Another great Maltese artist

Paul Camilleri Cauchi's painting of the Blessed Mother in Gharb, Gozo, (Malta)

During Lent, I shared with you the works of sculptor Michael Camilleri Cauchi, producing two beautiful statues of Jesus crowned with thorns, and another one of Jesus falling under the cross. His brother Paul is another accomplished artist in his own right, producing prolifically all over the island of Malta in various churches, painting ceilings, domes, and altar-pieces with exceptional creativity, color and movement. 

The Assumption of Mary in Cathedral Church, Rabat, Gozo, (Malta)

His style is evident from these paintings I here reproduce, all of which are photos I took in my recent visit to Malta. Along with my favorite Maltese painter Emvin Cremona, Paul Camilleri Cauchi has left his indelible mark all over the island of Malta, even though he is originally from the sister island Gozo, 5 miles northwest of Malta. Sacred art in Malta has become the envy of many other countries, thanks to these two and other artists.

Part of a ceiling of the Annunciation church in Balzan, Malta

Corpus Christi

From the Vatican Museums, a magnificent tapestry of the Last Supper

A very special day indeed for all Catholics, as we celebrate the feast of the Body and Blood of Christ, known also as Corpus Christi. We remember that day when Jesus instituted the Eucharist at the Last Supper, as we reflect on the poetic words written by St Thomas Aquinas in 1264 at the order of Pope Urban IV, in his sequence Lauda Sion Salvatorem.
Here are a few verses of this sequence, translated from the Latin original:
 

His own act, at supper seated
    Christ ordain'd to be repeated
    In His memory divine;
    Wherefore now, with adoration,
    We, the host of our salvation,
 
Consecrate from bread and wine.
    Hear, what holy Church maintaineth,
    That the bread its substance changeth
    Into Flesh, the wine to Blood.
    

Jesu, shepherd of the sheep:
    Thou thy flock in safety keep,
    Living bread, thy life supply:
    Strengthen us, or else we die,
    Fill us with celestial grace.
   
Thou, who feedest us below:
    Source of all we have or know:
    Grant that with Thy Saints above,
    Sitting at the feast of love,
    We may see Thee face to face.
    Amen. Alleluia.

The above photos is one of many I took while in Rome recently, many of which I will share with you over the next few months. This is a huge tapestry by Flemish craftsmen, hanging in one of the halls of the Vatican Museum. You can always click on the image to see it in more detail.

Corpus Christi procession

In anticipation of tomorrow’s solemn feast of the Body and Blood of Christ, also known as Corpus Christi, I share with you today a few photos I took back in 2008 during a procession in the town of Rabat in Malta.

During the morning procession in this particular town, the First Communion children also accompany the procession, as do priests, sisters and lay people, followed by a marching band playing Eucharistic hymns.

The Blessed Sacrament is carried by a local pastor, or was the case that year a visiting Bishop, accompanied by members of the Confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament, seen here in red capes, some of whom carry the baldacchino which is held above the monstrance with the Eucharist, carried by the bishop.

Churches are richly decorated with plenty of candles, tapestries, and all the church paraphernalia on display. Each parish in Malta would hold a procession with the Blessed Sacrament, some of them in the morning, others in the late afternoon.

Religious Orders - part 2

Trappist Monks (O.C.S.O.) of Spencer, Massachusetts

Here are  more acronyms of various Religious Orders:

S.A. - Franciscan Friars of the Atonement
F.M.S. - The Marist Brothers
S.C. - Society of the Sacred Heart
F.S.C - Brothers of the Christian School
S.C.J - Priests of the Sacred Heart
Glmy - The Glenmary Home Missions
S.D.B. - Society of Don Bosco (Salesians)
L.C. - Legionaires of Christ
S.J. - Society of Jesus (Jesuits)
M.M. - Maryknoll Missionaries
S.M. - Society of Mary (Marianists)
M.S. - Missionaries of Our Lady of La Salette
S.M.A. - Society of African Missions
M.S.C. - Missionaries of the Sacred Heart
 

Capuchin Friars of the Renewal, (C.F.R.)

