the people, or whether they
scandalize them by their manner of acting ; whether they keep
themselves in retirement in the church or in the house of the
missionaries, attending to the ministry confided to them, or
whether they take the liberty of going out walking to amuse
themselves; whether one sees among them, charity, sub
mission, and holy harmony ; above all, whether they accept
in the spirit of obedience and without reply every employ
ment assigned to them by the Superior of the mission.
We also wish and ordain that, during the time of the
missions, religious moderation be carefully observed in
regard to their diet. Expensive meats, such as chicken,
birds, choice fish, delicate viands, fine confectioneries, and
every kind of sweetmeats — all this is forbidden during the
time of the mission; and if such things are offered as pres
ents, we desire that they be generously refused, no matter
by whom they may have been sent.
We ordain, moreover, that, conformably to the Regola-
mento, and according to an ancient custom, a meditation of
half an hour be made in common every day on the mis
sions; in winter in the morning, and in summer in the
afternoon.
Let every one be careful also to make, at least, a quar-
Letter 1056. 4?9
ter of an hour's thanksgiving after celebrating Mass. Let
every one celebrate this tremendous mystery with the
recollection and the fidelity to the rubrics required by the
Church in the celebration of the holy Mass.
Finally, we enjoin upon the respective Superiors of our
missions the important duty of informing us every month,
in detail, of the infractions of the aforesaid regulations, and!
if they desire to have a prompt remedy applied, they should
previously apply to us.
When the missionaries have returned to their respec
tive houses, the local Rectors should gather exact infor
mation about the conduct of each one of them, and keep
us informed of what may have happened during the mis
sion.
2. We impose upon the local Rectors as a matter
of conscience, not to allow the introduction of any nov
elty, of any abuse that may wound, even in the slightest
thing, holy poverty and the Community-life, which we have
sworn to observe; and if, perchance, some abuse of this
kind has been introduced, they should carefully extir
pate it.
We, therefore, forbid all our subjects to keep for their
own use, in their rooms or elsewhere, any kind of sweet
meats, chocolate, linen that has not been furnished by the
Community, tobacco other than which is contained in their
ordinary snuff-box.
Supplies of tobacco, destined for the private use of a
subject and left in charge of the econome, or of any one else,
are also forbidden. Finally, we prohibit small supplies of
articles of devotion, of fruit and the like. On the contrary,
we wish the subjects to receive from the hand of those that
govern them all those things that are required according
to their needs.
It is also our wish, that all the subjects, when they are at
home, should always keep their valises open; and the
480 General Correspondence. [PART i.
Rectors shall take care to visit every month the rooms of
their subordinates, to see whether there is anything in them
that is against holy poverty.
We forbid every subject to celebrate holy Mass, or to
have Mass said by another to his own intention, except the
Mass during the octave of All Souls' day, conformably to
the usage that has always been in vigor among us ; and for
which, moreover, no stipend whatsoever is to be accepted.
Finally, we forbid all to keep in their possession the least
sum of money, whether it be restitution, or whether fur
nished them for whatever reason by their own families. On
the contrary, we desire that every sum of this kind be de
posited in the hands of the Rector, or of him who governs
in his absence ; and as soon as the Rector returns, it must
at once be put into his hands.
By virtue of holy poverty and of the perfect Community-
life which we profess, we prohibit all the subjects to apply
to their own use or that of other persons, under whatever
pretext, any part of the emoluments, offerings or gifts, which
they may deceive for the work done by them, or for any em
ployment exercised by them, under whatever title they may
have been presented, even that of special benevolence.
We wish that all donations should be incorporated into the
Community and placed in the hands of the Superior of the
house where one lives, and from which one receives the
needed food, with all that is required for a decent mainte
nance.
Every infraction of this particular point must be rigor
ously punished by the respective Superiors ; and if it should
be grave, they must inform us of it, so that we may take
suitable measures and chastise, as it deserves, any such scan
dal, should it ever appear among us.
To remove from us the least obstacle to a perfect Commu
nity-life, the Chapter desires that the respective Superiors
should take the accustomed oath of never permitting their
I783']
Letter 1056.
subjects anything, that may wound poverty and the perfect
Community-life which we profess.
We here give the accustomed formula of this oath- and
we desire that our Coadjutor, the local Rectors, and the
Visitors should take it in the presence of the Community
before they enter upon the duties of their office.
