St. Philip Neri
Feast 05-26 · Canonized 1622
Patron of
About
Philip Neri was born in Florence in 1515 and moved to Rome as a young man. There he spent years in prayer and service to the poor and sick, and in 1548 he founded a confraternity to care for pilgrims and convalescents.
Ordained a priest in 1551, he gathered a circle of followers for prayer, music, and conversation, which grew into the Congregation of the Oratory. He was famous for his joyful spirit and playful humor, once shaving half his beard to deflate his own reputation for holiness.
He died on May 26, 1595, and was canonized in 1622. He is remembered as the Apostle of Rome and is venerated as the patron saint of humor and joy.
Suggested prayer
O God, who gave Philip Neri a joyful heart that shaved half his beard to laugh at his own reputation, grant through his intercession that all who seek holiness may serve You with joy and humility. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.