St. Philip Neri was born in Florence, Italy, and later in life felt called to become the Apostle of Rome.
According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, Philip Neri renounced his family's nobility and felt called by God to go to Rome.
Initially St. Philip spent his ministry in Rome as a layman, organizing local groups and leading others in prayer.
After 17 years in Rome as a layman, he began to doubt his vocation. This led to a heavenly vision that confirmed his apostolate.
St. Philip was eventually ordained a priest and surrounded himself with a group of disciples who would later become the Brothers of the Little Oratory.
He remained in Rome for the rest of his life, and his example of holiness affected many in the city, later earning him the title of Apostle of Rome.
