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The Twelve Steps to Holiness and Salvation by St. Alphonsus Liguori (1986) Paperback
The 12 virtues we must all acquire to be happy in this world and to save our souls. Many of our readers rate this the most beautiful and inspiring book they have ever read. For absolutely everyone!
Paperback
First published June 1, 1986
118 people are currently reading
342 people want to read
About the author
Alfonso María de Liguori
1,224 books188 followersSaint 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
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March 22, 2021Last week my Spiritual Director mentioned this book, then photocopied and emailed me a page from it. I remembered I had it, located it and discovered I had started it back in 2008. It did not look I finished it, so will take this up when I finish Remember Your Death (Memento Mori): A Lenten Devotional.
April 16, 2018
This book is filled with advice gleaned from various saints to get to heaven. I love this book and plan on reading it once a year.
July 7, 2025
Fantastic for daily spiritual reading. I'd recommend taking it small bites because even a couple pages provides plenty to dwell on for a day.
March 31, 2021
Overview: Definitely a book you can learn a lot from about growing closer to God. St. Alphonsus did a good job consolidating the different experiences and knowledge of multiple Saints with his own experience into an easy to read book. I agree that these steps are key to salvation.
My takeaway: It was interesting to journey through this book and have it explain events in my life and guide me through situations I had questions about. Steps to Salvation can almost make it sound like we’re working to be saved but as I read I saw it more as a guide on how to handle the situations God has placed before us.
Our faith will be shown by our works (James 2:18).
Recommendations: Read through this book slowly. One chapter at a time, with a break in between chapters. Take notes if necessary.
My takeaway: It was interesting to journey through this book and have it explain events in my life and guide me through situations I had questions about. Steps to Salvation can almost make it sound like we’re working to be saved but as I read I saw it more as a guide on how to handle the situations God has placed before us.
Our faith will be shown by our works (James 2:18).
Recommendations: Read through this book slowly. One chapter at a time, with a break in between chapters. Take notes if necessary.
June 16, 2012
Interesting and straightforward book about how one should go about trying to achieve eternal salvation. It's a good reminder (to me) that my trials and tribulations in life are very minor compared to the suffering of dying on the Cross.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2023
Great read! Very relatable and much needed advice in a world desiring to keep in step with the Jones'.
March 14, 2019
Excellent reading , written in easily understood style . Inspirational
March 19, 2023
Alphonsus Liguori, Saint and Doctor within the Catholic Church, is perhaps best to known to most Catholics as the author of the text of the Stations of the Cross widely used across the world. A bishop in the Kingdom of Naples in the 18th Century, probably recognized as a Doctor of the Church because of his massive work within the realm of Moral Theology.
This book, it seems, is a collection of his writings on 12 virtues. From the preface: “The present volume is made up of choice selections from the various ascetical writings of the Saint. The order of virtues considered is that followed by the spiritual sons of St. Alphonsus in the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer. For each month of the year is assigned a particular virtue to which they are to devote their especial attention. This is a practice highly recommended by the masters of the spiritual life, and is fraught with the happiest results. It is hoped that the faithful will derive spiritual profit and pleasure from this course in “The School of Christian Perfection.””
My curiosity in this book stems primarily in my interest in drawing comparisons between Christian and Buddhist traditions that engage and train people in the spiritual path. So, these are the 12 virtues, and I’ve organized them on the left, and then accompanied them to the right with accompanying ideas from Buddhism, whether they be aspects of the Noble Eightfold Path, the Six Paramitas, the Seven factors of awakening, etc. I’ve just roughly sketched these out for my own edification.
