Beyond Rigid Rules or Excessive Fear to Compassion and God's Love

On the Feast of Saint Alphonsus, Fr. Ino reflected on the saint's lifelong struggle with scrupulosity - an excessive fear of sin and of not being good enough before God. Through relatable and daily life examples, Fr. Ino reminds us that not every mistake, distraction or forgotten responsibility is a sin. Despite his own struggles, Saint Alphonsus did not become rigid or fearful; instead, he grew in compassion, understanding and love, eventually becoming the patron saint of moral theologians. His life reminds us that while rules have their place, faith is ultimately about the heart - trusting in God's love and extending that love to others. Saturday Novena Devotion by Fr. Victorino Cueto, C.Ss.R. (1 August 2026)