It reads as follows :
" I, N. N., promise under oath to the divine Majesty, and
bind myself under pain of mortal sin not to permit, for any
reason whatsoever, the subjects who are living in the house,
to have for their own arbitrary use any sum of money; more
over, not to permit any one to have in his room, for his own
arbitrary use, eatables, such as fruit, sweetmeats, syrups,
chocolate, liquors, supplies of tobacco and the like ; in case
of necessity, I will furnish them to the subjects myself, or
have them furnished by those who have these things in charge.
Furthermore, I promise not to keep for my own use the
aforesaid articles, but truly to incorporate into the Commu
nity every article that may be received, whether directed to
me, or to other members of the Community. Moreover, if the
subjects are to leave home, I bind myself not to give
permission to use the money with which I must furnish
them, except for the buying of food, for travelling ex
penses, and for any other expenses which they may have
to incur, and for nothing else. May God so help me and
these his holy Gospels!"
3. Although in regard to clothing, the subjects are ordi
narily furnished with a new soutane every two years and a
simar every three years ; nevertheless, we beg all the sub
jects to become deeply imbued with the spirit of poverty,
of which they have made profession. Hence, if after the
lapse of this time, a subject finds himself well provided with
clothing, he should put off asking for new garments; for
every one should glory in sharing the poverty of Jesus
Christ, and consider that, if the Community is obliged to
31
482 General Correspondence. [PART i.
furnish what is necessary, it is not obliged to furnish what is
superfluous and useless.
The Rectors shall be particularly watchful of this point,
so that holy poverty may not be trodden under foot ; and
we forbid them to permit the subjects to have any other
soutane or simar than the old and the new. It will not be
allowed them to have more than one cloak, and if any one
having; a winter cloak, desires the use of a summer cloak,
he should borrow it from the common wardrobe, whenever
he needs it.
4. We forbid the subjects to go to the houses of their
families, except in case of urgent necessity specified in our
Rule. If the father or mother, brother or sister of a
member of the Congregation, are attacked with a grave
malady, we allow them to visit them with the permission of
the Rector of the house or of him who takes his place; but
in other cases we forbid them to visit their relatives without
our express authority, and we wish that such permissions
should not be granted by anyone, whether by the local
Rectors, or by the temporary Superiors who replace them
either at home or abroad.
5. When the respective Superiors must send a subject to
give retreats, octaves, novenas, etc., they should always
keep before their minds the requirements of propriety, and
give a companion to him whom they appoint, taking into
consideration the particular circumstances that present them
selves in each case.
6. Our Rule enjoins upon the Superiors the strict duty
of watching over the writing of letters. Hence we forbid
the subjects to write letters to any one whoever he may be
(except to the Fathers Assistants) without the knowledge
of the Rector, or of him who takes his place at home or
abroad, and we desire that, conformably to our old custom,
the letters should be shown to the Superiors.
We likewise forbid the receiving of letters which come
I7b3-] Letter 1056. 483
* from any one, except from the Assistants, and which have
not first been shown to the Superior.
The Assistants themselves shall not be exempt from this
Rule, except in regard to letters addressed to our sub
jects.
As for the letters that treat about matters of conscience,
if their contents are really of this nature, they must not be
opened or read by the Superior, although they must pass
through his hands.
7. The Rectors shall take care to call for each subject
once a month; they shall benevolently inquire about his
wants, both spiritual and temporal, shall encourage him
kindly and provide him with what he may need.
8. In order to enforce in all our houses regular observ
ance, as mentioned in our Rule, we wish that in each house
a priest be appointed by the Rector to watch over the
common exterior and public observances; and every Mon
day after dinner, in the refectory, the faults that have
been committed, shall be made known, according to the
laudable practice dating back to the beginning of the Insti
tute.
9. We charge the Superiors to keep exactly and in detail
an account of the money received and expended ; and they
shall take care to call the two Consultors every month to
revise these accounts in concert with them.
10. All the decisions reached on important matters by
the local Rectors in accord with their Consultors and
the Admonitor, should be registered in a book, kept
for this purpose, and those that have concurred, should
affix their signatures. If there is question of an expense
that exceeds one hundred ducats, the opinion of the most
discreet Fathers of the house should also be asked.
Such are, my dearest Fathers and Brothers, the disposi
tions that we have thought it our duty to make in the
interest of your souls, in order to second the laudable inten-
484 General Correspondence. [PART i.
tions of the Chapter and those that you have yourselves
manifested.
