(1515-1595) Saint Philip had a stunning mystical experience in his late twenties on the vigil of Pentecost. While praying in the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian, he encountered a glowing ball of light that entered his chest. He experienced a supernatural love and a physically enlarged heart cavity. Philip was a very popular confessor and was known as a living saint with miracles surrounding his life. He founded the Congregation of the Oratory and was always known for his joyful disposition.
Known as the Apostle of Rome during the Counter-Reformation period, Saint Philip is also commonly called the Apostle of Joy. His joy sprang from the infinite spring of supernatural love, a gift of the Holy Spirit. Do we make a point of intentionally being joy-filled, pausing to express our gratitude to God?
“Do not grieve over the temptations you suffer. When the Lord intends to bestow a particular virtue on us, He often permits us first to be tempted by the opposite vice. Therefore, look upon every temptation as an invitation to grow in a particular virtue and a promise by God that you will be successful, if only you stand fast” (Saint Philip Neri).
Reflection by Brad Farmer