
May 26

Saint Philip Neri
Priest, Founder
“The Apostle of Rome”
(1515-1595)
“We must not be behind time in doing good; for death will not be behind his time!”
Saint Philip Neri
Click here for the Amazon page
or on the Book Cover Image above
Click here for the Amazon page
or on the Book Cover Image above
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
Reflection
Saint Philip Neri was known not only for his deep holiness but also for his joy, humor, and ability to draw others to Christ through kindness and lightheartedness. Living in Rome during a time of reform, he drew countless souls back to God—not with severity, but with a disarming gentleness and genuine laughter. He believed holiness was most convincing when it radiated joy, not rigidity. In a world that often confuses seriousness with sanctity, Saint Philip Neri reminds us that authentic joy is a powerful witness to the Gospel. His example invites us to reflect on how our demeanor can either draw people toward or away from faith.
Where might God be calling me to step out in faith, even if it means leaving behind comfort or facing resistance?
Prayers
Saint Philip Neri,
You were a joyful servant of Christ, who drew hearts to God with laughter and warmth.
May you teach me to love with simplicity and serve with gladness.
When I grow weary or take myself too seriously, remind me that holiness does not require gloom.
Help me to find God in everyday moments and to share His light through kindness and humor.
Draw me into deeper friendship with Jesus— not out of fear, but out of love.
Through your intercession, may I live each day with a heart open to joy, a mind fixed on heaven, and a soul ready to embrace whatever God asks of me.
Saint Philip Neri, pray for us! Amen.
Saint Links
Aleteia – St. Philip Neri: How to Pursue Sainthood in 25 Pithy Lines
All Saints & Martyrs – Saint Philip Romolo Neri – Confessor and Founder
America Needs Fatima – Saint Philip Neri
AnaStpaul – Saint of the Day – 26 May – St Philip Neri (1515-1595) “The Third Apostle of Rome”
Angelus – In the footsteps of a saint — St Philip Neri’s Rome
Catholic Culture – St. Philip Neri
Catholic Exchange – St. Philip Neri: The Humorous Side of Humility
Catholic Insight – Philip’s Spirit of Joy
Catholic Ireland – May 26 – St Philip Neri: Pippo Buono: (1515-95)
Catholic News Agency – St. Philip Neri Feast day: May 26
Catholic Online – St. Philip Neri
CatholicSaints.Info – Saints of the Day – Philip Neri, Founder – by Katherine I Rabenstein
Daily Prayers – Philip Neri
Dynamic Catholic – Saint Philip Neri
Editions Magnificat – Saint Philip Neri Founder (1515-1595)
Franciscan Media – Saint Philip Neri
Heralds of the Gospel – St. Philip Neri – Prophet of Christian Joy
Independent Catholic News – St Philip Neri: ‘an example of how to evangelise’
Life of Saint Philip Neri by Father Pietro Giacomo Bacci
Loyola Press – Saint Philip Neri Feast day May 26
Melanie Rigney – Philip Neri
My Catholic Life – May 26: Saint Philip Neri, Priest
New Advent – Ritchie, C.S. (1911). St. Philip Romolo Neri. In The Catholic Encyclopedia
Newman Connection – Saint Philip Neri
Regnum Christi (Uncle Eddy) – St Philip Neri by Fr. John Bartunek, LC
Rev Butler’s Lives Of The Saints Complete Edition – St Philip Neri
Saint Mary’s Press – Saint Philip Neri (1515-1595)
Saints Alive – St. Boniface, Martyr
The Catholic Leader – The apostle of Rome
The Saint Challenge – St. Philip Neri – May 26
uCatholic – St. Boniface
University of Notre Dame – St. Philip Neri
Video Link
St. Philip Neri – YouTube (Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network – USA)