St. Philip Neri

From the Business of the World to the Business of God

Philip Neri was born in Florence, Italy on July 21, 1515. He was one of four children born to Francesco Neri, a notary. Philip’s mother died while they were very young. However, her place was filled by a capable stepmother. From infancy, Philip had a merry and docile disposition.

Philip received his early education from the Dominican friars in a monastery in Florence. When he was 18 years old, he went off to live with a wealthy relative in San Germano. His family hoped that he would become a successful businessman like his uncle. He assisted him there, and his family expected he could have possibly inherited the business.

However, soon after his arrival, Philip experienced a mystical vision. This event was an intense and personal encounter with Christ. It dramatically changed the course of his life. Soon, he lost interest in owning property or even participating in business and trade. He felt a call from the Holy Spirit to a life radically lived for and to serve the Lord and the Church.

A Champion of the Poor

Philip set out for Rome to study. He tutored young students to support himself at the university. During his first two years in Rome, Philip spent his time in a solitary life. He practiced an ascetical way of life. During his free time, he visited the churches in Rome and in the catacombs of many saints to pray. While he was praying in one of the catacombs, Philip suddenly realized what God wanted him to do with his life.

In 1535, Philip began studying theology and philosophy at the Sapienza and at St. Augustine’s monastery. Although he was considered a “promising scholar,” after three years of studies, Philip gave up any thought of ordination. Instead, Philip started to work among the poor and the sick of Rome. In 1548, with the help of his confessor, Father Persiano Rossa, Philip founded a confraternity for poor laymen to meet for spiritual exercises and service of the poor, the Confraternity of the Most Holy Trinity or the Oratory.

Philip and His Contagious Holiness

Philip had already accomplished so much, but his confessor Father Persiano Rossa was determined that his work would be more effective as a priest. This led him to decide to become a priest. On May 23, 1551, Philip was ordained to the priesthood. He talked about his ministry whenever he met someone new and urged people to join him. From there, Philip went to live with Father Rossa and other priests at San Girolamo and carried on his mission, but mostly through the confessional.

Some people call Philip Neri the “saint maker”. This was because so many men came to Philip seeking advice and direction for living their faith. These men later became saints . Some of these men were St. Ignatius of Loyola, St. Francis de Sales, St. Charles Borromeo, and St. Francis Xavier. It is said that even popes and bishops came to the Oratory to seek Philip’s advice.

When he was already old, after spending a day hearing confessions and receiving visitors, Philip Neri suffered a hemorrhage and died on the feast of Corpus Christi in 1595. Philip Neri was beatified by Pope Paul V on May 11, 1615 and canonized by Pope Gregory XV on March 12, 1622. His feast day is celebrated on May 26.

5 Interesting Facts About St. Philip Neri

1. St. Philip Neri is the patron of joy and humor, of Rome and the US Army Special Forces.
2. When he was young, St. Philip Neri was called “Pippo buono” or “good little Phil”. This was because he was a cheerful and attractive lad, popular with all who knew him.
3. In 1544, on the eve of Pentecost, St. Philip Neri saw what appeared to be a globe of fire which entered his mouth, causing him to feel his heart dilate. Philip was engulfed with divine love that caused him to scream out, “Enough, enough, Lord, I can bear no more.” Philip then discovered a swelling over his heart, though it caused him no pain.
4. St. Philip Neri once shaved half his beard just to bring smiles to children.
5. A legend about him says that when the Pope wanted to make St. Philip Neri a cardinal, he hung a cardinal’s hat on Philip’s door. St. Philip took the hat and played catch with it, throwing it like a Frisbee, saying, “Don’t take yourself too seriously.”

Prayer to St. Philip Neri

O God, who never cease to bestow the glory of holinesson the faithful servants you raise up for yourself,graciously grantthat the Holy Spirit may kindle in us that firewith which he wonderfully filledthe heart of Saint Philip Neri.Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,one God, for ever and ever. Amen.