Lectio et Oratio

Did St Philip know when his close friends would die?

Yes, quite often. We read about a prophetic gesture that St Philip used to warn one of his friends about his upcoming death. Constanzo Tassone was visiting Rome to receive a special gift from the Pope. But St Philip saw that the end of Constanzo's life was very near.

We read about a very laudatory account of the early fruit of the Oratory in Rome. Years before the Pope formally established this new spiritual family in the Church, they were drawing large groups of men from all walks of life to greater heights of holiness. But what was the true secret of St Philip's success with souls? His pure love for God and their salvation. God had so purified St Philip's soul that his love no longer included selfish motives. He truly desired God's glory and the salvation of others.

We read about various persecutions that kept cropping up against St Philip. But St Philip was like the boy that he healed of an eye disease around the same time. St Philip's spiritual vision had been healed. Enlightened by God through wisdom, St Philip saw all things that happened as related to God.

We read about St Philip's friendship with Antonio Fucci, a medical doctor. St Philip helped him make a holy death in 1566 by not only visiting him and giving him the sacraments, but also uncovering a deceit of the devil. The devil had appeared to Antonio as a doctor! He told him that he would get better and live. This was a lie. In discussing the death of Antonio Fucci, Gallonio told an earlier story about Antonio. In his medical practice, he had special temptations against purity. He was especially troubled when he was treating women, but also men. Antonio was so discouraged that he was going to quit being a doctor. St Philip encouraged him, blessed him, and from that day on, the heart of Antonio was strengthened. He was able to carry on his work without being troubled by lustful thoughts about men or women.

Did St Philip know who would be elected Pope?

Yes. We read about St Pius V's election on January 7. We also will read about St Philip's appreciation for frequent confession. May the Lord help us become saints through confession.