To fulfil the duty of our charge and also a duty of con
science, we shall add a general recommendation. First, it
is our wish that our interior Rule be exacty observed.
Secondly, we wish that there should be observed in all our
houses, in a uniform manner, all the old customs hitherto
so laudably practised, either at home or on our missions;
and we command the Superiors not to tolerate the least re
laxation, the least abuse on this point.
Finally, we withdraw and annul every dispensation or per
mission granted by us, or our Vicar, either to all in general,
or to any one in particular, and if there be any reason to
the contrary, let it be made known to our Coadjutor. The
latter will examine the question, will weigh before God the
reasons alleged, and will grant, if he think fit, according to
the necessities of the moment, the permissions that may
appear to him to be required.
The present circular shall be read in the refectory at the
beginning of every month ; in this way the remembrance of
it will be renewed, and the transgressors can allege no
excuse.
We entreat all to recommend us to our Lord and to
the Blessed Virgin, and to pray for the prosperity of our
Institute. We impart to all our paternal benediction.
BROTHER ALFONSO MARIA,
Rector Major.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
1783.] Letter 1057.
LETTER 1057.
To his Niece, Sister Maria Teresa de Liguori, in the Convent
of S. Marcellino at Naples.
He speaks about his approaching death ; counsels regard
ing a change of confessor.
Live Jesus, Mary, and Joseph!
NoCERA, November 20, 1783.
I have received your letter ; and I will answer it to let
you know that I am on the brink of eternity. But, thank
God, I am ready to leave this world at the first call from on
high.
It seems to me like a thousand years before I can leave
this world; so much do I desire to die in the grace of God.
I have heard of the death of one of your pupils. I am
praying for her. I also most cordially recommend to God
you and your whole Community.
You wish to change your confessor. Do not be hasty ;
for this kind of change is of little use. Wait: recommend
the affair a little longer to Jesus Christ and to the Blessed
Virgin ; for Satan always hopes to profit by this change of
confessors.
Wait at least a little while, and recommend yourself to
Jesus Christ after having received holy Communion.
I am glad that you have made the spiritual exercises.
Do not fail to recommend me every day to Jesus Christ.
I give you my blessing.
Be faithful in making acts of love to God frequently
during the day, whenever you think of doing so. Pray t
Jesus Christ for me, as I pray to him for you.
Give my regards to Donna Marianna, and tell her 1
recommend me to Jesus Christ; and do you fervently pray
to our Lord, Jesus Christ, and solicit from him the gn
31*
486 General Correspondence. [PART i.
that I most desire, the grace of a happy death, for my end
is approaching.
I bless you again.
Your very humble servant and uncle,
ALFONSO MARIA DE LIGUORI, Bishop.
After an old copy.
LETTER 1058.
To Sister Brianna Carafa, in the Monastery of S. Marcellino,
at Naples.
He consoles her in her trials.
Live Jesus, Mary, and Joseph !
NOCERA, December 5, 1783.
I have received your letter, and I learn with what anguish
you are tortured, fearing that you are abandoned by God.
This good Master never abandons any one; hence the
more you feel yourself afflicted, the more you should put
yourself into his hands. He himself assures us that he is all
goodness to the soul that hopes in him and seeks him.
Bonus est Dominus sperantibus in eum, anim<z qu&renti
ilium., [The Lord is good to them that hope in him, to the
soul that seeketh him. — Lam. iii. 25.] The more you find
yourself discouraged, the more you should put yourself into
his hands ; you will thereby oblige the Lord to help you in
a special manner. Therefore often repeat: O my Jesus! I
always wish to confide in Thee till my last breath. O my
Jesus, my Saviour! I ivish always to love Thee, and I al
ways wish to hope that Thou wilt save me, in order that I
may be able to go to love Thee in heaven for all eternity.
Offer this prayer for yourself, and for me, for I recom
mend you most cordially to Jesus Christ and I bless you.
Dilate your heart ; we have to treat with a God who is all
full of love ; it is folly deliberately to mistrust him.
I783-] Letter 1059. 487
Recommend yourself to the Blessed Virgin, and rest as
sured that she will save you. Say to her: O Mary, my
tender Mother! I wish always to love thee, and always to
trust in thee; it is thy ditty to obtain for me eternal salva
tion.
