St. Philip Neri

 

Today we honor one of the greatest saints of the 16th century, Philip Neri. Joy is the leading feature of this Pentecostal season--a supernatural joy which springs from our delight at seeing the glorious triumph of our Savior, Jesus Christ. We feel the happiness at knowing that we have been delivered from the bonds of death. Philip Neri had such a joy throughout his entire life. The Book of Proverbs states: A secure mind is like a continual feast. (Prov. 15:15) Love of God was what Philip's whole life was centered around. His entire existence seemed to be but one long transport of love for his Creator; and had it not been for a miracle of God's power and goodness, this burning love would have soon put an end to his mortal career. He was 29, when one day, within the octave of Pentecost--he was seized with such a vehemence of divine charity that two of his ribs broke, and this made room for the action of the heart to respond freely to the intensity of the love of the soul. The fracture never healed, and it caused a distinct protrusion which was visible to all. Owing to this miraculous enlargement of the region of his heart, he was enabled to live 50 extra years, and his love for God was so great, and his fervor so great, that he would honor anyone already in heaven.

Philip had the Gift of reading souls (like Padre Pio, now a Saint). He would remind those in Confession of what they had neglected to confess. (Imagine having a priest like this, so that, if when leaving the confessional, and you would die, your soul would be spotless, making passage to heaven a reality) He also had the Gift of miracles; and though seeking to be forgotten and despised, he was continually surrounded by people who begged for his prayers for their temporal and spiritual well-being. He was stationed in Rome, and the prince, Paul Massimo, was dying. He asked for someone to get Philip before he died. Philip was at the time saying Holy Mass. When it was over, he hastened to the prince's side. However, he was too late: the prince had died. Philip feel upon his knees; and after a fervent prayer, he placed his hand on the head of the corpse, and called the prince by name. Awakened from the sleep of death, the prince opened his eyes and said: "My Father!" He then added these words: "I only wished to go to Confession." The assistants left the room, and Philip remained alone with the prince. After a few moments, the family was called back; and, in their presence, Paul began to speak to Philip regarding his mother and sister who had been taken from him by death, and whom he loved with the tenderest affection. During the conversation, the prince's face regained all it had lost by his illness. His animation was that of one in perfect health. Philip then asked him if he wished to die again. "Oh yes", said the prince, "Most willingly; for I should then see my mother and sister in heaven." Philip answered: "Take then thy departure for heaven, and pray to the Lord for me." At these words, the young prince expired once more, and entered into the eternal bliss of heaven.


He was often visited by heavenly spirits and the Blessed Virgin. He would, when celebrating Holy Mass, sometimes be lifted up, and be surrounded by a bright light. His charity to others knew no bounds, and he never denied anything to anyone who needed help, especially delivering souls back to God.


To paraphrase a prayer by our beloved Abbot Gueranger:...Pray for us, O Philip, that our heart and our flesh may rejoice in the Living God! Now that we have relished the mystery of the Pasch, lead us to that of the Ascension; prepare our souls to receive the Holy Spirit at Pentecost; and when the august mystery of the Eucharist beams upon us, with all its loveliness, in the approaching festival, the very day that ushered thee into the unveiled vision of thy Jesus, intercede for us, that we may receive and relish that Living Bread, which giveth life to the world!...Pray for the Faithful of our times, and come to the assistance of so many souls that are anxiously pursuing systems of spirituality which have been coined by the hands of men, and which but too frequently retard or even impede the intimate union of the creature with his Creator...The successful efforts of heresy stimulated thy zeal: oh! obtain for us that keen sympathy for our holy Faith which will make us take an interest in all that concerns its progress. It is not enough for us that we save our own souls; we must, moreover, ardently desire and do our utmost to obtain the advancement of God's kingdom on earth; the extirpation of heresy, and the exaltation of our holy Mother the Church: if these are not our dispositions, how can we call ourselves children of God?