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San Filippo Neri, ora pro nobis |
May 26 is the Feast of San Filippo Neri (1515-1595), Third Apostle of Rome and "jester of God." Founder of the Congregation of the Oratory, a society of secular clergy, he is the patron saint of joy, laughter, and comedians. Protector of Roseto Valfortore, a small town in the Province of Foggia in Apulia, he is also one of the 52 co-patrons of Naples. In celebration, I’m posting a prayer to St. Philip Neri. The photo was taken at The Oratory Church of Saint Boniface in downtown Brooklyn. Evviva San Filippo Neri!
A Prayer to St. Philip Neri
O holy St. Philip Neri, patron saint of joy, you who trusted Scripture’s promise that the Lord is always at hand and that we need not have anxiety about anything, in your compassion heal our worries and sorrows and lift the burdens from our hearts. We come to you as one whose heart swells with abundant love for God and all creation. Hear us, we pray, especially in this need (make your request here). Keep us safe through your loving intercession, and may the joy of the Holy Spirit which filled your heart, St. Philip, transform our lives and bring us peace. Amen.