I hear that your confessor is sick ; do not neglect to ap
ply to another in whom you have confidence. But, above
all, recommend yourself to the Blessed Virgin ; pray to her
to give you a great love for Jesus Christ, and I shall do the
same for you.
Have great confidence in Jesus Christ, and never let a
day pass without making three acts of love to him. Go
every day to salute him in a special manner in the Blessed
Sacrament, so that he may give you his love. I bless you
again, and remain, etc.
After the Roman edition.
LETTER 1059.
To his Niece, Sister Maria Teresa de Liguori, in the Monas
tery of S. Marcellino, at Naples.
Christmas wishes.
Live Jesus and Mary !
NOCERA, December 25, 1783.
I thank you much for having wished me all spiritual
happiness during the solemnities of the Birth of Jesus
Christ.
I have had the same wishes for you, namely, that the
divine Infant with his little and all-powerful hand may take
from your heart all earthly affection, so that you may
entirely belong to him. This is the only happiness that is
worthy of being desired and purchased at any price.
I also thank you for the sweetmeats that you have sent
me, and I pray to the Infant Jesus, by virtue of his love, to
make sweet all the crosses that he sends you.
488 General Correspondence. [PART i.
Pray for me, who am expecting death at every moment.
I remain, etc.
After the Roman edition.
LETTER I06o.
To the Same.
He gives her some news and recommends himself to her
prayers.
Live Jesus, Mary, and Joseph !
[NocERA, the year 1784?]
I am still sick ; but, thanks be to God, I have no fever.
I am anxious to know how you are, and I beg you to
recommend me to the Blessed Virgin.
At present I feel better ; but during the past few days I
was seized with pains, from which I am now delivered.
Do not forget to say three Hail Marys to the Blessed
Virgin, that she may obtain for me peace of conscience in
the midst of so many scruples with which the devil con
stantly torments me.
I bless you, and I pray to Mary to give you holy peace.
Recite the Salve Regina every day, that she may help you
to enjoy peace ; and if you happen to be troubled, say a
Hail Mary to be delivered from your agitation, for it pre
vents your union with God.
After the Roman edition.
T784-] Letter rodi. 489
LETTER 1061.
To the Same.
He recommends to her holy abandonment.
Live Jesus, Mary, and Joseph !
NOCERA, August 17, 1784.
I have received your letter, and I have heard with pleas
ure that you have nearly recovered from your severe cough.
I pray to Jesus and Mary to grant you complete restoration
to health, so that you may be able the better to satisfy the
obligations of your state.
However, always put yourself into the hands of our
Lord, neither wishing nor asking either for health or for
sickness, but only for the perfect accomplishment in you of
the divine will.
Ask the Blessed Virgin for this grace, and ask for it
often ; she will, without doubt, obtain it for you.
As long as your health is not entirely re-established, sub
mit to the advice of Mother Abbess in regard to what con
cerns the choir, the refectory, and all the rest ; be assured
that by doing what the Mother Abbess tells you, you will
please God.
Do not allow yourself to be disquieted ; always endeavor
to preserve peace of mind.
Do not forget to pray continually that I may die a good
death ; for my end must be near, as I am eighty-eight years
of age, and am suffering from many infirmities. For my
part, I do not cease to pray for you.
I bless you, and remain etc.
After the Roman edition.
49° General Correspondence. [PART i.
LETTER 1062.
To the Same.
He exhorts her to practise patience.
Live Jesus, Mary, and Joseph !
PAGANI, August 30, 1784.
Your esteemed letter contains complaints about the lay-
sister.
I will pray to Jesus Christ to give you patience, and at
the same time to enlighten this lay-sister, that she may
enter into herself and be sanctified.
What is to be done? We must suffer a little for the love
of Jesus Christ. St. Philip Neri used to say that Paradise
is not made for cowards.
For this purpose say a prayer to the Patriarch St. Joseph
and recite the Hail Mary three times in honor of the
Blessed Virgin. Then preserve inward joy by fleeing from
melancholy as you would flee from a pestilence.
I have nothing else to say. Recommend me to Jesus
Christ, as I always do for you. I bless you, and remain
etc.
After the Roman edition.
LETTER 1063.
To the new Superior of the Redemptoristines, at Sant'
Agata.
Advantages of peace in the Community. — Means of preserv
ing it.
Live Jesus, Mary, and Joseph !
PAGANI, September 20, 1784.
