Philip Neri was born in 1515. At the age of 18, he was sent to assist an uncle in his business, but soon after he had a religious conversion. From then onward, he no longer cared for things of the world, and decided in 1533 to live in Rome. While in the city, he studied philosophy and theology, and tutored young boys. Eventually Philip became bored of learning, so he sold all of his books, gave the money he received to the poor, and dedicated himself to visiting the sick and serving the poor. He rapidly gathered around himself a group of laypersons won over by his zeal and his generous spirit. Initially, the group met as an informal prayer and discussion group, and also served those living in poverty in Rome.
St. Philip’s approach to holiness was truly “catholic” in that it was all-embracing, and was accompanied always by good humor. He often asked people, “Friend, when shall we begin to be better people? Today?”
The “prayer group” which he began eventually became the Congregation of the Oratory, also known as the Oratorians, dedicated to preaching and teaching, and they still exist today.
Let us pray. “O God, who never cease to bestow the glory of holiness on the faithful servants you raise up for yourself, graciously grant that the Holy Spirit may kindle in us that fire with which he wonderfully filled the heart of Saint Philip Neri. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you for ever and ever. Amen.”
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A little humor in honor of St. Philip:
Man: What is a million years like to you?
God: Like one second.
Man: What is a million dollars like to you?
God: Like one penny.
Man: May I have a penny?
God: Just a second.
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The students from the second and third grades at Holy Cross Catholic School joined us for Mass today. Fr. Mark shared this story during his homily:
Several years ago, a survey was taken at a Catholic School. The second and third-grade students were asked: What is love?
One third grader said: “Love is when my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn’t bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands have arthritis too. That’s love!”
Another child said: “Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other.”
A second grader said, “Love is when you go out to McDonalds and you give somebody most of your French fries … without making them give you any of theirs.”
A third-grade teacher said, “Love is what makes you smile when you’re tired.”
A second grader said, “Love is when two people get old together and they are still friends, even after they know each other so well.”
A third grader said, “Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken.”
A second grader said, “Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day.”
Finally, a third grader said: “You really shouldn’t say ‘I love you’ unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. Because people forget.”
Fr. Mark encouraged the children at today’s Mass: “Today, tell someone you love them. Or better, show them!”
