Saint Philip Neri
Jul 26th, 2006 by Br. Joshua
Child of Mary
Even as Father Philip was directing architects about the dimensions for the new church that was to replace the dilapidated Santa Maria in Vallicella - the church given to the Oratory for its use - he nevertheless maintained that he himself was not actually a founder of any kind, not even of the Oratory, which was rather the Blessed Virgin’s work. One can only imagine the profound relationship of prayer he must have enjoyed with her, the archetype of those who receive the Holy Spirit with joy, and bear Christ to the world. An apparition he received of her when he was sick in his last days has become a widely-known icon of his filial devotion to and dependence on her maternal care. Shortly thereafter, in the early hours of May 26, 1595, he passed from this earthly life into heavenly glory, surrounded by his spiritual sons, all whispering their prayers to the Virgin.
