The Catholic Church commemorates the feast of Saint Alphonsus Rodriguez on October 31

The Church celebrates the feast of Saint Alphonsus Rodriguez, a Jesuit brother born in Chiclana, Spain, in 1533. After the death of his father, Rodriguez left his studies to help his family manage their wool and fabric business. He married and had children, but lost his wife and children within a few years while his business also failed. These experiences led him to seek spiritual direction and eventually join the Society of Jesus.

Rodriguez faced initial rejection from the Jesuits due to his age, health, and education level, but he was accepted as a brother in 1571. He served as a doorkeeper at the Montesion College in Palma de Mallorca for most of his religious life. During his time in Mallorca, he influenced Saint Peter Claver, encouraging him to serve enslaved Africans in the New World.

Pope Leo XII beatified Rodriguez in 1825, and Pope Leo XIII canonized him in 1888. He died on October 31, 1617.