St. Alphonsus Rodriguez
Spanish Jesuit lay brother who served for forty-six years as porter at the Jesuit College of Montesión in Palma de Mallorca. A successful merchant who lost his wife and three children, he entered the Society of Jesus as a lay brother and embraced the door-keeping office as his way to sanctity, opening doors with the words 'I am coming, Lord.' His direction shaped the vocation of St. Peter Claver, and the English Jesuit poet Gerard Manley Hopkins composed a famous sonnet in his honor.
Life & Times
Also known as: Alfonso Rodríguez; Alonso Rodríguez; the Holy Doorkeeper · Born: July 25, 1532 · Died: October 31, 1617 · From: Segovia, Spain; Mallorca.
Patronage
St. Alphonsus Rodriguez is invoked as the patron of mallorca, the society of jesus, lay brothers, doorkeepers. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
“I am coming, Lord.”— His response each time the doorbell rang at the Jesuit College of Mallorca, where he served as porter for 46 years; recorded in his Jesuit biographies
Shop St. Alphonsus Rodriguez Products
Devotional items honoring St. Alphonsus Rodriguez, from our Sancta Lumina collection and beyond.
About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. Alphonsus Rodriguez, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.