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St. Philip Neri
St. Philip Neri from the Knights of ColumbusLived: July 21, 1515 – May 26, 1595- Have Italian Food
Beatified: 1615
Canonized 1622
Patron of: Humor & Joy, Jokers, Cheerfulness, Rome, and US special forces ( Why special forces? Read the paragraphs about him here)
Known as: "The Apostle of Rome"
St. Philip Neri was born a poor man in Florence, Italy. He was a devout child and after hearing God call him to be an apostle in Rome, gave up his apprenticeship to run his uncle's business in order to say yes to God.
He studied philosophy and theology for a few years, but he stopped when it got in the way of his prayer life. He devoted himself to prayer, service, and spreading God's love around Rome.
Philip had a knack for meeting people where they were. He put them at ease with his jokes and cheerfulness, he provided them solid spiritual guidance and opportunities (prayer and pilgrimages) while making it enjoyable (music and picnics were frequently involved). His sense of comedy and humility (he was shaved half his beard before going to a party just to look silly - read this Word on Fire article for more.) drew others to him in wonder and encouragement to be holy like him. He was known as a living saint around Rome where he made friends with the criminals and the homeless all the way up to the elite.
At the urging of his confessor, he was ordained a priest at the age of 36. He became a wonderful confessor to others, able to read their souls (he knew their sins before they said them) to help them make a holy and full confession.
He shared his ways and lifestyle with a group of followers which eventually turned into an order referred to as the Oratory thanks to a papal directive.
After a full day in the confession, Philip Neri died from a hemorrhage on the feast of Corpus Christi.
For this "Apostle of Rome" everything was about God and based in prayer. All the people he knew and guided spiritually, he prayed for them and with them. And had a glorious time doing it!
Ways to Celebrate:
- Shave half your beard
- Pray
- Tell some jokes
- Take a pilgrimage to a nearby church and have a picnic on the way
- Explore the Corporeal Works of Mercy and pick one to do in St. Philip's honor... Don't forget his cheerful, joking spirit while you do it!
- Beg the Saints for spiritual alms (Read this article for details)