Which Catholic saint founded the Redemptorists in 1732 and later became a Doctor of the Church?

Saint Alphonsus Liguori founded the Redemptorists in 1732 and later became a Doctor of the Church.

Alphonsus Liguori was born near Naples in 1696. He first trained and worked as a lawyer, but after losing an important case he entered the priesthood. He devoted his ministry to rural and poor communities, emphasizing accessible preaching, confession, and moral theology.

In 1732 he founded the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, commonly called the Redemptorists, at Scala near Amalfi. The congregation was established to evangelize people who were spiritually neglected, particularly in rural areas.

Alphonsus later became bishop of Sant’Agata de’ Goti but eventually retired because of poor health. He wrote extensively on moral theology and Marian devotion. Pope Pius IX declared him a Doctor of the Church in 1871, recognizing his lasting theological influence.