Saint Philip Neri Book reviews.

 Welcome to my new series Book Reviews.

Each week, this series will review all types of Catholic books to assist us in our growing relationship with God. 

ST PHILIP NERI

This first post in this series is about St Philip Neri whose feast is celebrated on 26 May. 

I was particularly struck and attracted to the title- 'St Philip of the Joyous Heart’.  I know one cannot judge a book by its cover, but in this case, even the title has a precious gem to offer us.  Are we known as (insert your name of the joyous heart)? It is worth our consideration.

The Oratory of Saint Philip Neri is a congregation of Catholic priests and lay brothers who live together in a community bound together by no formal vows but only with the bond of charity. They are commonly referred to as Oratorians.  The congregation was founded by St. Philip Neri in the city of Rome, but today it has spread around the world, with over 70 Oratories and about 500 priests.

St Philip Neri was born on July 22 1515 in Florence and died on May 25 1595 aged 79 years.  He was beatified by Pope Paul V on May 11 in 1615, canonised by Pope Gregory XV on March 12 1622. His feast day is May 26.

Saint Philip Neri is considered to be one of the Catholic Church's most lovable and loving saints. Despite his wisdom and learning, he was a simple childlike soul, who loved to joke and play with his many pets. Being a childlike soul is a very different concept than being a childish soul, and it is well worth reflecting upon the difference for our own growth development.

This charming and well written paperback book of 168 pages by Francis X Connolly is well worth reading, as it not only gives an account of Saint Philip Neri's life and extensive ministry, but it also provides food for thought for us, who desire to live out God's call to us to holiness.

We not only need to desire to live out our calling to holiness, but like Saint Philip Neri, we do not have to be dreary characters. We need to allow the Holy Spirit to provide us with the gift of a joyous heart, so that in both joy and in tribulation, we may journey onwards and upwards with an authentic and integrated personality which is impregnated by God.

May St Philip Neri inspire you today on his feast day.