Saint of the Month: St. Philip Neri
“The great thing is to become Saints!” – St. Philip Neri
Philip Neri, born in Florence Italy, lived from 1515-1595 and is known as the Patron Saint of Joy and Laughter. Philip was born into a noble family and was dutiful and cheerful which made him very popular. At a young age, he spent his time praying, reciting Psalms, and listening to the word of God. As a teenager his father sent him to work for his wealthy uncle where he excelled, but after two years realized God was calling him to Rome. At the time, Rome was suffering from corruption and even the church was neglecting it’s flock. Philip took theology classes and practiced the corporal works of mercy daily.
At the age of twenty-nine, during prayer, Philip had an amazing encounter with the Holy Spirit. A ball of fire entered his mouth and lodged in his chest. He could feel a swelling next to his heart, but it did not hurt. Upon his death, he was examined, and his heart was so big that two of his ribs had been broken.
He attracted many people by his cheerful and friendly nature and started a community called the Confraternity, where people would come together for fellowship, holy exercises, and sermons. This community continued to grow and became a gathering place for pilgrims who visited Rome. Philip would provide them with food, assistance, and lodging during their stay. It expanded into a rehabilitation house for the sick who had been discharged from the hospitals. This organization—the Confraternity of the Most Holy Trinity of Pilgrims and Convalescents—soon became famous throughout Rome. Many people of high position, even popes, volunteered to serve in this institution. Lukewarm Catholics became devout, and non-Catholics were baptized into the Church.
Philip did all this as a lay person! His Confessor convinced him to receive Holy Orders, and he became a priest at the age of thirty-six. He founded what was called “The Oratory “for men of all different interests to come together for friendship and holiness, which also became hugely successful.
St. Philip was canonized on March 12, 1622 and his Feast Day is May 28th.
Our very own saint of Good Shepherd, Dick Griesbach cheerfully greets and welcomes every parishioner to Mass on Sunday morning. Many look forward to seeing his smile, him calling them by name and saying welcome to Good Shepherd. It’s so important for parishioners, but also visitors to know Good Shepherd is a place where you are always welcome, and people care about you. Dick is a person who talks to everyone and is always in a cheerful mood. Like Philip Neri, people are drawn to Dick as he embodies the love of Christ to those around them. Dick has been a member of Good Shepherd since 1971 and has served in many areas at the parish. He was a Pastoral Council member, worked in administrative services, recycling coordinator and served on the building and grounds committee. He’s been a member of the art and environment team for 10 years, a communion minister for 14 years and a contributor and driver for the St. Bens ministry for 40 years! As a member of the men’s group ministry for 15 years, Dick has interacted and shared his faith with many men.
Like St. Philip Neri, Dick has served with kindness, love, and concern for people. A member of Good Shepherd for 53 years, Dick has been a blessing to our parish, and we thank him for his service and example to us all!
“Cheerfulness strengthens the heart and helps us to persevere. A servant of God ought always to be in good spirits. Charity and cheerfulness, or charity and humility, should be our motto.” – St. Philip Neri