(Faith
Hope) - Right view, Buddhist idea of faith
Love of God - Metta
Love for Our Neighbor - Dana, Metta
Poverty - Dana, Detachment
Chastity - Right action, Right thought
Obedience - No-self
Meekness and Humility - No-self, Joy
Mortification - Detachment, Right Speech
(Recollection
Prayer) - Meditation, Mindfulness
Self-Denial and Love of the Cross - Kshanti, Tonglen, Virya, Equanimity
Within this book, then, seems to be a path of genuine spiritual development, albeit couched in the cultural mores, and even some superstitions, of the times. Here are some quotes I saved that I think really stand out in this regard:
“In the year 1624, the son of a pious Japanese was condemned to death. When the young man took leave of his mother, he spoke to her in the following words: “Dear mother, at last the hour is come for which I have yearned so long, and for which I have so often prayed to God. I am now going to die. Pardon me all the trouble and sorrow I have caused you, and give me a mother’s blessing.” He then knelt to receive her blessing. His mother embraced him tenderly and said: “My dear boy, may God bless you and grant you the grace to die a holy death. It pains my heart to lose you; but I am consoled with the thought that you die for Jesus Christ. May He be forever blessed for this great grace He bestows on you.” Hereupon the young man betook himself to the executioner to receive the stroke of death. What a magnificent example of detachment from relatives!”
“A certain woman who was regarded as a saint was tempted one day by an evil thought. Failing to reject it at once, she became guilty of grievous sin. From false shame she neglected to confess the sinful thought she had yielded to, and shortly after, died. Now the Bishop of the place had considered her a saint, and accordingly he had her buried in his own chapel. On the following day the unfortunate soul appeared to him and declared that, owing to a sinful thought to which she had consented, she was eternally lost.”
“The Mother of God revealed to one of her servants that Our Lord when dying for us entertained a very special love for obedient souls.” (These types of uncitable anecdotes are quite common and seem suspiciously made up to scare novices into obedience)
While there are plenty of examples like this, I found the end of the book to be more rich in meaning and lacking this kind of folksy storytelling. His reflections on mortification, recollection, prayer, and taking up of the cross were more moving.
“If a crystal vase is filled with earth, the rays of the sun cannot penetrate it.”
Indeed.
This book, it seems, is a collection of his writings on 12 virtues. From the preface: “The present volume is made up of choice selections from the various ascetical writings of the Saint. The order of virtues considered is that followed by the spiritual sons of St. Alphonsus in the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer. For each month of the year is assigned a particular virtue to which they are to devote their especial attention. This is a practice highly recommended by the masters of the spiritual life, and is fraught with the happiest results. It is hoped that the faithful will derive spiritual profit and pleasure from this course in “The School of Christian Perfection.””
My curiosity in this book stems primarily in my interest in drawing comparisons between Christian and Buddhist traditions that engage and train people in the spiritual path. So, these are the 12 virtues, and I’ve organized them on the left, and then accompanied them to the right with accompanying ideas from Buddhism, whether they be aspects of the Noble Eightfold Path, the Six Paramitas, the Seven factors of awakening, etc. I’ve just roughly sketched these out for my own edification.
(Faith
Hope) - Right view, Buddhist idea of faith
Love of God - Metta
Love for Our Neighbor - Dana, Metta
Poverty - Dana, Detachment
Chastity - Right action, Right thought
Obedience - No-self
Meekness and Humility - No-self, Joy
Mortification - Detachment, Right Speech
(Recollection
Prayer) - Meditation, Mindfulness
Self-Denial and Love of the Cross - Kshanti, Tonglen, Virya, Equanimity
Within this book, then, seems to be a path of genuine spiritual development, albeit couched in the cultural mores, and even some superstitions, of the times. Here are some quotes I saved that I think really stand out in this regard:
“In the year 1624, the son of a pious Japanese was condemned to death. When the young man took leave of his mother, he spoke to her in the following words: “Dear mother, at last the hour is come for which I have yearned so long, and for which I have so often prayed to God. I am now going to die. Pardon me all the trouble and sorrow I have caused you, and give me a mother’s blessing.” He then knelt to receive her blessing. His mother embraced him tenderly and said: “My dear boy, may God bless you and grant you the grace to die a holy death. It pains my heart to lose you; but I am consoled with the thought that you die for Jesus Christ. May He be forever blessed for this great grace He bestows on you.” Hereupon the young man betook himself to the executioner to receive the stroke of death. What a magnificent example of detachment from relatives!”
