Saint Alonso Rodriguez

Biography

Saint Alonso Rodriguez, also known as Alphonsus Rodriguez, was born on July 25, 1532, in Segovia, Spain. He was the third of eleven children in the family of a wealthy wool merchant, Diego Rodriguez. At the age of ten, Alonso had the fortunate encounter with the Blessed Peter Faber, who prepared him for his First Communion. This encounter had a significant impact on Alonso's spiritual journey. When Alonso was fourteen, his father passed away, and he returned home to assist in managing the family business. However, Alonso's business suffered, and two of his children died in infancy, leaving only one son surviving. Tragedy struck again when Alonso's wife, Mary Suarez, passed away, leaving him a widower in his early thirties. Shortly after, his mother also passed away. Facing these immense sorrows and losses, Alonso decided to follow his calling to the religious life. He gave away what little he had left and attempted to join the Jesuits. Unfortunately, he did not meet the educational requirements and was denied entry. Alonso then attended the College of Barcelona, but due to various challenges, he was unable to complete his studies. Despite these setbacks, Alonso's deep spirituality and devotion to prayerful meditation continued to grow. Alonso's commitment to self-imposed austerities nearly destroyed his health. At the age of sixty, he was ordered to start sleeping in a bed instead of the chair, bench, or ground he had been using. Eventually, with the recommendation of Jesuit Father Luis Santander, Alonso was admitted as a Jesuit lay-brother on January 31, 1571, in Valencia, Spain. He began studying alongside children, dedicating himself to a life of humble service. For the next forty-six years, Alonso served as a porter and doorkeeper at the Jesuit college of Montesión in Palma, Mallorca, Spain. His duties included delivering packages, ensuring the lodging of travelers, and offering alms to the poor. Despite his humble post, Alonso's influence touched many lives throughout his service. He had a strong devotion to Saint Ursula and was extremely obedient to his superiors, even to the point of following their instructions literally. During his time at Montesión, Alonso became friends and roommates with Saint Peter Claver. He advised Peter to request missionary work in South America, showcasing his desire to spread the Gospel beyond his own surroundings. At the age of fifty-four, Alonso professed his final vows as a Jesuit, continuing his journey of faith and devotion. Saint Alonso Rodriguez was known for his fervent prayer and was reputed to have the ability to heal through the power of his prayers. The night before his death, he experienced a visionary ecstasy. While some authors claim that he wrote the Little Office of the Immaculate Conception, his role was simply to make it more popular. He left behind a collection of manuscripts containing journal entries, reflections, simple illustrations, and spiritual musings. These writings, known as the Spiritual Works of Blessed Alonso Rodriguez, were published in Barcelona in 1885. They are celebrated for their simplicity, sound doctrine, and profound spiritual understanding. Saint Alonso Rodriguez died on October 31, 1617, in Palma, Mallorca, Spain, of natural causes. He is represented as an old Jesuit with two hearts on his breast connected by rays of light to Christ and the Virgin. His relics are enshrined in Majorca, Spain. He was venerated by Pope Urban VIII in 1626, beatified by Pope Leo XII on January 15, 1825, and canonized by Pope Leo XIII on January 15, 1888. Saint Alonso Rodriguez is the patron saint of Majorca, both the city and the island in Spain. His life is a testament to perseverance, humility, and deep devotion to prayer and service.