St. Philip Neri

        On May 26th we celebrate Saint Philip Neri who was born in Florence in 1515. He was known for having a near perfect obedience to his parents while growing up. At the age of 18, he briefly moved to Monte Cassino to study while living with his uncle. Wanting something different, St. Philip moved to Rome and became a teacher. He continued to study philosophy and theology and, in obedience to his confessor, became a priest at the age of 35.

      Saint Philip was recognized far and wide for his holiness. In 1575 he founded the congregation of the oratory and in 1583 he was given a new church in Rome. He spent many long hours in the confessional giving people the sacrament of reconciliation. He labored vigorously for the salvation of souls in Rome. Saint Philip died in 1595 and was canonized by Pope Gregory XV in 1622.