By CAROLE BRESLIN
Throughout the history of the Church when great persecutions and heresies have been promoted, there were also great saints who underwent persecution in their attempts to protect the Deposit of Faith. Such was the case in the early 16th century, when the Catholic Church was suffering her greatest crisis to date with the Protestant Revolt.
During this time, the Church engaged in the Catholic Counterreformation. This counterreformation was aided by a humble man, St. Philip Neri, born of poor parents in the year 1515 in Florence, Italy, on July 22, the Feast of St. Mary Magdalen.
When he was a child, many noticed his patience, charity, and cheerfulness. The only incident of being less than virtuous occurred when his sister kept interrupting him. He pushed her in his frustration, an act which he deeply regretted afterward. He was a lively child, just as any boy would be. At the age of eight he escaped injury, miraculously, some assert, when he exuberantly leapt on a donkey which then fell down some steps, landing on top of Philip. He never forgot to thank God for his deliverance.
At the age of 18, he left Florence to work for an uncle in Naples, who presumably would make him his heir since he had no children of his own. However, shortly after arriving, Philip left the worldly pursuits for Rome as his prayer life became his dominant drive. He began studying with the Augustinians, taking courses in philosophy and theology, which prepared him for his later work in defending the faith, giving spiritual exercises, and converting wealthy and wayward souls.
As a layman he began working in the hospitals, sweeping the floors, comforting the sick, and doing other housekeeping jobs to improve the atmosphere of the wards. His pilgrimages of prayer through Rome resulted in a number of young men joining him. One of his followers, St. Camillus de Lellis, would later start an order of hospitallers.
However great this work was, Philip’s spiritual director urged him to become a priest. Once ordained, St. Philip became famous for his ability to read souls and convert sinners to lead more holy lives. His method of spiritual direction varied according to the person. Some he would scold, others he would ignore, still others he would quietly question, leading them to make the decisions most pleasing to God. He believed that spiritual direction takes place between the Holy Spirit and the penitent, with the priest only there to guide.
Part of the attraction for his penitents was that he was so charming and cheerful, though very direct and firm in following the will of God. Even though he was a victim of calumny, and false accusations, he remained peaceful and trusted in the Lord. Despite being urged to defend himself, he waited for our Lord to take care of the situation. Repeatedly, he was found to be innocent and allowed to continue his work.
During these difficulties, he never allowed any of his associates to say anything unkind about his accusers. Instead he asked that they pray for them, resulting in some of the accusers becoming his ardent followers.
At one time his great desire was to go to the East Indies as a missionary, but through a vision our Lord let it be known that “Rome is to be your Indies” (St. Philip Neri, TAN Publishers, p. xii). He would soon become close friends with St. Charles Borromeo, who played a prominent role in the Council of Trent, which would be the vehicle for writing the Roman Catechism.
This council was greatly needed to reform the Church and clarify the doctrines of the Church.
However, a reform of a deeper nature was also needed, which St. Philip Neri worked tirelessly to achieve. At the time Rome was corrupt, tepid, and lax in the practice of the faith. Indeed, he was “principally responsible for the spreading of a new spirit in Rome” (ibid., p. 6).
How was he able to accomplish so much? First of all, he had great love. By a special grace he possessed a heart that beat so strongly with the love of God that it shook the furniture and the entire room. This great love was received when during prayer a ball of fire entered him, setting his heart on fire. His heart swelled to such a size that it broke two of his ribs.
It would seem that he received such a great grace because he consistently led a life of poverty, chastity, and obedience — the three evangelical counsels. His all-night vigils of prayer, his fasting, his generosity in sharing what little he had with others, his uncommon obedience to his superiors, despite its going against his personal desires, must have been very pleasing to the Lord.
Secondly, he frequented the sacraments. Daily Mass, uncommon at the time, was a must for St. Philip. When he prayed he was so deeply recollected that he frequently had to be shaken to get his attention. He also went to Confession at every opportunity. In addition, he spent many hours in the confessional daily.
St. Philip died in Rome in 1595; his feast day is celebrated on May 26.
Whether religious or laity, we can also do great work for the Lord. We can increase our prayer life by praying the rosary and by spending time in mental prayer. Increasing our Mass attendance by going during the week does wonders for our ability to serve not only God, but our fellowman as well. Finally, we can make sacrifices as St. Philip did by fasting regularly, beginning with one day a month or one day a week.
Dear Jesus, help us to realize that sainthood is not limited to a select few, but something you wish all of us to achieve by following your way. Help us by your grace to become holier through prayer and sacrifice, for knowing your will brings us peace of mind and doing your will brings us peace of heart. We ask this through the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Amen.
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(Carole Breslin home-schooled her four daughters and served as treasurer of the Michigan Catholic Home Educators for eight years. For over ten years, she was national coordinator for the Marian Catechists, founded by Fr. John A. Hardon, SJ.)
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