S.M.M. - Montfort Missionaries
M.S.P. - Missionaries of St Paul
S.P. - Servants of the Paraclete
O.Carm - Carmelite Fathers and Brothers
SS.CC. -Congreg of the Sacred Heart of Jesus & Mary
O.Cart - Order of the Carthusians
S.S.S. - Society of the Blessed Sacrament
O.C.D. - Order of Discalced Carmelites
S.X. - Xaverian Missionary Fathers
O.C.S.O - Order of the Cistercian of the Strict Observance (Trappists)
S.V.D. -Society of the Divine Word
T.O.R. - Third Order Regular (Lay Franciscans)
O.F.M. - Franciscan Friars
V.C. - Vincentian Congregation

Religious Orders - part 1

Frequently you come across various acronyms, usually after the names of Priests and Nuns. Some are very familiar, but many others are pretty vague, and people are left wondering what they mean. So, I compiled for you a list of Initials that relate to Religious Orders for men. Over the next few days, I’ll share with you a few more, as well as a list of Religious Orders for women, some of which may be similar.

Some members of religious orders with different robes, from years gone by.

C.F.C - Congregation of Christian Brothers
O.F.M. Cap - The Capuchin Friars
C.F.R - Franciscan Friars of the Renewal
O.F.M. - Conventual Franciscans
C.I.C.M. - Missionhurst Congregation
O.Mar - Order of the Maronite Monks
C.J. - Josephite Fathers
O.M.I. -Oblates of Mary Immaculate
C.J.M. - Congregation of the Mission
O.P. - Order of Preachers (Dominicans)
C.M.F. - Claretian Missionaries
O.S.A. - The Augustinians
C.M.I. - Carmelites of Mary Immaculate
O.S.B.M. -Order of St Basil the Great
C.O. - Oratorians

Various monks and saints of the Dominican Order (O. P.)

O.S.F. - Brothers of Third Order Franciscans
C.P. - Congregation of the Passion
O.S.J. - Oblates of St Joseph
C.P.M. - Congregation of the Fathers of Mercy
O.S.M. - Servites
C.S.B. - Basilian Fathers
O.S.P.P.E. - Pauline Fathers
C.S.C. - Congregation of the Holy Cross
O.SS.T. - Order of the Holy Trinity
C.S.P. - Paulist Fathers
P.I.M.E. -Pontifical Institute of Foreign Missions
C.S.Sp. - Holy Ghost Fathers
R.C.J.- Rogationist Fathers
C.SS.R. - Redemptorist Fathers
S.A. - Franciscan Friars of the Atonement

Maltese sacred architecture

One of the sculpted arches above one of the side altars

On my recent visit to Malta, I had the opportunity to visit many churches and take hundreds of photos of paintings, statues, as well as a sample of the typical Baroque architecture that dominates most churches. One particular church is St Mary's parish church in Birkirkara. It used to be the old parish church, until the bigger one of St Helena was built. Recently it was given the status of a parish once again, while over the past 40 years, much reconstruction was done inside the church, as you can see from these photos. 

A general view of the inside of the church

All architecture is made from locally-hewn limestone. The church is missing a dome, which may be re-built in the future years. Much of the work was done by local stone masons, led by Abraham Schembri. It is certainly one of the hidden gems of Maltese sacred architecture.

Another section of the apse above one of the side altars

The ornate facade of the same St Mary church in Birkirkara

Saint Boniface

SAINT BONIFACE was born in 680 in Devonshire, England. From the age of thirteen he was educated in the Benedictine monastery of Exeter, where he later became a monk.
He went to Rome to obtain the Pope's blessing on his mission to Germany. It was a slow and dangerous task. He destroyed the temples of idols and built churches instead. Once he cut down a huge oak that was dedicated to the god Jupiter, and then used the tree in building a church dedicated to St. Peter. Boniface was eventually sent to Rome where the Pope made him a bishop. He returned to Germany and started a number of dioceses, while correcting abuses and building more churches.
Once Boniface was in Holland converting a tribe of people. While he was waiting to administer Confirmation to some newly baptized Christians, a troop of pagans arrived.  He said to his Christian friends, "My children, do not resist." The pagans killed Boniface and 52 Christians who were with him on June 5, 755. He is well loved in Germany where he is regarded as the Patron Saint, also admired in England.

Say it more often !

These are some expressions we should say more often in our daily conversations. Whether at home, in a car, at school or at work, while relaxing or even at Church, this world would be a much better place if we were to use these expressions more frequently. We just have to remind ourselves and others....to say it more often !

