St. Philip Neri (1515-1595), founder of the Congregation of the Oratory, is known as a saint of humor and simplicity of life.
The Pope spoke of his reputation of «joy» and «special dedication to youth, whom he educated and evangelized through the inspired pastoral initiative of the Oratory.»
«Dear young people,» the Holy Father recommended, «look at this saint to learn to live with evangelical simplicity. Dear sick, may St. Philip Neri help you to make of your suffering an offering to the heavenly Father, in union with Jesus crucified.»
Finally, the Pontiff suggested that newlyweds supported by St. Philip’s intercession could be «inspired always in the Gospel to build a truly Christian family.»
