Feast day:
May 26
Also
known as
Philip Romolo Neri; Apostle of Rome;
Amabile santo
Profile
Though he was related to Italian
nobility, Philip came from a poor
family. His father,
Francisco Neri, worked as a notary.
Philip's brother died
in childhood, but his two sisters, Caterina and Elisabetta survived. Pius
youth. Taught humanities by Dominicans.
Moved
to San Germano in 1533
to help some family with their business, and while there would escape to a
local Dominican
chapel in the mountains. Received word in a vision that he had an
apostolate in Rome.
Cut himself off from his family, and went there.
Befriended
by Galeotto Caccia who took Philip in, and paid him to tutor
his two sons. Wrote poetry
in Latin and Italian. Studied philosophy
and theology.
When he tired of learning,
he sold all his books
and gave the money to the poor.
Began
to visit and care for the sick,
and impoverished
pilgrims.
Founded a society of like-minded folk to do the same. Friend of Saint Ignatius.
A layman,
he lived in the city as a hermit.
During Easter season of 1544,
while praying in the catecomb of San Sebastiano, he received a vision of a
globe of fire that entered his chest, and he experienced an ecstasy
that physically enlarged his heart.
With
Persiano Rose, he founded the Confraternity of the Most Holy Trinity.
He began to preach,
with many converts.
In 1550
he considered retiring to the life of a solitary hermit,
but received further visions that told him his mission was in Rome.
Later he considered missionary work in India, but further visions
convinced him to stay in Rome.
Entered
the priesthood
in 1551.
Heard confessions by the hour. Could tell penitents their sins before they
confessed, and had the gift of confering visions. He began working with
youth, finding safe places for them to play, becoming involved in their
lives.
Pope
Gregory XIV tried to make him a cardinal,
but Philip declined. His popularity was such that he was accused of
forming his own sect, but was cleared of this baseless charge. Founded the
Congregation of the Oratory, a group of priests
dedicated to preaching and teaching, but which suffered from accusations
of heresy because of the involvement of laymen as preachers. In later
years he was beset by several illnesses, each of which was in turn cured
through prayer.
"Cheerfulness
strengthens the heart and makes us persevere in a good life. Therefore the
servant of God ought always to be in good spirits." -Saint Philip
Neri
Born
22
July 1515
@ Florence,
Italy
Died
27
May 1595
Beatified
1615
by Pope
Paul V
Canonized
1622
by Pope
Gregory XV
Patronage
Rome
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