"Thanks for working so hard for us, Dad.”
"Let's just stay home and enjoy each other."
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean what I said."
"You're the best friend anyone could have."
"I'm not going out because I have to study."
"I'm not going; those guys are too wild for me."
"I'll buy it out of my own money."
"This parish is great."
"I like your sermons. They make me think."
"What a spectacular sunset ! Thank You God."
"I'll hold the door for you."
"You can have my seat if you want to."
"Let's see the movie of your choice tonight."
"Thank you for praying for me”
"Sure, I'll volunteer.”
"Let's visit your mother."
"That was a great dinner, Mom.”
"I'm glad I'm in this family."
"I'm glad I married you."
"Let's celebrate!"
"You're welcome."
"Thank You... I'm sorry....I love you !”
"Let's say grace together before we eat."
"Can I help you clean up the kitchen ?"
"It's OK. You can go ahead of me."
"Shouldn't we be more grateful to God.”
"Let's shut the TV off, and pray the Rosary."
"I appreciate your kindness."
"Thank you for calling me last night."
"Let me shovel some of the snow for you."
"Can I get you anything from the store."
"Do you have any letters to mail ?"
"Go ahead, watch whatever program you wish."
“Do you want to watch any other game?"
"If you're drinking, then I'll drive tonight."
"If you want, you can use our swimming pool."
"Let me help you clean up the basement."
"I'm very happy that I met you."
"That was a beautiful card you sent me."
"Thank you for understanding !"
"It's Sunday. Let's go to Church together."
"Thanks for visiting me in the hospital."
"I'll change the diaper !"
"I'll feed the baby today."

Holy Trinity

"Old Testament Trinity" by Andrei Rublev

The Rublev Icon of the Trinity is one of the most descriptive Icons ever created. It was painted by a Russian monk Andrei Rublev in 1411 and is presently seen at the Tretyakov State Gallery, Moscow, Russia. Shaped to fit into a perfect circle, the three figures who look like angels represent the Trinitarian Godhead, without beginning or end.
In Genesis chapter 18, the image of three mysterious angelic visitors is described as appearing to Abraham. Rublev created this Icon, giving the angels thin staffs to symbolize authority, and each wearing blue plus other colors, sitting around a table with a chalice like bowl in the center. It is named the “Old Testament Trinity.”
 
The one of the left is the Father….”in my Father’s house there are many mansions” – notice the tower behind him. The center angel is Christ, with two fingers blessing the offerings, and also to symbolize the human and divine natures. The tree behind him foreshadows the tree of life and the  tree on which he was crucified.
The third angel on the right is the Holy Spirit, dressed in green and blue, symbolic of life. A mountain is behind him, where Moses received the 10 commandments, where Jesus was transfigured, Sinai and Tabor respectively. An open space in the center is an invitation for us to join this mystery draped in the theology of color and arranged in a geometry of grace.

Pope John Paul II had special devotion to this Icon, and besides the image of the Black Madonna of Czestochowa, this is the only other image he had in his bedroom at the Vatican. He also dedicated the last three years of the last millennium to the Holy Trinity respectively, 1998 to Jesus, 1999 to the Holy Spirit and 2000 to God the Father.

NY Mets no-hitter

Amazing front page of the NY Post of June 2, 2012

We waited 51 years for this bit of news, and since I’ve been a die-hard New York Mets fan since I arrived in New York in 1981, it is very appropriate to share this incredible news. For the first time in their history, and after 8,019 games, a Mets pitcher has thrown a no-hitter. The pitcher is Johan Santana, a native Venezuelan who has already pondered retirement after an injury side-lined him for a few months. But yesterday, June 1st, 2012 will be forever etched in Mets history as a truly historic date. After the likes of Tom Seaver, Jerry Koosman, Dwight Gooden, Ron Darling, David Cone, Pedro Martinez, and another 250 pitchers have not been able to throw a no-hitter, Johann did just that on a historic Friday night. For those European visitors to this blog, a no-hitter happens when a pitcher throws at 27 batters in a game and no one gets a hit off him. And that’s what happened yesterday, even though Johann was helped with some incredible catches in the outfield by the other players. Which comes to show that baseball is a team sport. A no-hitter is not rare, and in fact there are on average two or three no-hitters every year, but the Mets have incredibly never got one, until yesterday. The only other team now without a no-hitter are the San Diego Padres.

The full 1986 New York Mets team that won the World Series.

To add a little trivia to this story, back in 1986, the NY Mets invited me to give them the Blessing and Invocation at the annual dinner they host for the fans in January, just before the players leave for spring training. And as I sat on the dais with the likes of Gary Carter, Darryl Strawberry, Jesse Orosco, Bobby Ojeda, and so many others, I prayed that they would hit timely home-runs in the bottom of the 9th and eventually win the World Series. And sure enough, my prayers have been answered, because that same year, the New York Mets were crowned World Series Champions. Of course I cannot take any credit for the victory, but I guess every little prayer helped, including my blessing and Benediction on the team.

