Lectio et Oratio

We read about the the death of Iacopo Marmitta, secretary to Cardinal Ricci of Montepulciano, a man of intelligence, prudence and education. He used to confess his sins several times a week to Philip, who was very fond of him, and he received Communion at the church of San Girolamo." But this devout penitent of St Philip's did not accept his final sickness with much constancy of mind or joy. St Philip was able to turn Iacopo more to the Lord. He was able to help him see what the source of true constancy of mind is: the Lord. Constancy is that special part of the virtue of fortitude that helps us stand strong in the face of external obstacles.

Last episode, we read about St Philip saving the life of his friend Delia Buscaglio when she was dying in childbirth. St Philip encouraged her to turn her life completely to Christ. He interpreted this dramatic time in her life and the loss of her child as a chance for her to draw closer to the Lord than ever before. Likewise, St Philip showed great compassion on her husband, Gasparo. Gasparo was in despair, thinking his wife had died. But after Philip saved her, he went and found Gasparo and encouraged him to comfort his wife and to keep the commandments.

Did St Philip have much experience with married couples?

Yes. He loved when spouses went to the same priest for confession. We read about some close friends of his. The occasion is a very sad one. The pregnant wife was dying from a very difficult attempt to deliver her child. St Philip saves her life in this episode's reading. He gives very consoling advice to her husband.

We read about St Philip's friend who began to give birth to her fourth child. But the child was turned the wrong direction. The midwife could not do anything to stop the child from coming out feet first. Doctors arrived as the child was stuck. The mother was very close to death. No one did anything wrong and yet this terrible event happened. How we must entrust to the mercy of God children who die without baptism!

To whom are human beings similar through their souls?

Angels. Angels are spirits, pure spirits, without any material component. But they are persons; an angel is someone, not something. These personal beings can know and love. The good angels are sent to help us. And we read about what happened on September 28, 1561. On the vigil of St Michael, St Philip drove the devils away from Sebastiano. In their place, angels, lots of angels surrounded Sebastian as he passed in his soul, in his spirit, to eternal life.

Last episode we read about how the devils tried to make Sebastian despair of divine help. They so tried to scare him that he lost all hope of his soul entering heaven after he died. His friends by his bedside and his parish priest knew they could not save his bodily life, but they hoped to help his spiritual life. Although they did everything correctly, nothing seemed to help the deep depression Sebastian had fallen into. Let us not be discouraged if our efforts seem in vain. Let us pray and fast and beg the Lord to send someone who can help.

To whom are human beings similar through their souls?

Angels. Angels are spirits, pure spirits, without any material component. But they are persons; an angel is someone, not something. These personal beings can know and love. The good angels are sent to help us. And we read about what happened on September 28, 1561. On the vigil of St Michael, St Philip drove the devils away from Sebastiano. In their place, angels, lots of angels surrounded Sebastian as he passed in his soul, in his spirit, to eternal life.

Last episode we read about how the devils tried to make Sebastian despair of divine help. They so tried to scare him that he lost all hope of his soul entering heaven after he died. His friends by his bedside and his parish priest knew they could not save his bodily life, but they hoped to help his spiritual life. Although they did everything correctly, nothing seemed to help the deep depression Sebastian had fallen into. Let us not be discouraged if our efforts seem in vain. Let us pray and fast and beg the Lord to send someone who can help.