Walking with the Saints l Feast of St. Philip Neri, Patron  of Joy and Laughter l May 26   Have you heard about a saint who is venerated as the patron of joy and laughter? St. Philip Neri had the virtue of affability, the habit that regulates our outward manners so that we act in a friendly and courteous way towards others. St. Philip used this virtue to guide people to God, in maintaining lasting friendship and in giving joy. He used to say “In dealing with our neighbor, we must assume as much pleasantness of manner as we can, and this affability will win him to the way of virtue.” St. Philip Neri was born into a noble family in Florence, Italy sometime in 1515. He was a good child with a cheerful temperament and pleasant manners. He was admired by many and they called him “Pippo Buono” (the good Philip). Even as a young boy, Philip was attracted to a holy life. He was inclined to prayer, to recite psalms, and above all listen to sermons and explanations about the word of God. His piety was not childish and he greatly desired to acquire virtues. He frequented the local Dominican convent to seek for some spiritual instructions. When Philip was a teenager, his father sent him to his childless uncle, a wealthy businessman to learn his trade. He was industrious, he excelled in his work, and was expected to inherit his uncle’s business and wealth. After two years, however, he discerned that God was calling him to a different kind of life. He bid his uncle good-bye and went to Rome, with no provisions and no specific plans, relying only on the Providence of God. Upon his arrival, he met a fellow Florentine who gave him free board and lodging in exchange for tutoring his two sons. He taught the two boys and trained them to a life of virtue, while he himself studied philosophy and theology so as to better understand spiritual life. Philip’s desire to serve others became stronger. He began visiting the sick in the city hospitals and instructed many people in the faith. He also frequented the seven pilgrim churches of Rome and the tombs of the saints in the catacombs. Philip’s confessor advised him to enter the priesthood so he could also give people the sacraments. He obeyed and was ordained at the age of sixty-six. As a priest, Philip revived the faith of the people of Rome and encouraged them to live good and virtuous lives. After receiving this gift, he launched the holy fire of charity befriending many more people to bring them to God. Many men were attracted to Philip’s personality and holy life, so he gathered them to form a confraternity which helped the pilgrims visiting Rome, giving them food, lodging and assistance. They also took care of the sick who were newly discharged from hospitals. They called the group “Confraternity of the Most Holy Trinity of Pilgrims and Convalescent.” In 1551, Philip laid the foundation of the Congregation of the Oratory for Priests. Pope Gregory XIII approved it in 1575. In 1583, the congregation was given a church where they could freely exercise their mission. Philip seemed to have made all of Rome devout Catholics. What made this possible was his friendly cheerfulness towards everyone. He would start a conversation with this greeting, “Well, friends, when shall we begin to do good?” People were indeed given the grace to be good and do good. Many penitents came to him at the confessional and received Holy Communion. Philip became famous and was called “The Apostle of Rome.”  Philip enjoyed the gifts of prophecy, insight into souls and other supernatural powers. He died on May 26, 1595, was beatified six years later, and was canonized in 1623. His feast day is May 26. Virtue: piety, affability, cheerfulness, humility, charity, obedience, commitment and courage Prayer: “Lord God, help us to imitate the affability and charity of St. Philip Neri.”