A wave of warmth washes over you. You stand before St Philip Neri a vibrant hub of faith. This isn’t just a church it’s a living testament to a man named Philip Neri.
Born in Florence in 1515 Philip’s life was far from ordinary. He was drawn to virtue from a young age. The Dominicans at San Marco awakened his love for God. He was supposed to inherit his uncle’s wealth. He chose God over riches. He renounced his inheritance. He left for Rome. There he lived as a layman for nearly twenty years. He tutored children earning room and board. He had ample time for prayer. He learned about God. He spoke of Him to everyone.
In the catacombs of St Sebastian on Pentecost in 1544 something remarkable happened. The Holy Spirit descended upon him like a ball of fire. It filled his heart. His heart remained enlarged. Two of his ribs broke to accommodate its size. This was verified after his death.
Philip was a layman yet he encouraged faith in Rome. He popularized the Forty Hours Devotion. He organized charity. He cared for the sick. He fed pilgrims. He didn’t aspire to the priesthood at first. He obeyed his confessor and was ordained in 1551.
As a priest Philip’s influence grew. His informal talks became daily sermons in a chapel. This chapel the Oratory gave its name to his community of priests. By 1575 almost forty priests participated in the afternoon exercises. Four talks interspersed with music filled the air.
The Oratory attracted people from all walks of life. Cardinals priests nobles servants. Musicians artists tradesmen soldiers. Even those on the fringes of society came to find solace. Philip’s joyful nature was infectious. His methods for achieving holiness were legendary. He organized picnics outside Rome. He combined food fun and faith. He urged his followers to visit the sick and aid the poor.
Humility was central to Philip’s life. He valued humility over harsh penances. He often said “Think little of being thought little of despise being despised”. He also advised “love to be unknown”.
Stories of his wisdom insight and holiness abound. He brought countless souls closer to God. His canonization in 1622 was a testament to his life. He counted several saints as friends. Charles Borromeo Felix of Cantalice Ignatius of Loyola Camillus of Lellis and John Leonard to name a few. He died on May 26 1595.
St Philip Neri’s legacy lives on. The Toronto Oratory stands as a continuation of his work. This church is a place of community faith and service. A testament to a man who chose God over wealth. A man who brought joy and holiness to all he met. A man whose life continues to inspire. His legacy is palpable here.