The Life of Saint Philip Neri, Apostle of Rome and Founder of the Congregation of the Oratory

The Life Of Saint Philip Neri, Apostle Of Rome And Founder Of The Congregation Of The Oratory by Pietro Giacomo Bacci offers a thorough biographical account of Saint Philip Neri, a revered sixteenth?century Italian priest who founded the Congregation of the Oratory. The work begins with his Florentine birth in 1515, traces his early education and pious youth in Florence and Rome, and follows his evolution into a priest devoted to prayer, preaching, and the salvation of souls. It details his ascetic discipline, his travels, and his relentless charitable works, including hospital service, conversions, and reform of spiritual life through the Oratory. The text also surveys his spiritual exercises, the revival of frequent confession, and the cultivation of humility, obedience, and detachment from wealth and status. It culminates with his later life, miracles, ecstasies, prophecies, and his enduring influence on Catholic spirituality and the Counter-Reformation milieu.