I have read your letter, and have been consoled on hear
ing that you have been elected Superior of your Communi-
1784] Letter 1063. 49 l
ty, the more so since your election has quieted the troubles
that had begun to arise.
I praise the Lord for this. I will pray to the Lord, and
will always beg him to maintain this religious family, of
which he is the Father, in the peace that it has again
found; for without peace what good can we do?
As peace reigns in a family, when the respective duties
are faithfully fulfilled by each of its members, I entreat you
zealously to watch that all the religious may faithfully
observe the Rules and Constitutions, that they promised to
observe at their profession. It is thus that in all will be
maintained the peace that they now enjoy.
Especially do I beg you and your whole Community to
recommend me to the Lord for a good death ; for I am
near my term of life, being eighty-eight years old, and a
victim of many infirmities.
Moreover, if the Constitutions and customs of your Insti
tute are not opposed to it, I beg you to give the religious
habit to the daughter of my servant Alessio, for I have not
the heart to see him troubled on that account. I should
wish before death to see him entirely satisfied, and I hope
to obtain this consolation from your Community.
I bless you, and all the Sisters, and remain,
Dear Mother,
Your very devoted servant,
ALFONSO MARIA DE LIGUORI, Bishop.
After an old copy.
49 2 General Correspondence. [PART i.
LETTER 1064.
To his Niece, Sister Maria Teresa de Liguori, in the Monas
tery of S. Marcellino, at Naples.
He thanks her for her good wishes for Christmas.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA DE' PAGANI, December 17, 1784.
My dear Niece, I am extremely obliged to you for your
good wishes for Christmas ; may the Lord deign to grant
you his graces in abundance, and inflame you with his holy
love!
Thanks also for the exquisite sweetmeats which you have
sent me.
I shall very willingly pray for your spiritual Father; but
he should, on his part, recommend me to our dear
Lord. Please do the same for me, for I stand in need of
prayers.
I have nothing more to communicate. I bless you and
remain always,
Your very humble servant and uncle,
ALFONSO DE LIGUORI.
After the original preserved in the archives of our house at
Pagani.
LETTER 1065.
To the King of Naples, Ferdinand IV.
Information gathered concerning four young men who were
preparing for holy Orders.
[NocERA, October 19, 1785.]
Sire : I had humbly asked your Majesty for permission to
have holy Orders conferred on four young men of my Con-
I78>] Letter 1065. 493
gregation, although in their native place the number of
priests exceeds the proportion established by law. These
young men are the brothers Giuseppe Nicola, and Nicola
Domenico Scelsi, of Casamassima in the diocese of Bari ;
Francesco Paolo Campanella and Giovanni Stefano Poligna-
ni of Putignano in the diocese of Conversano.
Your Majesty deigned to answer my petition by a royal
rescript of January 8, of this year. According to the terms
of this rescript, I was to gather information concerning the
number of inhabitants and the number of priests of the
aforesaid places; to indicate the age of these young men;
and to examine whether they possessed the requisite quali
ties ; then to address a report of all this to your Majesty.
Conformably to your orders, I have gathered the neces
sary information in regard to the points mentioned. The
Vicar-Capitular of Bari tells me that the territory of Casa
massima counts three thousand ninety-two inhabitants and
thirty-six priests, of whom six, on account of their great
age and infirmities, are absolutely incapable of attending to
the ministry. The twin-brothers Giuseppe Nicola and Nico
la Domenico Scelsi, are eighteen years of age.
The Bishop of Conversano has furnished me with the
following report. The territory of Putignano has eight
thousand one hundred and twenty-one inhabitants, eighty-
six priests and two subdeacons. Among these priests there
are seven unable to labor in the ministry. Francesco Cam
panella is nineteen years old, and Giovanni Stefano Poligna-
ni is twenty.
Finally, I have been assured that these four young men
possess all the qualities necessary for the reception of sacred
Orders and of the priesthood.
This is the information which I was to furnish your
Majesty in accordance with your request. I, therefore,
494 General Correspondence. [PART i.
humbly renew my petition, and beg your Majesty to permit
these young men to receive holy Orders.1
I remain with profound respect, Sire,
Your Majesty's most humble servant and subject,
ALFONSO MARIA DE LIGUORI, Bishop.
After the original preserved in the archives of our house at
Pagani.
1 The petition, it seems, was favorably received; for the catalogue
of the Congregation speaks of three of the young men just men
tioned.
Supplementary Letters.
i'ettcrs.
