Feast Day – May 26th
St. Philip Neri was a 16th-century man (1515–1595) who became a mystic and missionary, a priest and a prophet, a founder of the Oratory and a healer of souls. He became well-known in and around Rome, where he lived, which at the time was deeply in need of reform and spiritual renewal. He started to study for the priesthood but after three years he gave it up. At the time the inhabitants of Rome were no longer leading a Christian life. Philip set out to bring others to God, and in so doing became known as ‘The Apostle of Rome.’ He looked out for the destitute in the gutters and alleys of Rome, for the sick in hospitals bringing them food and gifts. He was always joyful and humorous, sharing a joke and laughter, building up their morale. Young people followed him attracted by his natural warmth, his cordiality and his love of God. From enjoyable discussions, fun, music and song, he would lead them to prayer and to Jesus Christ! He soon became a popular personality as he continued to evangelize wherever people gathered, with his holiness shining through his jovial attitudes. Away from the public eye he spent nights in prayer, even eating frugally. Eventually Philip continued with his studies for the priesthood and he was ordained priest when he continued with his mission mainly through the confessional. Philip used the virtue of affability and a spirit of joyfulness to guide people to a holier life.
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