ABCs of Commitment

I open my heart and my mind to be aware of the ABCs which will lift my spirits up day by day.
 

"Christ the Teacher" by Maltese artist Emvin Cremona at Hamrun church, Malta

Almighty Creator of the Universe, who created all that we have and cherish.
Beloved Father, God of compassion.
Create in me a clean heart this day, to love you more.
Deliver me from the limitations of my ego.
Exalt your presence in my mind, and keep me always focused on You.
Forgive all that I have done against You, myself and others.
Grant me peace, and grant peace to all the world.
Hold me steadfastly within the boundaries of your truth.
Inspire my heart to know You better, my ears to hear You, and my eyes to recognize You.
Justify me in the presence of all enemies.
Knead my heart with works of kindness and acts of humility.
Let no harm befall me or my loved ones.
May all I do or say glorify You, and never let any word of mine ever hurt You.
Nourish me with Your Wisdom and Knowledge.
Open my eyes to know your vision of truth.
Purge my heart of all things that are offensive to your law.
Quiet my soul in the midst of confusion and temptation.
Renew my commitment to You.
Save me from my secret fears.
Teach me to trust You at all times.
Use all You have given me to serve You.
Victory for Your cause is my desire.
Walk with me so that my strength will never be diminished.
Xamine my heart continually.
Your Love and Grace are my good fortune.
Zealously, I commit my life to serving you faithfully and dutifully.
 

Until today, you may not have been aware of the power of knowing the alphabet. Just for today, practice in making each letter of the alphabet come alive in your life.

Feast of the Visitation

A beautiful painting of the Visitation in the parish church at Gharb, Gozo, (Malta)

The month of May, dedicated to the Blessed Mother ends with another feast of Mary, precisely her visitation to her cousin Elizabeth. It was also the first encounter between Jesus and John the Baptist, even though they were still in their mothers’ respective wombs. As was customary, the younger woman would visit the older one and Mary stayed with Elizabeth for three months, helping her with chores, while chatting and praying over their upcoming blessed event. Who knows what they talked about....asking questions that any prospective mother would ask another mother....”What are you gonna name the baby? ......is he kicking yet?........is the crib ready?.....how many more weeks for the delivery?........”

The scene of the Visitation from Franco Zeffirelli's 1976 movie "Jesus of Nazareth."

This feast also encourages us to focus on the spirit of visits. People visit each other frequently, as families vacation and go on holidays while stopping at homes and places where they know they would be welcome. How hospitable are we to guests who stop by to visit us? How gracious are we when we visit friends? Do we check to see if we are imposing on them? How about visiting elderly people, like grandparents, uncles and aunts who may be very lonely? Do we set a good example when friends visit us? Do we invite them to attend church with us on a weekend, or are we embarrassed to take them to Mass with us? You may be surprised how honored they would feel when you introduce them to the church and parish community? I can tell you that this is how most converts are made, when they visit a church and get ‘hooked’ by something special they see, a message in the homily, or any other event that may seem insignificant for you, but not for your friends and guests.

Banners

A banner I did in 1983 for the parish office

Back in the early 1980s, when I first arrived in the USA and was stationed at Holy Spirit parish in New Hyde Park, NY, I worked on a few banners for our church. They were displayed periodically and according to the season. Here are a few that I did over the years. The backdrop usually was burlap or felt, and the letters were all made of felt, including the designs that I personally cut one by one.

A banner I did in 1982 for the Teen Club, quoting St Francis of Chichister's famous quote which was included in the Australian musical "Godspell"

Working patiently on one of the banners

Another banner with a simple message, crafted in 1985

Holy Water Fonts

One of the oldest stoups, dating from the 4th century, in Gharb, Gozo (Malta)

I wrote frequently while I was in Malta, that I was helping my sister-in-law with her thesis, taking pictures of various holy water fonts that one finds on entering a church. Just to conclude this topic, I include here just a few photos I took of different fonts, also called stoups, some of which are pretty old, others more modern. The presence of these stoups in the back of churches is to let people bless themselves as they enter church for Mass. By blessing themselves, they are also absolving themselves of all venial sins, since this act is also a sacramental of the Catholic church. Some of the stoups are very ornamental, with the majority being pretty simple, but all of them are placed at the entrance, by the main door, or even by the side doors.    

