Alphonsus (Alonso) Rodriguez, SJ was a Spanish Jesuit priest and spiritual writer of renown.

At the age of twenty, he entered the Society of Jesus. He was ordained in 1624 and became a missionary to Paraguay and Brazil. After completing his studies, he taught moral theology for twelve years at the College of Monterey, and subsequently filled the post of master of novices for twelve more years. He was rector for seventeen years, and spiritual guide at Cordova for eleven years. As master of novices, he had under his charge Francisco Suárez, the celebrated theologian.

Alonso's characteristics in these offices were care, diligence, and charity. He was a religious of great piety and candour, hating all pride and ostentation. It was said of him by those who were personally acquainted with him, that his character and virtues were accurately depicted in Ejercicio de perfección y virtudes cristianas, published at Seville, in 1609.

This work is based on the material which he collected for his spiritual exhortations to his brethren and published at the request of his superiors. It is a book of practical instructions on all the virtues which perfect the Christian life, whether lived in the cloister or in the world. It became popular at once and remained in use till the era of Vatican II by all classes of Christians, particularly by those who had entered religious life.

With Saint Rocco Gonzalez and Saint Juan de Castillo, he helped to establish the “decrease” of the Assumption on the Ijuhi River. In 1628 they built up the All-Saints mission in Caaro, Brazil.

Alonso was killed 15 days into his preacher work. He is one of the Jesuit Martyrs of Paraguay, the main saints in the Americas to be beautified.

Other Saints of the Day
1. Saint Abaidas
2. Saint Antoninus
3. Saint Arnulf
4. Saint Bega
5. Saint Notburga