LETTER I.
To Mgr. Teodoro Basta, Bishop of Melfi.
He gives him his opinion about the ordination of a deacon.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph!
NOCERA, March 13, 1753.
Right Reverend Sir: I received a visit from Angelo
Antonio Grazioli.i He informed me that he had been told
by Father Fiocchi that your Lordship would consent to
ordain him priest, if you received from me the assurance that
you could do so without scruple.
Here is my opinion. If your Lordship wished to dispense
Don Angelo Antonio from the interstices, you could not do
so, for the church at Atella does not happen to be in such a
case of necessity, as is required by the Council of Trent.
But if the dispensation of the interstices should be granted
by Rome, you could without scruple apply it in this case.
Moreover, according to Father Fiocchi's suggestion, I
examined the applicant for ordination, and he can be ad
mitted to the priesthood. As for the certificate De vita
1 Angelo Antonio Grazioli, born at Atella, in the diocese of Melfi,
June 13, 1727, belonged to the family of Benedetto Grazioli, a very
distinguished benefactor of the Congregation, and who is often
mentioned in the correspondence of St. Alphonsus. Before becom
ing a priest, Angelo Grazioli spent some months in a house of our
Institute, but without taking the habit. Later in 1759, he entered
the novitiate, and on the 2 1st of November, the following year, he
made his profession.
49 6 General Correspondence. [PART i.
et moribus [of good conduct and morals], I send it herewith
enclosed.
In regard to your journey to Naples, I would ask your
Lordship not to undertake it, before you have informed
me, for we must wait for the issue of certain affairs that are
known to me and that concern our Congregation. Such a
step taken at this time would prove useless ; it might even
be hurtful to us.1
Please give me, Right Reverend Sir, your blessing, and
believe me
Your Lordship's
Very humble, devoted and grateful servant,
ALFONSO DE LIGUORI,
of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer.
I, the undersigned, Rector Major of the venerable Con
gregation of priests of the Most Holy Redeemer, certify
and attest that the deacon, Don Angelo Antonio Grazioli,
of the territory of Atella, in the diocese of Melfi, has lived
among us for several months, and that during this time his
morals have always been irreproachable and his conduct
exemplary.
In testimony whereof I have drawn up the present certifi
cate, which I have signed with my hand and furnished with
the seal of my Congregation.
From our house of S. Michele Archangelo, in the city
and diocese of Nocera de' Pagani. March 13, 1753.
ALFONSO DE LIGUORI, R. M.
L. Hh .S. PASQUALE AMENDOLARA, C. SS. R.
Secretary.
After the original in possession of Mgr. Giuseppe Camassa,
Bishop of Melfi.
1 There was question of a foundation at Rionero in the diocese of
Melfi. This foundation was not made on account of the opposition
of the Neapolitan government.
1757'] Supplementary Letters.
LETTER 2.
To Father Gaspare Caione, Rector of the House at Caposele.
Removal of a Brother.— A word about the theology of
Father Berti.— Details relative to a postulant.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph!
NOCERA, January 5, 1757.
My dear Don Gasparo : I have read your letter, and I
see the embarrassment which the affair of Brother Gennaro
[Rendina] causes you; but I did not wish to refuse this
Brother to Don Benedetto [Grazioli]. For this I had very
grave reasons. He will, therefore, set out for Naples; I
have promised him and I cannot take back my word.
As for taking from a house a Brother or another necessa
ry subject to accomodate any one, that, my dear Gasparo,
I cannot do, for I would be accused of injustice or partiali
ty. We must then think of remedying the evil as well as
we can. If you have not at Caposele any subject who suits
you, Brother Domenico [Picardi] might answer. He is
young, discreet, and knows how to write. I know not
whether he can cipher, but he can be made to learn. Tell
me, therefore, at once, whether you wish me to send him.
I say, at once; for Don Benedetto wishes to have Brother
Gennaro immediately, and the latter must be sent to him
without delay ; this is important.
If you wish to have Brother Dcmenico, send the mule at
once, so that the Brother may depart without delay.
As for the mission at Castelluccia, it is not so necessary
to give it at the beginning of Lent. It will be sufficient for
you to promise, that you will send two or three Fathers
any time during Lent. But the mission at Rocca should
necessarily begin on the first Sunday of Lent. A second
mission has been promised for Lent, that of Capaccio.
