ST. PHILIP NERI, PRIEST
(Feast Day - May 26^th)

Love of others, simplicity of life and joyous service of God would accurately describe the life and spirit of St. Philip Neri (1515-1595), priest and friend of the young. Philip also had a great love for the sick and the poor, sharing their lot in order to be close to them on the streets of Rome. His was an apostolate of the streets with particular interest in the young rowdies, impoverished artists, and shopkeepers. He worked to help them improve themselves materially and to appreciate spiritual things as well. After a busy day on the streets, he very often spent the night in prayer.

Philip was possessed of great insight and power of persuasion. He was sought out as a confessor and spiritual director by the wealthy and the poor. He was consulted by popes, bishops and rulers, as well as by his beloved poor, the sick, and the street people.

His spirit of joyful service inspired the priests who joined him in the Congregation of the Oratory which he founded in 1564. The prayer over the gifts at Mass on his feast day asks that in imitation of Philip God will "keep us always cheerful in our work" for his glory and the good of others.

This holy priest knew that a zealous activity must be supported by a genuine and prayerful commitment to Jesus Christ, and an appreciation of the sacraments. In the prayer after communion on his feast day we ask for strength from the Holy Eucharist, and that like Philip we might hunger "after this sacrament in which we find true life." Philip wrote: "If you wish for something apart from Christ, you do not know what you are wishing for. If you long for something apart from Christ, you do not know what you are doing."

Philip, by his life and example, by his joyfulness and spiritual resources, was able to overcome indifference and spiritual malaise in the society of his time.

Taking to heart the preaching, the advice and spirit of St. Philip Neri, we can be sparks of genuine Christian life in the secular society of our day. Let us ask in prayer: "Father...in your love kindle in us the fire of the Holy Spirit who so filled the heart of Philip Neri." (Opening Prayer at Mass)