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Getting to Know St. Philip Neri and St. John Henry Cardinal Newman
Getting to Know St. Philip Neri and St. John Henry Cardinal Newman
The Catholic world has seen its fair share of pioneers over the centuries, helping to spread the Lord’s message.
Today we’re going to be talking about St. Philip Neri and St. John Henry Cardinal Newman. Both of these have had a truly impressive impact on Catholicism, and their work still continues to live on to this very day.
Let’s take a look!
St. Philip Neri
Born in Florence on July 21, 1515, St. Philip Neri grew up with three other siblings. Those that knew him as a child would describe him as “cheerful and obedient,” with him often being called “good little Phil.”
His faith journey officially began when he received lessons from friars at the Dominican monastery in Florence, San Marco.
Moving on, at 18 years of age, Philip headed to San Germano to live with an affluent family member. He was tasked with helping to run the family business, and there was the possibility that he would call the business his own one day. However, God had other plans.
Shortly after arriving in San Germano, Philip had a vision that changed the course of his life. In this vision, he had an encounter with the Almighty, which renewed his interest in religion.
As time grew on, the family business become less and less interesting to Philip. Instead, he decided to set off for Rome to follow his newfound passion for The Lord and His Church.
Once arriving in Rome, Philip became a live-in tutor. His skills were soon praised as he was clearly gifted at bringing out the best in people and forming strong relationships.
Also during this time, he spent a lot of the day praying and was known to eat small meals. The meals typically consisted of water, a small selection of vegetables, and bread.
He then progressed to studying theology and philosophy at the Sapienza and St. Augustine's monastery. However, after three years, Philip decided his efforts were better dedicated to helping the poor in Rome and spreading Christianity back to a city that had strayed away from its teachings.
He spent his days helping others in any way he could, while his nights were primarily spent praying in solitude in the catacombs beside the Appian Way or at Church.
Eventually, Philip went on to create the Congregation of the Oratory, a community of Catholic priests and lay brothers. Since its creation, it has spread around the globe with more than 70 Oratories that include around 500 priests.
St. John Henry Cardinal Newman
On February 21st, 1801 in London, Saint John Henry was born. He was born into a family of six children and was the eldest of the bunch.
He was raised in a middle-class setting, with John’s father being a well-established banker, and although he was born in London, he was actually brought up in the bustling town of Southampton.
Throughout his early years, John became well acquainted with the bible, as his parents were practicing Christians.
At the age of 15, something truly remarkable happened: John had a life-altering experience. Later on in life, he wrote about this experience and said “I fell under the influences of a definite Creed.”
Around this time, Evangelicalism started to pick up the pace, and during the final year of John’s schooling, he fully converted to it.
Afterward, he continued with his education by attending Trinity College in Oxford. Following this, he was elected to a fellowship at Oriel College. John was so focused on becoming a minister of Christ during this period. He made it his mission to pursue the Anglican orders as a way of dedicating his whole life to God.
Moving forward a little, John began to bring new life to the Church of England. However, something changed, which caused him to make the swap to Catholicism.
As a result, he went on to establish a congregation called the Birmingham Oratory. But that’s not all. He also became the first rector of an institution you may have heard about: The University College Dublin.
Throughout Saint Newman’s journey, he never let his large accomplishments distract him from reaching out to those in need. He visited those who were sick and imprisoned, making sure everyone was listened to and educated about the teachings of God within Catholicism.
Carry Their Words And Wisdom
It’s safe to say that these noble and influential men have had such an amazing impact on the Catholic world.
That’s why we’ve collected their greatest inspiration quotes so their teachings continue to live on.
To list a few:
“A great memory does not make a mind, any more than a dictionary is a piece of literature.” - St. John Henry Cardinal Newman
“A man would do nothing if he waited until he could do it so well that no one could find fault.” - St. John Henry Cardinal Newman
“The cross is the gift God gives to his friends” - ST. Philip Neri
“A joyful heart is more easily made perfect than a downcast one.” - St. Philip Neri
“Good is never accomplished except at the cost of those who do it, truth never breaks through except through the sacrifice of those who spread it.” - St. John Henry Cardinal Newman
By purchasing one, not only will you be reminded of their lessons during everyday life, but you can help spread their messages to others who are interested in learning.
Also, we have a selection of other life-changing quotes available on Mugs, Sweat Shirts, and Notebooks.
To Wrap Things Up
St. Philip Neri and St. John Henry Cardinal Newman are both remarkable servants of God that have tremendous achievements. However, during all their success, they never lost sight of helping anyone who needed it.
Even though they have both passed on to heaven, their spirits live on.
