Saint of the Day: Philip Neri

Founder of the Oratorians (1515-1595)

His life

+ Philip was born in Florence, Italy, and moved to Rome in 1533.

+ For several years, he served the poor as a layman, forming a pious association to care for the poor and sick. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1551.

+ Philip formed a new religious community—the Congregation of the Oratory (commonly known as the “Oratorians”)—whose members are dedicated to spiritual reading, study, and works of charity.

+ This saint is especially remembered for his sense of humor and joy, as well as for his simple and straightforward spirituality.

+ Saint Philip Neri died in 1595 and was canonized in 1622. He is honored as the patron of the city of Rome.

For prayer and reflection

“Cast yourself into the arms of God and be very sure that if he wants anything of you, He will fit you for the work and give you strength.”—Saint Philip Neri

Spiritual bonus

On May 26 we also remember the married couple Saints Castulus and Irene of Rome. Saint Castulus was arrested and subsequently martyred for the “crime” of harboring Christians during a time of persecution. Saint Irene continued to practice her faith after her husband’s death and she is said to have nursed Saint Sebastian back to health after Roman officials attempted to kill him by shooting him with arrows. Saint Castulus was martyred in 288 and Saint Irene died sometime in the early third century.

Vocations

To learn more about the Oratorians, visit one of the following links:

-The Oratory of Pittsburg, PA: www.pittsburghoratory.org

-The Oratory of Rock Hill, SC: www.rockhilloratory.org

-The Oratory of Pharr, TX: www.oratoryschools.org

-The Oratory of New Brunswick, NJ: www.spncincinnati.com

-The Oratory of Wilmette, IL: www.the-oratory.org

-The Oratory of Cincinnati, OH: http://www.spncincinnati.com

Prayer

O God, who never ceases to bestow the glory of holiness
on the faithful servants you raise up for yourself,
graciously grant
that the Holy Spirit may kindle in us that fire
with which he wonderfully filled
the 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,
God, for ever and ever. Amen.
(from The Roman Missal)

Saint profiles prepared by Brother Silas Henderson, S.D.S.