The Divine Office: Explanation of the Psalms and Canticles

The Ascetical Works #XIV

by Alfonso María de Liguori

— A Classic — Includes Active Table of Contents — Includes Religious Illustrations

This difficult work, composed at so advanced an age, amidst sufferings almost continual, and numerous occupations, excited at Naples the admiration of learned men. According to Canon Massa, professor of theology and ecclesiastical examiner, the author in his work explains so skilfully the sense and the obscure passages of the psalms, that without taking anything from the purity of the inspired word he aids both the heart and the mind of those that read it. The Holy See has frequently praised and recommended all the works of St. Alphonsus; but the decree of March 23, 1871, which conferred on St. Alphonsus the title of Doctor of the Church, makes special mention of this work, speaking of it as one of his most useful and salutary works. The decree says: “He [St. Alphonsus] has made clear dark passages of the Holy Scriptures, both in his ascetic writings, which are freighted with a celestial odor, and in a most salutary commentary, in which, for the nourishment of piety and the instruction of the soul, he has given expositions of the Psalms, as well as of the Canticles, for the benefit especially of those obliged to its recitation.”

Aeterna Press

Genres: Catholic, Theology

284 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1774

About the author

Saint Alfonso María de Liguori, CSsR (1696–1787), was an Italian Catholic bishop, spiritual writer, composer, musician, artist, poet, lawyer, scholastic philosopher, and theologian.

He founded the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (the Redemptorists). In 1762 he was appointed Bishop of Sant'Agata dei Goti. A prolific writer, he published nine editions of his "Moral Theology" in his lifetime, in addition to other devotional and ascetic works and letters. Among his best known works are "The Glories of Mary" and "The Way of the Cross", the latter still used in parishes during Lenten devotions.

He was canonized in 1839 by Pope Gregory XVI and proclaimed a Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius IX in 1871. One of the most widely read Catholic authors, he is the patron saint of confessors.