St. Philip’s Spiritual Fire in Rome – May 26 – Homily – Fr John Lawrence

 

Fr John Lawrence gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on May 26, 2025, where he describes St. Philip Neri’s virtuous life, mystical experiences, and founding of the Oratory in Rome.

Father recounts the life of St. Philip Neri, born in Florence in 1515, who grew up virtuous amid political turmoil, earning the nickname "Good People" for his gentle nature. At 17, he went to Cassino but felt called to Rome in 1533, living as a hermit and teacher. His mystical experience on Pentecost 1544, where a globe of fire expanded his heart, reflects God's love dwelling in us (1 John 4:16). He served the sick and pilgrims, founding the Confraternity of Pilgrims and Convalescents in 1548, embodying charity (1 Corinthians 13:1). Ordained in 1551, he guided youth to sanctity, despite opposition, and his plea for patience during Mass echoes perseverance in trials (James 1:2). He founded the Oratory in 1575, using music and preaching to spread faith. His humility, seen in his quirky acts to avoid pride, aligns with humility before God (James 4:6). His devotion to Mary, whom he called "my mama," reflects her intercessory role (CCC 971). He died in 1595, receiving the sacraments (CCC 1524, CCC 1499), leaving a legacy of holiness.

For Further Reading

1 John 4:16 - NAB - God is love, and he who remains in love remains in God - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1john/4?16
1 Corinthians 13:1 - NAB - Love is patient, love is kind - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1corinthians/13?1
James 1:2 - NAB - Consider it joy when facing trials - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/james/1?2
James 4:6 - NAB - God opposes proud, favors humble - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/james/4?6
Catechism of the Catholic Church #971 - Mary's Role in Salvation - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p123a9p6.htm#971
Catechism of the Catholic Church #1524 - Viaticum for the Dying - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/1524.htm
Catechism of the Catholic Church #1499 - Anointing of the Sick - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p2s2c2a5.htm#1499
Catholic Encyclopedia - St. Philip Neri - Biography of the saint - https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12018b.htm
Franciscan Media - St. Philip Neri - Profile of the saint - https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-philip-neri/

00:00 - Introduction to St. Philip
00:27 - Virtuous Childhood
01:12 - Journey to Cassino
01:24 - Hermit Life in Rome
02:42 - Mystical Fire Experience
03:32 - Founding the Confraternity
04:11 - Becoming a Priest
07:00 - Oratory and Legacy

Ave Maria!

Mass: St. Philip Neri - Mem - http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=97
Readings: Monday 6th Week of Easter - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/052625.cfm
1st: act 16:11-15
Resp: psa 149:1-6, 9
Gsp: joh 15:26-16:4

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1080&r=1720

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