Lectio et Oratio

Did St Philip ever witness a dramatic death?

Yes. One of his penitents, whom we will read about, came to confession on Holy Thursday. St Philip knew that the Lord was asking something great of this man. He was not sure what it was. The man went home, fell ill, and died four days later. He died, it would seem, on Easter Sunday. We learn from this dramatic death a great spiritual secret.

Last episode we read about the conclusion of the Pope Pius V's investigation of the Oratory and St Philip. But we also read about the death of certain unnamed persons who mistreated St Philip. St Philip's contemporaries were very struck by this strange phenomenon. People who persecuted St Philip often had something bad happen to them. Why would this happen? St Philip never made much of it. But it was, to those around him, a sign of divine favour. God had raised up St Philip for a special work in the Church.

Did the Dominican inspectors find things in good order at the Oratory?

Yes. The remarkable thing about the investigation that Pius V undertook of the Oratorians was how the most favourable report ever was given to him by the two priests he sent to inspect. The aim of those who complained was to have St Philip's operations curtailed or shut down. But instead the work of St Philip grew in Papal support. Through this trial, St Pius V and St Philip became much closer.

Last episode we read about the prudence of St Pius V. He wanted to find out for himself whether the rumours he heard about St Philip were true. He knew there is always two sides to a story. He knew he had to investigate. He decided to send two Dominican theologians to hear the sermons at the Oratory. Neither Dominican knew about the other's mission. Pope Pius V showed a certain wisdom and generosity in his approach to getting to the bottom of things.

Did St Philip allow laymen to preach?

Yes. In the earliest days of the Oratory exercises, St Philip would have laymen speak on topics they knew well, especially if they were good speakers. The Pope heard about this and sent investigators! Why did the Pope hear complaints? People who did not like St Philip complained.

Last episode we read about St Philip's way of responding to insults. He showed patience and kindness. He did not return evil for evil. What power the Holy Spirit has to transform our hearts!

Does Our Lord allow his closest friends to undergo trials?

Yes. We read about why Our Lord allowed St Philip to be persecuted and criticized. He was often criticized by those closest to him. Fr Gallon recounts how St Philip responded. He set before himself the power of the Holy Spirit. By the Holy Spirit he become patient and kind.

Last episode we read about the way St Philip tried to prepare Constanzo Tassone for death. Right before he was honoured by the Pope, Tassone went to see St Philip. St Philip knew he was coming over and knew that he would die soon. And so he had two teenagers lie at the entrance of the doorway like corpses. We are not told whether Tassone realized what this signified. Let us ask for the grace to accept our death when and where the Lord wills it to happen. Through death, we go to God.