Philip Neri

Philip Neri was a Christian missionary and founder of the Congregation of Oratory, a community of Catholic priests and lay brothers. He was born in Florence in 1515. From a very young age he was known for being cheerful and obedient. He was affectionately known as “good little Phil.”

At age 18 Philip went off to live with a wealthy family member in San Germano. He was sent there to assist in and possibly inherit the family business. However, soon after his arrival he experienced a mystical vision which he eventually spoke of as his Christian conversion. This event was an encounter with the Lord and dramatically changed his life. He soon lost interest in owning property or participating in business. He felt a call from the Holy Spirit to radically live and serve the Church.

During his first two years in Rome, Philip Neri spent his time in a solitary, ascetic life dedicated to prayer eating only small meals of bread, water, and a few vegetables.

In 1535 Philip began studying theology and philosophy at the Sapienza and at St. Augustine’s monastery. Although he was considered a promising scholar, after three years he gave up all thoughts of ordination to the priesthood and set out to help the poor people of Rome and to re-evangelize the city. Sadly, by this time Rome and its people were no longer living as Christians.

He began talking to people on street corners and in public squares where crowds commonly gathered. Often compared to Socrates, he had a talent for striking up conversations and leading his listeners to the Christian way of life. He easily caught others’ attention with his warm personality and incredible sense of humor, encouraging groups of people to gather for discussions, studies, prayer, and the enjoyment of music.

Saint Philip Neri, facade of Santa Maria Maddalena Church in Rome, Italy.

Losing no time in converting good conversation into good action Philip would lead his followers to hospitals to serve the sick or to the Church to pray to and encounter the Lord. Bottom line, he was an evangelist and was dedicated in sharing the Gospel and helping people to find or rediscover their faith in Jesus Christ. His days were dedicated to service and his nights to prayer.

In 1548 Philip founded a confraternity for poor laymen to meet for spiritual exercises and service to the poor, the Confraternity of the Most Holy Trinity. At age 34 Philip was convinced that his work would be more effective as a priest and so was ordained to the priesthood in 1551.

Beside the poor, Philip had been a trusted advisor to popes, kings, and cardinals. His reforming of the Church was done with gentleness and friendship rather than harsh criticism. He was one of the great figures of the Counter Reformation and earned the title “Apostle of Rome.”

In 1595 Philip Neri died. He was canonized in 1622 and is the patron saint of Rome, US Special Forces, and humor and joy. His feast day is celebrated on May 26th.