I have always loved the Saints who make holiness feel approachable, reminding us that sanctity isn’t reserved for the extraordinary but can grow right in the middle of an ordinary life through a deepening friendship with the Lord. That is exactly what draws me to Saint Philip Neri.
Known as the joyful apostle of Rome, Saint Philip reminds us that holiness is not meant to be heavy or gloomy. His laughter, humility, and charity demonstrate that Christian joy is deeply rooted in God, even amid the difficulties of life. As Saint Paul writes, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice” (Philippians 4:4).
Perhaps you, too, have longed to live a holy life that also feels light and free. On the Feast of Saint Philip Neri, we can take his example and Saint Paul’s words to heart by recognizing that knowing joy is not separate from holiness but part of it.
A Life Rooted in Joy and Friendship
Born in Florence in 1515, Saint Philip Neri spent the majority of his life in Rome. From a young age, he was drawn to a life completely devoted to God, living a minimalistic, simple life and forming genuine friendships with people he met in the city’s streets, markets, and churches. Friendship became the heart of Neri’s ministry. People were drawn to him not just because of his unique wisdom, but because he portrayed a warmth which represented the love of Christ. He listened and laughed freely, using his joy to open hearts to the Lord. How powerful that kind of presence is when we encounter someone who makes us feel seen, known, and led back to God.
One of Saint Philip Neri’s sayings was, “Cheerfulness strengthens the heart and helps us to persevere” (source). His joy was rooted in a heart fully surrendered to God. He prayed extensively, often through the night, and had a special devotion to the Holy Spirit.
Accounts of his life tell of a profound moment when his heart was so filled with God’s love that it seemed physically enlarged, a sign of the abundance of charity and joy that flowed from him. He eventually formed the Congregation of the Oratory, a community focused on preaching and fellowship. This particular community set a living example of the Christian life shared in friendship, and it welcomed everyone: young men searching for direction, priests needing encouragement, artists, laborers, and even cardinals.
His life beautifully reflected Christ's words, “I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete” (John 15:11). Saint Philip believed that the Lord’s joy was not optional, but rather, essential for the human heart. Humor was one of his main hallmarks, often using playful jokes to avoid praise or attention, while keeping his heart grounded in God. Beneath the laughter was a deep humility and reliance on God's grace.
Living Like Saint Philip Neri
Today, many of us are juggling hectic schedules, and it can feel impossible to hold on to joy. Maybe your days feel full, with a to-do list that never ends, and it feels like everything could come crumbling down. Yet, Saint Philip’s example reminds us that joy comes not from perfect circumstances, but from staying close to God and inviting Him into every part of our lives.
We can draw inspiration from Saint Philip Neri’s life in three ways:
1. Start with prayer.
Even a few moments each day can reorient our hearts toward God. Whether in front of the Blessed Sacrament, praying a short Morning Offering, or spending time in silent reflection, “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Even a small yes to prayer can begin to shift your whole day.
2. Invest in friendships.
Saint Philip Neri nurtured life-giving friendships. Consider inviting someone to pray with you, attend Mass with your friends, or have an honest conversation about faith. “For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them” (Matthew 18:20). Sometimes, these invitations can open the door to something much deeper than we expect.
3. Practice cheerful humility.
Use humor and lightheartedness to avoid taking yourself too seriously. “And all of you must clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another . . .” (1 Peter 5:5). By trusting God with the small and large moments of life, we can practice surrendering control by letting God be God.
A Joy That Transforms the Everyday
Saint Philip Neri’s life reminds us that joy grows when we recognize God’s hand in the regular parts of life. As the Psalmist writes, “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24). Even amidst the routine, we can cultivate joy as a conscious choice. Not because everything is perfect, but because God is present in everything.
A Quick Heart Check
Take a quiet moment today and ask yourself:
- Where have I experienced the joy of the Lord recently?
- Is there a friendship in my life that encourages me in faith?
- Where might the Lord be inviting me to bring more lighthearted trust into my life? What would it look like to respond to that invitation, even in one small way?
A Prayer for Holiness
Lord Jesus, You filled the heart of Saint Philip Neri with joy and love for others. Through his intercession, enlarge my heart too. Teach me to seek You in prayer, to welcome others with warmth, and to live the joy that comes from belonging to You. Holy Spirit, strengthen my heart so that I may persevere in love. Amen.
Victoria Cardona is a theology graduate of Ave Maria University and is currently completing a Master’s in Educational Leadership at St. Thomas University. She is beginning a new role as a middle school religion teacher in Catholic education, and has contributed to publications including Catholic Exchange, Caeli, and The Star of Bethlehem. She has a special devotion to the Divine Mercy and believes the best conversations happen in coffee shops, and can often be found thrift-shopping for grandmother-core pieces and hidden gems.
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