Have an understanding with the Rector of Ciorani about
32
498 General Correspondence. [PART i.
the time, so that the six missionaries who are necessary,
may be furnished partly by Caposele, partly by Ciorani.
Brother Leonardo [Cicchetti) takes care of all the tempo
ral affairs of the house; he keeps an account of all the
Masses, looks after the provisions, etc. It is not possible,
I am told, to take him from here.
Father Leo has sent me eighteen carlini; but I do not
know for what purpose.
After having written the above, I read the apology of
Father Berti.1 He makes a wonderful defence; but, not
withstanding all he says, his theology would be dangerous
reading for young people. I will, however, examine it now
thoroughly.
I willingly give you a very special blessing ; and I beg
you to take courage.
As for the missions, I permit you to give one or the
other; but a Rector should not be engaged in all the
missions. Hence I say one or the other.
The young man from Caposele 2 has come to see me, but
the archbishop, as Father Leo writes, has refused to allow
him to take the habit. I was, therefore, obliged to send
him back to Caposele, that he might call upon the arch
bishop; otherwise he could not be ordained, and we
should, moreover, lose the favor of Mgr. de Conza, since I
promised him not to receive any of his diocesans without
his permission. The young man has also obtained the
votes of the Consultors, but he must yet have the permis
sion of his archbishop.
1 This is probably the work of Father Berti, entitled: " Augusti-
nianum systema de gratia ab iniqua Baianni et Janseniani erroris
insimulatione vindicatur" (Defence of the Augustinian System of
Grace, unjustly accused of Baianism and Jansenism).
2 Probably young Don Andrea Morza. See volume i. Letter 301,
page 504, note.
Supplementary Letters.
m°re' ! be§ y°u to notify
*
to
,
to Naples- Give Father Fiocchi
BROTHER ALFONSO.
Afti the original preserved at Bisceglia in the family of
Mgr. Domenico La Notte.
LETTER 3.
To Don Francesco N., at Saragnano.
Arrangement relative to a mission to be given at Saragna-
^
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph, Teresa!
NOCERA, January 21, 1758.
My dear Don Francesco : I regret to be obliged to repeat
what I have already said to Don Giuseppe. It is unbecom
ing for us to compete with the Jesuit Fathers ; for I profess
m their regard too great an esteem. On the other hand, I
know that among you there is a division of opinion, some
wishing to have the Jesuits, others the Fathers from Ciora-
ni. But Father Barra has already spoken to the parish
priest, or, at least, has already been introduced to him.
This good Father would, therefore, receive a kind of af
front, if he did not come to preach at Saragnano.
Here is what I have said to Don Giuseppe and also to
the Jesuit Father: Two of us will hear confessions and will
preach a little in the evening, if it is desired ; but Father
Barra is to preach the evening sermons. He is, moreover,
a good preacher, as you yourself have said. I had prom
ised our Fathers, it is true; but I repeat, it is not becoming
for us to be wanting in respect to the Jesuit Fathers ; I am
on too good terms with them.
500 General Correspondence. [PART i.
Please accept, my dear Sir, the expression of my very
humble respect,
Your very affectionate and devoted servant,
ALFONSO DE LIGUORI,
of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer.
After the original preserved at Saragnano by the Sarno
brothers.
LETTER 4.
To Father Gasparo Caione, Rector of the House at Caposele.
Several recommendations.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCERA, AugUSt 17, 1758.
I am happy to hear that observance flourishes in your
house. However, I would draw your attention to the three
following points.
The bread, I am told, is badly made; it is brown and of
a bad quality. I beg you to have at least the flour
purified.
In the second place, the Chapter, it seems to me, is too
long, since it ordinarily lasts a whole hour. See that it
does not continue beyond three quarters of an hour.
In the third place, the discipline also lasts too long. See
to it that the words before the pauses be not drawn out too
long; this will be a means of shortening it.
Nevertheless, I repeat, I am happy to know that observ
ance is flourishing. I bless you all. — Live Jesus, Mary,
Joseph!
BROTHER ALFONSO,
of the Most Holy Redeemer.
After the original preserved in the archives of Father
General at Rome.
Supplementary Letters. 5OI
LETTER 5.
To Father Antonio Tannoia, Rector of the House at
Caposele.
Conduct to be observed in regard to a young man whose
vocation is assailed.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
NOCKRA, July 17, 1760.