“A certain woman who was regarded as a saint was tempted one day by an evil thought. Failing to reject it at once, she became guilty of grievous sin. From false shame she neglected to confess the sinful thought she had yielded to, and shortly after, died. Now the Bishop of the place had considered her a saint, and accordingly he had her buried in his own chapel. On the following day the unfortunate soul appeared to him and declared that, owing to a sinful thought to which she had consented, she was eternally lost.”
“The Mother of God revealed to one of her servants that Our Lord when dying for us entertained a very special love for obedient souls.” (These types of uncitable anecdotes are quite common and seem suspiciously made up to scare novices into obedience)
While there are plenty of examples like this, I found the end of the book to be more rich in meaning and lacking this kind of folksy storytelling. His reflections on mortification, recollection, prayer, and taking up of the cross were more moving.
“If a crystal vase is filled with earth, the rays of the sun cannot penetrate it.”
Indeed.
December 10, 2023
I read a paperbook edition reprinted by TAN Books however this is one of the few that seemed to have correct author attribution and visibility on this site. The TAN version is adapted from the German translations by Rev. Paul Leick, by Rev. Cornelius J Warren, C.SS.R.
What can I say about it? I wish someone had given me this book and insisted I read it as a much younger man. Over the last year I've become determined to read more about my faith delve deeper into exactly what the Catholic Church teaches about myriad subjects. I am not disappointed. That St. Alphonsus Liguouri is recommended by many popes and even secular scholars is not a fluke.
As the back cover of the paperback remarks, there is not one wasted word, not one extraneous paragraph, not one useless element in the book. It's masterful in its parsimony, and so clear, concise and instructive that anyone from a dedicated Church scholar or seminarian to a high school student could learn much from it and benefit. Even if you are not a believer, the wisdom in here is such that you will gain, I promise you.
As short as this is, as easy as it is to read, you cannot speed through it. You must go paragraph by paragraph, heading by heading, and take the time to think deeply about it. You will be challenged in your assumptions and in your self-knowledge. This book may be the best tool for self-examination I've encountered thus far in my life.
What can I say about it? I wish someone had given me this book and insisted I read it as a much younger man. Over the last year I've become determined to read more about my faith delve deeper into exactly what the Catholic Church teaches about myriad subjects. I am not disappointed. That St. Alphonsus Liguouri is recommended by many popes and even secular scholars is not a fluke.
As the back cover of the paperback remarks, there is not one wasted word, not one extraneous paragraph, not one useless element in the book. It's masterful in its parsimony, and so clear, concise and instructive that anyone from a dedicated Church scholar or seminarian to a high school student could learn much from it and benefit. Even if you are not a believer, the wisdom in here is such that you will gain, I promise you.
As short as this is, as easy as it is to read, you cannot speed through it. You must go paragraph by paragraph, heading by heading, and take the time to think deeply about it. You will be challenged in your assumptions and in your self-knowledge. This book may be the best tool for self-examination I've encountered thus far in my life.
July 10, 2023
St. Alfonsus Liguori, a Doctor of the Church, is my spiritual comfort. How can I, here in 2023, feel such joy, love and profound spirituality whenever I read his writings? But I do. I have read many of his books, and will read them over again when I get to the end of his writings. His work expresses such love for God that it brings me to tears. This is another one that guides the reader to holiness and communion with our Lord through reflecting on many of the saints who came before him, and his own holy wisdom and love. St. Alphonsus Liguori, pray for us!
Read
March 19, 2025Great Work
I love the examples of the stories and quotations of great men and women given in the book. They no doubt have helped me to see very well how to navigate life joyfully no matter what I am going through. It's a book that can be read by everyone.
I love the examples of the stories and quotations of great men and women given in the book. They no doubt have helped me to see very well how to navigate life joyfully no matter what I am going through. It's a book that can be read by everyone.
