Saint Philip Neri
Priest, Founder
“The Apostle of Rome”
(1515-1595)

Saint’s Life Story

His Early Life

Filippo (Philip) Romolo was born in Florence, Italy on July 22, 1515, one of four children to Francisco and Lucrezia. Philip’s father worked as a notary and the family struggled financially. Tragically, Philip’s brother passed away in childhood, leaving him with his two sisters, Caterina and Elisabetta. His mother also died when he was very young, but a very capable and competent stepmother filled her place.

As a young boy, Philip showed great devotion and was taught humanities by the Dominicans. Called Pippo Buono or “good little Phil” from boyhood, Philip had a very sociable disposition and he used this to lead people to God.

Moved to San Germano

At the age of 18, in 1533, Philip was sent to his uncle, Romolo, a wealthy merchant at San Germano (now Cassino), Italy, a town near the base of Monte Cassino, to assist him in his business. His father hoped that Philip might inherit Romolo’s fortune.

Philip did gain Romolo’s confidence and affection. During his time there, Philip would often escape to a local Dominican chapel in the mountains, where he felt a deep connection to God. It was during one of these visits that Philip received a vision, revealing his calling to Rome.

Left For Rome

So after only 2 years in San Germano, Philip left to live in Rome, cutting himself off from his family. After arriving in Rome, Philip became a tutor in the house of an aristocrat named Galeotto Caccia. He was provided an attic and the bare necessaries of life. For his first two years, Philip seems to have spent his residence in Rome almost like a recluse, giving up whole days and nights to prayer in his garret.

After these two years, Philip began to pursue his studies (for three years) under the guidance of the Augustinians, taking up courses in philosophy and theology at the Sapienza and at Sant’ Agostino. Alongside his scholarly pursuits, Philip also had a talent for poetry, writing in Latin and Italian. However, his thirst for learning eventually waned, and he sold all his books, giving the money to the poor.

“The Apostle of Rome”

Philip’s charitable nature led him to care for the sick and impoverished pilgrims, a calling he believed came from God. Philip would stand about the street-corners and market place, entering into conversation with all sorts of people — especially with the young Florentines employed in the banks and shops of the Sant’ Angelo quarter.

Using his attractive personality and sense of humor, Philip would speak to his audience about the love of God and the state of their souls. In this manner he gradually prevailed upon many to give up evil practices and to reform their lives. His customary greeting, ” Well, brothers, when shall we begin to do good ? ” found them willing enough to respond. So, he took them with him to wait upon the sick in the hospitals and to visit the Seven Churches — a favorite devotion of his own. His preaching efforts led to many conversions.

Founded Confraternity of the Most Holy Trinity

In 1544, while praying in San Sebastiano’s catacomb, Philip received a profound vision. He saw a globe of fire enter his chest, experiencing an ecstasy that physically enlarged his heart.

In 1548, with the help of his confessor, Father Persiano Rossa, Philip founded the Confraternity of the Most Holy Trinity of Pilgrims and Convalescents, whose primary object was to minister to the needs of the thousands of poor pilgrims who flocked to Rome, especially in jubilee years, This order also relieved the patients discharged from hospitals but who were still too weak for labor. In addition, these poor laymen met for spiritual exercises in the church of San Salvatore in Campo. With their aid, he popularized in Rome the devotion of the forty hours and undertook the care of needy pilgrims.

Stirred by this experience, Philip founded the Confraternity of the Most Holy Trinity, a society of like-minded individuals who joined him in providing assistance to those in need. Philip’s compassionate nature also drew him into friendship with Saint Ignatius of Loyola, and he lived as a layman in the city, adopting a hermit-like lifestyle. Humility was the virtue which, of all others, he strove to practice himself and to instill into his penitent

“Rome Became His Indies”

The account of the heroic career and death of Saint Francis Xavier so inspired Philip that he was tempted to volunteer for the foreign mission field considering missionary work in India. However, a Cistercian whom he consulted, assured him that Rome was to be his India. Philip accepted the decision.

Priesthood

On May 23, 1551, Philip was ordained and entered the priesthood. Philip’s dedication to his ministry was evident in his lengthy hours spent hearing confessions. He had the extraordinary ability to know a penitent’s sins even before they confessed them and was gifted with conferring visions. Philip’s focus on youth became increasingly pronounced, as he provided safe places for them to engage in play and became actively involved in their lives.

Founded Congregation of the Oratory

In 1556, Philip tentatively founded the Congregation of the Oratory, an institute with which he is now well-known. The scheme at first was no more than a series of evening meetings in a hall (the Oratory), at which there were prayers, hymns, and readings from Scripture, the church fathers, and the Martyrology.

The program developed. The members of the society undertook various kinds of mission work throughout Rome, notably the preaching of sermons in different churches every evening, a completely new idea at that time. In addition, Philip also spent much of his time hearing confessions, converting many in this way.

Growth in Congregation

As the community grew, and its mission work extended, the need for a church entirely its own made itself felt, and the small parish church of Santa Maria in Vallicella, conveniently situated in the middle of Rome, was offered and accepted. The building, however, not large enough for their purpose, was pulled down. There was a need for a new larger church.

However, Philip had no money, but contributions came in from rich and poor. Pope Gregory and Saint Charles Borromeo were generous in their donations, as were many of the most prominent men in Rome. As a result, a splendid church was erected on the site.

During one his pilgrimages to the seven churches, Philip noticed a certain noblewoman who flaunted an ostentatious dress, jewels and an immense coiffure. Noting that the lady was more concerned with her appearance than with the things of God, Philip placed his own spectacles on the tip of her nose. The public broke into laughter. She took the lesson to heart, and devoutly finished a spiritual exercise that she had begun frivolously.

His Death

In Philip’s later years, Philip faced several illnesses, each of which was miraculously cured through prayer. He remained steadfast in his devotion and continued his ministry until his death on May 27, 1595, at the church of San Maria in Vallicella, Italy.

Born:                   July 22, 1515 at Florence, Italy

Died:                   May 27, 1595 at age of 79 in Vallicella, Italy

Beatified:           May 25 1615 by Pope Paul V

Canonized:        March 12, 1622 by Pope Gregory XV

Feast Day:         May 26

Patron Saint:    Archdiocese of Manfredonia-Vieste-San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy; Comedians; Gravina, Italy; Humor; Joy; Laughter; Rome, Italy; The United States Army Special Forces; Venice, Italy

Source:

• • St. Philip Neri, Patron Saint of Joy – Catholic Fire
  • CatholicSaints.Info » Saint Philip Neri
  • Saint Philip Neri – Saint for a Minute: Saints & Blesseds
  • Philip Neri – Wikipedia

Prayers

Video Link

St. Philip Neri – YouTube (Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network – USA)