Saint Philip Neri... a saint to understand how much Christianity is characterized by true joy
Saint Philip Neri is a particular saint. If you really want to choose an adjective, it can be said that his was a cheerful sanctity; in the sense that it was a holiness marked by the desire to highlight how Christian life is capable of giving true joy. Philip Neri (“Pippo bono” for friends) it was brilliant, witty, he always had a ready and biting joke (like a good Tuscan) and so much goodness, understanding and availability. “Retreat, Gentleman, retreat. Hold back the wave of your grace” he said when his heart was full of happiness and gratitude. At the same time he prayed to the Lord to keep his hand on his head."…otherwise – he used to say- Filippo, without your help, he does some of his own.”
Holiness as a providential sign
The sanctity of Saint Philip is a providential sign in a time in which Catholicism had to respond to the sad Lutheran atmospheres. It must be remembered, Indeed, that the Protestant theory of justification , as a simple attestation from God but not as a real and substantial event in the human soul, it entailed an admittedly pessimistic perspective in the theology of the Reformation, distressing and sad. More simply - according to Protestantism- God would not recognize it as true justification of the sinner, but he would pretend that it is so even if it is not; instead in Catholicism the justification it is real and substantial.
But let's go back to Saint Philip Neri. He was born in Florence in 1515. Son of a notary, He was soon orphaned by his mother; ma, despite this, he had a peaceful childhood, facilitated by his cheerful temperament. He studied music and poetry and was very sensitive to beauty, especially that of nature.
At eighteen he was sent to Cassino, from a merchant uncle to learn the trade. However, in the Lazio town he was immediately attracted by the majestic abbey and felt a strong push towards religious life, but the Lord did not want him to be a monk. Read More