September 3, 2021
A Gem! 💎
Amazing! I loved it and it really helps one to dwell deeper in our beautiful faith written by a doctor of the church!
Amazing! I loved it and it really helps one to dwell deeper in our beautiful faith written by a doctor of the church!
September 8, 2021
Great book, enjoyed the beautiful writing from saint Alphonsus. He is such a prolific writer and it’s not to complex to understand. Looking for spiritual growth? This is the book for you!
April 14, 2023
A spiritual classic!! Many practical tips from the saints and from scripture.
July 2, 2025
• Faith: the belief in God and his revealed truths.
• Hope: the trust in God and his promises.
• Love of God: the supreme love for God above all things.
• Love of neighbor: the love for others as ourselves, and as God loves them.
• Poverty: the detachment from worldly goods and the preference for spiritual riches.
• Chastity: the purity of body and mind, according to one’s state of life.
• Obedience: the submission to God and his will, and to the lawful authorities.
• Meekness or humility: the gentleness and lowliness of heart, and the recognition of our own
nothingness before God.
• Mortification: the discipline of the senses and the passions, and the acceptance of sufferings
for the love of God.
• Recollection: the interior silence and the attention to God’s presence and action in our soul.
• Prayer: the conversation with God and the lifting up of our mind and heart to him.
• Self-denial or love of the cross: the renunciation of our own will and the embrace of God’s will,
especially in trials and tribulations.
The book compiled from the writings of St. Alphonsus Liguori, a Catholic saint and doctor of the Church provides practical advice and examples on how to practice these virtues in daily life, and how to overcome the obstacles and temptations that may hinder them. The book is considered one of the classic works of spirituality and is suitable for anyone who wants to grow in holiness and attain eternal salvation.
In the inaugural chapter, entitled "Faith," Liguori establishes the fundamental principles for the spiritual journey toward holiness and salvation. He conceptualizes faith not as a static belief system but as an active, living trust in God—a trust that serves as the foundation and the sustaining force for every other virtue. Liguori posits that authentic faith transcends mere intellectual assent, representing instead a profound, genuine commitment to the tenets of Christianity that engenders a comprehensive transformation of the individual, compelling surrender of one's volition in accordance with God's divine design.
Faith, portrayed as a divine grace in the chapter, equips believers to confront life’s trials and doubts, encourages a deepening trust in God through prayer, contemplation, and spiritual discipline, and ultimately empowers them to transcend worldly distractions, nurturing hope, cultivating charity, and drawing them into deeper communion with the divine.
Furthermore, the text encourages the reader to introspect, emphasizing the necessity of ongoing spiritual rejuvenation and fortification of faith. It asserts that this profound spiritual exercise serves as the foundational basis from which all subsequent stages of spiritual growth and sanctification naturally emanate. By grounding one's life in a sincere and robust trust in divine mercy, the soul is better prepared to receive God's grace and progress steadily on the path toward salvation.
This chapter's discussion is designed to inform and inspire. It is a call to cultivate a resilient and dynamic faith that meets the challenges of everyday life with steadfast hope and deliberate action.
Beyond this initial step, you may find it enriching to explore how subsequent chapters build on this foundation. For example, the subsequent chapters on hope, the love of God, and the love of neighbor offer complementary practices that infuse the believer’s life with divine grace and moral clarity. These practices create a holistic path toward true holiness and salvation.
Holiness is only attainable through self-denial and the Cross. Those who embrace the Cross out of love for Christ will find peace, strength, and the promise of eternal glory.
• Hope: the trust in God and his promises.
• Love of God: the supreme love for God above all things.
• Love of neighbor: the love for others as ourselves, and as God loves them.
• Poverty: the detachment from worldly goods and the preference for spiritual riches.
• Chastity: the purity of body and mind, according to one’s state of life.
• Obedience: the submission to God and his will, and to the lawful authorities.
