Philippe Néri
1515-1595 16th century Feast day: May 26
Joy as a way to God: a holiness without pose, refusing to take itself seriously so as to take God seriously.
Who was Philippe Néri?
A Florentine who moved to Rome, he spent years there as a layman visiting the sick and gathering young people to pray, laugh, and serve, before being ordained a priest almost reluctantly. His Oratory blended music, conversation, and prayer with a freedom that unsettled people. They came to him to confess and left lighter.
In their own words
Be good, if you can.
Whoever seeks anything other than Christ does not know what he is seeking.
I prefer paradise.