St. Philip Neri

Philip was born July 22, 1515, at Florence, Italy.  His father, Francisco Neri, worked as a notary.   Peter moved to San Germano in 1533 to help some family members with their business, and while there would escape to a local Dominican chapel in the mountains to pray. He received word in a vision that he had an apostolate in Rome. There he was befriended by Galeotto Caccia, who took Philip in and paid him to tutor his two sons. He wrote poetry in Latin and Italian, and studied philosophy and theology. When he tired of learning, he sold all his books and gave the money to the poor. 

Peter entered the priesthood in 1551. He began working with youth, finding safe places for them to play, and becoming involved in their lives. In 1575 he founded the Congregation of the Oratory.

He died May 27, 1595, and was canonized in 1622. He is a patron of Rome, Italy; and the United States Army Special Forces. His Feast Day is May 26.