Lectio et Oratio

We read about the opposition St Philip faced from some of the neighbours as he was building the new church. People even physically attacked those working on it. But the money and workers kept coming. St Philip was convinced that "all things work for the good of those who love God" (Romans 8:28). The malice of men, their evil intentions, can be turned by God to good!

We read about St Philip's holy ambition to build a large church. Even without the money raised, he ordered the old church to be demolished. One day at Mass, God revealed to him the size of the new church. When he told the workmen where to dig, they found a huge ancient wall. The wall became the foundation of that side of the church. May the Lord Himself be the foundation of our spiritual lives!

We read about St Philip's help to Olimpia Troiani. She was dying in labour. St Philip came to visit. He prayed. And she not only gave birth to a lovely young girl, but the mother survived. Philip often prayed for such women. He often brought relics for saints to their homes. As God worked marvels through the bodies of saints while they lived, so he continues to work marvels through their holy remains.

Is it hard, even in the Church, when sharing a building?

Yes! We will read about the difficulties with the new space the Florentines built for St Philip and his men. St Philip realized that borrowing this church and house left them less free to do the work the Lord wanted.

We read about two women who nearly died during childbirth. Both were of the highest nobility in Rome. They were women of great wealth and learning and responsibilities. St Philip was a spiritual father for the rich and the poor.

We read about the offer by the Florentines to build a new space for St Philip's growing Congregation. This new space allowed for greater numbers of men to hear the sermons and music at the Oratory.