Father's Tuesday, 5/26/2020 Message

St. Philip Neri lived in the 1500's, a time of great tension and turmoil in the Church due to the foundation of Protestantism.  He was described as the humorous, or joyful Saint, and, the Apostle of Rome. These titles fit perfectly with his mission to teach the fullness of the Catholic Faith in all its richness and beauty.  He did this first as layman by teaching the faith in private homes, with music, and joy.  He was Ordained a priest at the age of 36, and founded the Oratorians, which continued this practice.  When we look at the Saints, we know that they each had their own distinct personalities, as do we all, but, there should always be a joy about us when we speak of Jesus and our Faith. 

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI expresses this reality beautifully in a little poem he wrote called The Garden of the Saints.  It is contained in his book, Holiness is Always in Season.  It is three pages in length in the book, so, here is just a brief sampling from the beginning: "Visiting a botanical nursery garden, one is amazed by the variety of plants and flowers, and often one is drawn to think of the imagination of the Creator who has given the earth a wonderful garden. A similar feeling of wonder strikes us when we consider the spectacle of sainthood: the world appears to us as a"garden,” where the Spirit of God has given life with admirable imagination to a multitude of men and women saints, of every age and social condition, of every language, people, and culture. Everyone is different from the other, each unique in his own personality and spiritual charism.  

All of them, however, were impressed with the "seal" of Jesus or the imprint of his love witnessed through the Cross. They are all in joy, in a festival without end."  May St. Philip Neri be an example and inspiration to us to live a life of joy. 

God bless you,
Fr. Robert