St. Alphonsus Rodriguez was a Jesuit, who before he became one had a wife and three children, all of whom died. He became a simple porter on the island of Majorca and influenced many, from every state of life, mostly important personages, who came to learn from him.
His father was friends with Blessed Peter Favre and he himself was friends with St. Peter Claver. We are known by our friends! The holy gravitate to one another, as do the sinful; The latter contributing to descent and spirals of defeat, the former to ascent and cycles of blessing.
St. Alphonsus died on Halloween in 1617 and was canonized along with his friend St. Peter Claver. Remember this great saint who lives and reigns with Christ for all eternity. May we join him!
