Saint of the Day: St. 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 Saint Gioan Đoàn Trinh Hoan. A Vietnamese priest who worked to spread the Christian Faith in his native land, he was martyred near Ðong Hoi on May 26, 1861, during the persecutions of the Emperor Tu-Duc. He was canonized with other Vietnamese martyrs in 1988.

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.