Pope recalls 500th anniversary of St. Philip Neri’s birth

May 26, 2015

Pope Francis has sent a message to the Congregation of the Oratory to mark the 500th anniversary of the birth of its founder, St. Philip Neri (1515-95).

Through the saint’s apostolate in Rome, “commitment to the salvation of souls” was re-emphasized in the Church, and “once again, the Church recovered its understanding that pastors have to be with their people to guide and support their faith,” Pope Francis wrote in his May 26 message.

Paying tribute to the saint’s “intense and joyous spiritual life,” the Pope recalled the saint’s love, prayer, bodily penance, interior mortification, serenity, preaching, spontaneity, devotion to the Eucharist, and desire to lead others to Christ.

“St. Philip Neri remains a luminous model of the permanent mission of the Church in the world,” the Pontiff added.

 

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Further information:

• Messaggio del Santo Padre al Procuratore Generale della Confederazione dell’Oratorio di San Filippo Neri per il quinto centenario della nascita del Santo (Holy See Press Office)
• Pope sends Message to mark 5th centenary of St. Philip Neri (Vatican Radio)