Saint of Joy, Philip Neri

May 25, 2011 by Pat Gohn

Continued from Page 2

In the year 1593, I was called upon because Philip was sick. I observed a strong heartbeat and was told that was something of long standing, which he had since his youth. As I looked for the cause and examined his chest, I found this to be very enlarged and a tumour there, by the small ribs next to the heart. By the touch I could tell the ribs were protruding . . . After his death the facts became clearer. On opening his breast, one found that the ribs at this location were broken, and the bones separated from the cartilage. In this way it was possible for the beating of his heart to have room to expand and contract. I came to the conclusion that this was something supernatural . . . It was the means by which God prevented his heart from destroying itself on the hard ribs in its violent beating. Thus he was able to live, even with this malady, an extraordinarily long life. (Philip Neri, The Fire of Joy, p. 19)

Philip had experienced a physical touch of God that both rearranged his life and perfected his calling. His prayer as he touched the Host was often: "Behold my love!" or, "Lord, keep your eye on me today. I fear I might betray you."

How disarming is the love of God. And how inspiring is the soul who lives within that captivating Presence, abandoning oneself into the arms of God.

"Lord," prayed Philip, "as you know and as you will, so do with me."

St. Philip Neri, pray for us!

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5/25/2011 4:00:00 AM

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About Pat Gohn

Pat Gohn is a Catholic writer, speaker, and the host of the Among Women Podcast and blog. Her book Blessed, Beautiful and Bodacious: Celebrating the Gift of Catholic Womanhood is published by Ave Maria Press.

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