Saint Philip Neri

Saint Philip Neri was a man of great love for God and men, and his name has been associated with kindness, loyalty and joy since his childhood. Born in 1515 in Florence, Italy, as the son of a wealthy family and a notary, Philip was just 18 years old when he was invited by his uncle to dedicate himself to business. However, he was drawn to God and instead went to study Philosophy and Theology in Rome.

The Apostle of Rome

Philip became known in the city of Rome as the Apostle of Rome, as he was seen visiting the poorest places, the most abandoned hospitals and the most terrible prisons, always preaching cheerfully and charitably. He dedicated himself in a special way to young people, instructing and educating them, saying that “as long as they do not commit sins, I will gladly bear with them chopping wood on my back”.

The Oratory of Divine Love

The saint also left his mark through the Oratorio do Divino Amor, which was created to bring together young people and make them sing and pray. It was there that Filipe founded the Congregation of the Oratory and inserted the musical meaning of the word through choirs and orchestra.

Enlarged heart

Filipe Néri died at the age of 80, on May 26, 1595. After his death, doctors found that his heart was enlarged, and attributed this fact to his great love for God and men. He was beatified in 1614 by Pope Paul V, and canonized in 1622 by Pope Gregory XV.

Film about the story of Saint Philip Neri

A film by Saint Philip Neri, recorded in 2010, which tells the story of the saint, is available on Prime Video (in 2023). It’s worth watching.