Today is the memorial of Saint Philip Neri. Born in Florence in 1515, he was the son of a lawyer and came from a family of nobles. He was educated by the friars at the Dominican Monastery San Marco, and all of his life, he treasured the education he received from them. 

Philip was raised to be a businessman, but the Holy Spirit moved Philip in a different direction and to a different location. He went to Rome. 

Initially, Philip studied for the priesthood, but 3 years later, he made the decision to pursue his calling as a layperson. For the next decade and a half, he did ordinary work and met with other lay people in prayer groups. 

Over time, he developed a great reputation for his wisdom and holiness, and many came to him for counsel from all levels of society. The group of laypeople that he was meeting with also grew in numbers. 

Then at the urging of his spiritual director, Philip made the decision to once again pursue the priesthood, and he became a great one. An outstanding preacher and confessor, he continued to inspire those around him and several of those who had been in his prayer groups became priests themselves. He founded an oratory, and each afternoon would give 4 informal talks. 

Philip’s voice became an important one in the counter-reformation. He died on this day in 1595 after spending much of it hearing confessions. 

St. Philip Neri, please pray for us.