• Meekness or humility: the gentleness and lowliness of heart, and the recognition of our own
nothingness before God.
• Mortification: the discipline of the senses and the passions, and the acceptance of sufferings
for the love of God.
• Recollection: the interior silence and the attention to God’s presence and action in our soul.
• Prayer: the conversation with God and the lifting up of our mind and heart to him.
• Self-denial or love of the cross: the renunciation of our own will and the embrace of God’s will,
especially in trials and tribulations.
The book compiled from the writings of St. Alphonsus Liguori, a Catholic saint and doctor of the Church provides practical advice and examples on how to practice these virtues in daily life, and how to overcome the obstacles and temptations that may hinder them. The book is considered one of the classic works of spirituality and is suitable for anyone who wants to grow in holiness and attain eternal salvation.
In the inaugural chapter, entitled "Faith," Liguori establishes the fundamental principles for the spiritual journey toward holiness and salvation. He conceptualizes faith not as a static belief system but as an active, living trust in God—a trust that serves as the foundation and the sustaining force for every other virtue. Liguori posits that authentic faith transcends mere intellectual assent, representing instead a profound, genuine commitment to the tenets of Christianity that engenders a comprehensive transformation of the individual, compelling surrender of one's volition in accordance with God's divine design.
Faith, portrayed as a divine grace in the chapter, equips believers to confront life’s trials and doubts, encourages a deepening trust in God through prayer, contemplation, and spiritual discipline, and ultimately empowers them to transcend worldly distractions, nurturing hope, cultivating charity, and drawing them into deeper communion with the divine.
Furthermore, the text encourages the reader to introspect, emphasizing the necessity of ongoing spiritual rejuvenation and fortification of faith. It asserts that this profound spiritual exercise serves as the foundational basis from which all subsequent stages of spiritual growth and sanctification naturally emanate. By grounding one's life in a sincere and robust trust in divine mercy, the soul is better prepared to receive God's grace and progress steadily on the path toward salvation.
This chapter's discussion is designed to inform and inspire. It is a call to cultivate a resilient and dynamic faith that meets the challenges of everyday life with steadfast hope and deliberate action.
Beyond this initial step, you may find it enriching to explore how subsequent chapters build on this foundation. For example, the subsequent chapters on hope, the love of God, and the love of neighbor offer complementary practices that infuse the believer’s life with divine grace and moral clarity. These practices create a holistic path toward true holiness and salvation.
Holiness is only attainable through self-denial and the Cross. Those who embrace the Cross out of love for Christ will find peace, strength, and the promise of eternal glory.
May 19, 2025
St. Alphonsus Liguori always seems to find my weakness, the area I need to work on. These are excellent meditations on what is keeping us back from holiness and what we need to do to up our game.
An example: We all need to rein in our tongue which complains and talks of others far too often. We are so easily wounded by the thoughtless speech of others: "You might possibly say to yourself when your faults are spoken of: 'That is the least they can say about me; what if they knew all'".
The further we advance spiritually, the more we know of our faults. This book will be that mirror.
An example: We all need to rein in our tongue which complains and talks of others far too often. We are so easily wounded by the thoughtless speech of others: "You might possibly say to yourself when your faults are spoken of: 'That is the least they can say about me; what if they knew all'".
The further we advance spiritually, the more we know of our faults. This book will be that mirror.
December 5, 2019
92/100 (= 5.5/6) ≈ 5 Stars
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Super good! Like everything from St. Alphonsus -- it's a compilation of excerpts from his other books. Good for people who might not have the unabridged books, or even just as a way to show some of the main topics that he often talks about in other books.
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Super good! Like everything from St. Alphonsus -- it's a compilation of excerpts from his other books. Good for people who might not have the unabridged books, or even just as a way to show some of the main topics that he often talks about in other books.
April 16, 2015
Catholic Classic written by a man who knew His God and knew human nature better than most. Terrific insights into the spiritual life and way to get to Heaven.
October 26, 2025
eternal greater of all we see or will ever see forever.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews