Lectio et Oratio

Did St Philip ever help the same nun twice?

Yes. We read about the same nun we read about last night. She lived in Spoleto and was suffering from a terrible eye inflammation. The miracle that occurred is the first one reported based on a picture of St Philip. She touched her eye with his picture. We may not have many first and second class relics of St Philip, but all of us can obtain a picture!

We read about the first miracle this nun from Spoleto experienced by the help of St Philip. She was suffering from a very serious fever and prayed to St Philip. Some of the details of this nun's life remind us of later saints, especially St Gabriel and St Maximilan Kolbe. How we need to remember how connected we are in the Mystical Body of Christ. How we need to remember that the full meaning of our lives will only be clear in heaven!

Who was the youngest person that was helped by St Philip from heaven?

A four year old boy. In July 1597, just over two years after the death and burial of St Philip, this young boy was suffering from a terrible fever. His condition got so bad that he could neither speak nor move for several days. When his mother despaired of his remaining alive, she laid on his head a piece of cloth of St Philip's. The effect and cure were immediate. The joy of his parents were indescribable.

We read about a physician who was cured of a stone in his bladder by the help of St Philip. St Philip was close to many doctors in his life. He showed his love for them even after his death. His friendship with doctors reminds one of another miracle working saint who developed close relationships with doctors, St Andre Bessette. May we never forget that charity, sacred love, continues after this life in heaven. Those that we learn to love here in this life we will love in heaven too.

Did St Philip show any special help to older people who were suffering?

We read about a 75 year old priest who appealed to St Philip in a very serious situation. Like the people in the time of St Peter who used his handkerchief for miracles, so this priest touched his body with a handkerchief of St Philip. Just as the the handkerchief of the original Apostle of Rome worked wonders, so the handkerchief of the second Apostle of Rome does wonders.

Did St Philip show any special help to older people who were suffering?

We read about a 75 year old priest who appealed to St Philip in a very serious situation. Like the people in the time of St Peter who used his handkerchief for miracles, so this priest touched his body with a handkerchief of St Philip. Just as the the handkerchief of the original Apostle of Rome worked wonders, so the handkerchief of the second Apostle of Rome does wonders.

We read about a nine year old girl who was suffering terrible bowel problems. She was cured by an apparition of the Mother of God and St Philip. How confident we need to be in the prayers of Our Lady. How confident we need to be to speak to her and her Son about all aspects of our lives. There is nothing they cannot understand about human life. To help us believe this, God sends saints like St Philip. His life shows us how much he cared about human situations and how people could speak to him about all their problems.

We read about a nine year old girl who was suffering terrible bowel problems. She was cured by an apparition of the Mother of God and St Philip. How confident we need to be in the prayers of Our Lady. How confident we need to be to speak to her and her Son about all aspects of our lives. There is nothing they cannot understand about human life. To help us believe this, God sends saints like St Philip. His life shows us how much he cared about human situations and how people could speak to him about all their problems.

Do priests always know their calling from an early age?

No. We read about the origins of a priestly vocation. Ottavio was dying. All medical help had failed. As he awaited death, he thought about St Philip Neri. Ottavio lived in Naples and knew the Oratorians there. But then it came into Ottavio's mind to add to his prayer the promise of becoming an Oratorian, if he recovered. Ottavio did get better. And he kept his word.

Do priests always know their calling from an early age?

No. We read about the origins of a priestly vocation. Ottavio was dying. All medical help had failed. As he awaited death, he thought about St Philip Neri. Ottavio lived in Naples and knew the Oratorians there. But then it came into Ottavio's mind to add to his prayer the promise of becoming an Oratorian, if he recovered. Ottavio did get better. And he kept his word.