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

May 26 marks the anniversary of the death of Saint Pontian (Ponsiano) Ngondwe. A soldier and convert to the Christian Faith, he died in 1886 in the fierce persecution ordered by King Mwanga of Uganda that claimed the lives of Saint Charles Lwanga and many other young Christian men. Saint Pontian was with the other Martyrs of Uganda in 1964 and is honored with them in a common memorial on June 3.

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,

one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

(from The Roman Missal)

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