This year, the National Jesuit Brothers Committee is celebrating the 475th birthday of St. Alphonsus Rodriguez, S.J. Born on July 25, 1533, in Segovia, Spain, Alphonsus was the son of a successful wool and cloth merchant whose household provided hospitality to Blessed Peter Faber, one of St. Ignatius’ first companions, when that Jesuit came to Segovia to preach.  According to Joseph N. Tylenda, S.J., author of Jesuit Saints & Martyrs, “On January 6, 1571…Alphonsus entered the Jesuit novitiate and after six months was instructed to go to the Jesuit college of Montesíon in Palma on the island of Majorca off the coast of Spain to complete his novitiate training. Alphonsus…was to remain there for the next forty-six years of his life.”
As the college’s doorkeeper, he tried to see Christ in each of the guests who came to the door. “In his memoirs Alphonsus informs us that...on his way to the door he would repeatedly say, ‘I’m coming, Lord.’ ” Alphonsus was always appreciated for his kindness and holiness, but only after his death did his memoirs and spiritual notes reveal the quality and depth of his prayer life. The humble brother had been favored by God with remarkable mystical graces, ecstasies, and visions. Brother Alphonsus died on October 31, 1617, with "the name of his Savior on his lips,” notes Tylenda. He was canonized by Pope Leo XIII in 1888. St. Alphonsus Rodriguez is the patron saint of Jesuit brothers; his feast day is celebrated on October 31. Prayer attributed to Alphonsus Rodriguez Lord, let me know you, let me know myself.
Lord, you do your will and not mine.
I’m just coming, Lord. --from Hearts on Fire: Praying with Jesuits In Honor of St. Alphonsus Rodriguez, S.J. They say we gain honor
And recognition
From great struggles,
Deeds fought against a visible enemy. Certainly we should praise such bravery,
Especially remembering those who have fallen
On the fields of battle -
As we do the Lord, Jesus Christ,
And those who have died for Him. But what if the struggle is hidden within the heart
Where no weapons can be seen,
Nor armor to hide behind;
And even though the battle is most fierce,
No sound is heard.
What then? But remember!
God could crown such a career with success,
Even though years passed by
Without anything even worth noting. Such was the case with Alphonsus
At the door,
A mere porter for a life time,
A gate keeper,
His eyes always on Christ. --Adapted from a poem by Gerard Manley Hopkins, S.J., by William Breault, S.J., California Province. Used by permission.
To learn more about Jesuit brothers Visit the website of the National Jesuit Brothers Committee: http://www.njbc.com/index.html Listen to a podcast by Brother Joseph Frias, S.J., California Province: http://www2.calprov.org:81/files/jesuits_fjoseph.mp3
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