The mother of the young man from Tito * has addressed
an appeal to the king, saying that her child was the only
support of her family. The Council of the Regency im
mediately informed the Bishop of Nocera, begging him to
make the case known to me, so that I might try to console
the mother. I answered Mgr. Volpe in the following
manner: "I have in no way influenced the young man, as
his mother affirms ; he has taken the resolution and now
maintains it of his own free will ; and as he is no more than
sixteen or seventeen years old, he cannot be called the
support of his family. Moreover, in order to continue his
studies and become a priest, he would have to enter a semi
nary ; now his family would have to maintain him there at
great expense, since the bishop does not ordain any subject
who lives outside of the seminary."
Mgr. Volpe writes to me that he has already sent in his
report to that effect. If now the young man is firm, and if
it appears to you that he will be a good subject, it will be
proper to permit him to state his own case, and to address
a memorial to the king. He should tell the king, that his
family has no need of him ; that this whole affair is the
result of passion on the part of his mother, who wishes to
make him lose his vocation; that it is not true, that he has
been influenced by the Fathers ; and that he left his family
of his own accord. If his Majesty should doubt his sinceri-
1 F rater C. Santorelli. See vol. i., Letter 316, page 530.
502 General ^Correspondence. [PART i.
ty, he could be examined by some religious and sent to
some monastery, provided it be not to Tito where he would
be strongly assailed by his relatives.
This memorial should be signed by the young man, and
countersigned by a notary, and he should send it immediately.
However, I leave the matter to your prudence; for I do not
know certain circumstances which you know, such as the
qualities and intentions of the young man.
Those two young men of Vito and of Acerenza have not
yet entered the novitiate. Write, therefore, to Father Vil-
lani, whether he will give his vote. It is true, they have been
accepted; but Father Villani bitterly complains that new
subjects are taken without his knowledge. I have told him
that hereafter he shall always be informed ; do not, there
fore, receive them before writing to him.
I send you two copies of the Theology of Parigueux ; a
long time ago I sent two other copies to Ciorani, and it
seems to me that they are still there.
If you have with you the little work entitled: " Solitudi-
ne di Filagia" J [Solitude of Philagie], send it to me: I wish
to consult some passages in it concerning nuns, as I am
writing at present on that subject.2
Father Melaccio, I am told, must drink the waters ; but
up to the present he has not come. I bless you all. Live
Jesus, Mary, Joseph ! Send him immediately.
BROTHER ALFONSO,
of the Most Holy Redeemer.
[/>. S.~] L' Abate Ciceri has recovered his health. Live
Jesus and Mary !
After the original in possession of the Redemptoristines at
Yelp, Holland.
1 Work of Father de Barry, S. J., translated from the French into
Italian by Father Matteo Gherardelli.
2 The saint was then composing his work The 7'nte Spouse of Je
sus Christ.
Supplementary Letters. 503
LETTER 6.
To the Prioress of the Conservatory of S. Filippo. at Arienzo.
He points out the probable date of his arrival at Arienzo.
Live Jesus, Mary, Joseph !
SANT' AGATA, July 17, 1762.
Reverend Mother: If you desire to see me, I also, on
my part, desire to greet you and your pious Community
at Arienzo; for we all wish to become saints. For the
present I cannot leave Sant' Agata, where I am detained by
many difficult matters ; but during October I hope to be at
Arienzo, and will then speak to you at leisure.
For the present I give you the holy blessing, and I desire
very much, that you all should recommend me most parti
cularly to the Most Blessed Sacrament.
Live Jesus and Mary !
Believe me, dear Mother,
Your very devoted servant,
ALFONSO MARIA,
Bishop of Sant' Agata.
After a copy recorded in the process of the Curia of Sant'
Agata for the beatification of the servant of God, page 758.
LETTER 7.
To Father Andrea Villani.
There are cases in which one must grant dispensations.
[Date uncertain.]
It is necessary to enforce observance of Rule, but it is
not necessary to push things to extremes. The Constitu
tions do not bind more rigorously than the precepts of the
Decalogue. Cases may present themselves, in which it will
be necessary to dispense from the Rule ; and to refuse dispen-
504 General Correspondence. [PART i.
sations under these circumstances, I mean in certain rare
cases in which prudence demands a deviation from the
Rule, is not to act well, but to act badly. . .
After a copy recorded in the process of the Curia of Sant'
Agata for the beatification of the servant of God, page 1207.
Deposition of Father Tannoia.
fciguori, A.M.
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