Philip Neri

Philip Neri, born Filippo Romolo Neri, was an Italian Catholic priest who lived from 1515 to 1595 and founded the Congregation of the Oratory, a society of secular clergy dedicated to pastoral care and charitable work. He is sometimes called the Second Apostle of Rome, after Peter, or the Third Apostle of Rome, after Peter and Paul, and his spiritual mission emphasized personal holiness and direct service to others, particularly the education of young people and care for the poor and sick, playing a significant role in the Counter-Reformation in Rome. After moving from Florence to Rome in 1533 he became known for pastoral care to marginalized communities including prostitutes and the destitute, and his passion for reform and personal holiness drew followers who formed the Church of the Most Holy Trinity of the Pilgrims and the Congregation of the Oratory, a center of spiritual renewal combining prayer, music and informal spiritual gatherings. He was noted for humility, humor, piety and his ability to inspire devotion, and his friendship with Ignatius of Loyola gave him influence over the Society of Jesus; he also intervened to secure the reconciliation of Henry IV of France with the Church. He was canonized in 1622; his feast day is 26 May, and his legacy includes the Seven Churches Walk pilgrimage he initiated and his promotion of musical forms such as the laude and oratorio, which had lasting impacts on sacred music.