“Well, brothers, when shall we begin to do good?”
Philip was born in Florence, Italy in 1515 as one of four children. From an early age, he was known to be cheerful and obedient and received his education from friars at the Dominican Monastery.
At the age of 18, he set off to live with a wealthy family member to assist in their business. Shortly after his arrival, he experienced a mystical vision and a Christian conversion which dramatically changed his life.
He lost interest in the business and felt a call from the Holy Spirit and so he set out for Rome. The first two years he spent in solitary, dedicating a lot of time to prayer and practicing a simple and spiritual life. He began studying at St. Augustine’s monastery and after 3 years, gave up the thought of ordination. He instead set out to help the poor and re-evangelize the city of Rome.
Rome’s citizen’s were no longer living as Christians and with his talent for conversation, warm personality and great sense of humor, he lead his listeners into groups and to consider a new and better way of life. They were led to hospitals to wait on the sick or to the Church to pray and encounter Christ.
In 1548, with the help of Father Rossa, Philip founded the Confraternity of the Most Holy Trinity for poor laymen. He was then convinced to become a priest and was ordained in 1551. His number of followers grew. He did not want his congregation to bind themselves to the life of a vow and did not want them to renounce their property. They were officially approved in 1575 and constructed a new large church to house the numbers with gifts from people all over.
He was respected and loved throughout Rome and became a trusted advisor to popes, kings, cardinals and the poor. He soon earned the title, “Apostle of Rome”.
“Last of all, we must die” were his final words before heading off to bed and passing away at the age of 80.
“Cheerfulness strengthens the heart and makes us persevere in a good life; wherefore the servant of God ought always to be in good spirits.”
He is the patron saint of friendship, joy, laughter, and Rome, Italy.
His feast day is May 26.
For God’s Glory.
