Liturgy & Devotions | Daily Saints

February 19

by Catholic.org | Source: Catholic.net

Alvarez was born in either Lisbon, Portugal, or Cordoba, Spain. He entered the Dominican convent at Cordoba in 1368. He became known for his preaching prowess in Spain and Italy, was confessor and adviser of Queen Catherine, John of Gaunt's daughter, and tutor of King John II in his youth. He reformed the court, and then left the court to found a monastery near Cordoba.

   There the Escalaceli (ladder of heaven) that he built became a center of religious devotion. He successfully led the opposition to antipope Benedict XII (Peter de Luna), and by the time of his death was famous all over Spain for his teaching, preaching, asceticism, and holiness. His cult was confirmed in 1741.

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