SAINT PHILIP NERI
AND SAN ALFONSO
Today – May 26th – being the feast of St.
Philip Neri – it behooves me to say a few things about Philip Neri and his
connection with St. Alphonsus.
To know more about
Philip Neri - I went through 5 books yesterday for my research – but mainly for me. Who remembers sermons? I began
to think about him - in relation to St. Alphonsus who often quoted him.
The main 3 things I knew about Philip Neri – was that he was known for his joy. He was
known to be a happy camper. Most folks –
especially Redemptorists - know that
about him. Say “Philip Neri” and you trigger “Joy”. Second thing most people
know about him: he founded the
Oratory. And thirdly, Alphonsus, who
loves to quote, often quoted him.
I didn’t see much about anything he wrote – but I did
find lists of his quotes: 20, 10, 25 quotes and then there was a list of his sayings:
one for everyday of the year.
No wonder Alphonsus quoted him.
Here’s an interesting quote: “Let no one
wear a mask, otherwise he will do ill; and if he has one let him burn
it!”
Obviously, they never met each other. Philip is from the 1500’s [1515-1595] and Alphonsus from the 1700’s [1696-1787].
Alphonsus was born Sept. 27, 1696 and Philip Neri was
born July 21, 1515.
Alphonsus is easier to know his dates in the 1700’s –
just take off 4 years – for rough numbers.
Both were Italians – but from different kingdoms. This was way before the unification of Italy
under Garibaldi and Mazzini in 1861. But
it was a long process.
We know from our CSSR roots that the Redemptorists started down in the Kingdom
of Naples. Philip is from Florence in
the north. At 17 he was sent south to his Uncle at Cassino – a merchant – with
an eye to taking over the Uncle’s business. That would be a no go. In a year or so Philip
headed to Rome – became a tutor to 2 sons of a Florentine, Galeotto del Caccia
– and a new part of his life began.
He tutored – but
took courses as well in Rome – in Philosophy and Theology – from 1535 - 1538.
People expected him to become a priest, but he quit his studies and for 13
years devoted himself to prayer – caring for the poor – visiting the sick – for
example caring for sick pilgrims – did some informal talking to others about
Christ – and was a member of a lay congregation.
In time, a priest, Persiano Rosa – his spiritual director
– pushed him to get ordained and Philip Neri became a priest.
So both Alphonsus and Philip did something else before
becoming diocesan priests. Alphonsus was ordained when he was around 30 – on
December 21, 1726. Philip was ordained
when he was around 36 – on May 23, 1551.
So Philip ends up being a priest for about 44 years.
During that time he starts the Oratory – a group of secular priests who lived in community, prayed
together, had 4 talks in the afternoon – read and studied scriptures and
spiritual books together.
They are still around – having a couple of communities in
the US.
Cardinal Newman would be the most famous Oratorian: at
the Birmingham England Oratory.
It would be a good study – comparing John Newman, Alphonsus
and Philip Neri.
An interesting point I noticed in reading was Alphonsus had an
Oratorian - Thomas Pagano as his spiritual director for over 20 years. So when
Alphonsus was a diocesan priest, joining the Oratory was a question. If Alphonsus had done that, would he have
founded the CSSR.
One book pointed out that the oratory was more big city
oriented; Alphonsus became more concerned about small villages.
Next: when it comes to saint’s name dropping - Philip
Neri would near the top of the list. He
was met and visited by the following saints: Ignatius of Loyola, Camillus de
Lellis, John Leonardi, Charles Borromeo,
Francis de Sales.
Unlike Alphonsus - Philip Neri was considered a heretic
and a nut, at times. Two books listed jealousy as motive.
Next Philip Neri – when he was in Florence – came into
the story of Savonarola - who had been
killed in 1498 – 17 years before Philip Neri’s birth. Everyone in Florence had their opinion and
take on Savonarola.
It would be interesting to read a comparison between
Philip Neri’s way of thinking – compared to Savonarola.
They definitely were different colored horses.
Next, it would be interesting if Alphonsus would have
been much stricter and tougher if he had
not been influenced by the thought of Philip Neri.
Next I noticed that Philip Neri connected with Palestrina
– especially with the musical tradition in the Oratorians. Did Alphonsus
connect with any of that – with his music.
Two major similar themes for both Alphonsus’ s and St. Philip Neri were: prayer
and the practice of the Love of Jesus Christ.
Did Alphonsus ever beat on himself – for not having the
sense of humor that Philip Neri had. For
example, Philip had some cute quips. Did Alphonsus ever crack funnies in the
pulpit?
Lastly, did Alphonsus get his idea for the content and
process of the evening chapels from the Oratorians 4 talks in the afternoon,
etc. etc. etc.
Some thoughts for the feast of Philip Neri.
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Painting on top: St. Philip Neri by Carlo Dolci
Other painting: St. Alphonsus de Liguori
