St. Philip Neri
Born: July 22, 1515
Died: May 25, 1595
Canonized: March 12, 1622, by Pope Gregory XV
Feast Day: May 26
Patron Saint of: Rome, United States Army Special Forces
Philip was born on July 22, 1515, in Florence. Although devout in his faith, Philip did not recognize a calling to serve in the priesthood until he was 35 years old. While answering this call by serving as a priest in a church in San Girolamo della Carita, his reputation for his wise counsel and zeal for Confessions became widespread. In 1564, Philip became the rector of the church where he established a new common table and worship for the clergy. Philip's reputation for structured worship and prayer drew the admiration of the region; as a result, he was given the honorary title of "apostle of Rome".