From St Ursola church, Valletta, Malta, with the emblem of Grand Master Manoel de Vilhena

In England, during the Middle Ages, fonts called "stoups", or "holy water stones", consisted of a small niche somewhat resembling a piscina (pool) and containing a stone basin partly sunk in the wall, the niche being either under the porch or inside, but always near the entrance to the church. During the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries fonts again became movable and generally consisted of a tub placed upon an elevated stand, the medium height being about forty inches. The decoration of these small monuments underwent a complete modification as Italy and Spain have preserved admirable sculptured fonts dating from the Renaissance; most of these are of marble, and their bulk sometimes causes them to be mistaken for baptismal fonts, from which they are mainly distinguishable because of having no lids.

Stoups with angels at St Mary church, Mgarr, Malta, the angels possibly by Bernini.

A day to remember.......

Arlington Cemetery where thousands of soldiers are buried, and honored today.

Memorial Day marks the informal start of summer - pools open, the barbecue season kicks off, and it’s OK to wear sandals. But it has a more solemn aspect, implied in the name itself. Memorial Day is a day when we remember the nation's war dead. Not to be confused with Veterans Day—which honors living veterans—Memorial Day remembers those who gave their life for the country. How did this day begin?  

In 1868, Memorial Day was observed for the first time in the United States, at the request of Gen. John A. Logan, the national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic. It was called Decoration Day because the general had seen women decorating graves of Civil War heroes. In the earlier part of the century, Memorial Day was essentially a Northern and Western holiday. The South had its own Confederate Memorial Day, usually held in April. But World Wars I and II brought an added gravity to the day, as did the later Korean and Vietnam conflicts.  

 In 1959, Congress proclaimed that a day be set aside in recognition of those who died in service to their country. Memorial Day was observed on May 30 until 1971, when Congress decreed that it be observed annually on the last Monday in May. 

A touching typical scene like the ones shown here are common on a day like this, when many widows visit the graves of their spouses killed in war. Let us pray and remember them.....

Laura Youngblood, widow of U.S. Navy Petty Officer Travis L. Youngblood, touches his gravestone while visiting his grave in Section 60 of Arlington National Cemetery during the Memorial Day weekend in Arlington, Virginia, May 24, 2009. Youngblood died of wounds received in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in July of 2005 in Iraq.  (Boston Globe photo)

Another unknown widow prays and cries on the grave of her husband

Memorial Day

A time for picnics, time off work -

Vacations and the "Indy" -

A holiday, too often times

We forget what, it should be.

A time to pay respect to those

Who rallied to the battle cry -

Who gave their lives for liberty -

Those freedoms for you and I.

Such a waste of brave young souls -

Some still struggling through their youth

Who faced and fell willingly

Before war times' awful truth.

So as we share this holiday

With our friends or family -

Take a moment to give thanks to

Those who died so we'd stay free.

Let us strive for world peace -

For the end of greed and hate -

For next time, after "the war"
It just may be too damned late.

Gravestone of Jessica Ellis, one of our parishioners who died on Mother's Day 2008 in Iraq

Come Holy Spirit

The Pentecost stained-glass window crafted by the Rambusch Company NY in 1958

Prayer for the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit: 

Christ Jesus, before ascending into heaven, You promised to send the Holy Spirit to Your apostles and disciples.

Grant that the same Spirit may perfect in our lives the work of Your grace and love.
Grant us the Spirit of Fear of The Lord that we may be filled with a loving reverence toward You.
- the Spirit of Piety that we may find peace and fulfillment in the service of God while serving others;
- the Spirit of Fortitude that we may bear our cross with You and, with courage, overcome the obstacles that interfere with our salvation;
- the Spirit of Knowledge that we may know You and know ourselves and grow in holiness;
- the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten our minds with the light of Your truth;
- the Spirit of Counsel that we may choose the surest way of doing Your will, seeking first the Kingdom;
- Grant us the Spirit of Wisdom that we may aspire to the things that last forever;
Teach us to be Your faithful disciples and animate us in every way with Your Spirit.  Amen.

Cardinal Mercier's Prayer To The Holy Spirit:   I am going to reveal to you a secret of sanctity and happiness. For five minutes every day quiet your imagination, close your eyes to everything visible and your ears to all external sounds and withdraw into the sanctuary of your baptized soul which is the temple of the Holy Spirit. There, speak to the Holy Spirit and say:

"O Holy Spirit soul of my soul I adore you. Enlighten guide, strengthen and console me. Tell me what I ought to do and command me to do it. I promise to submit to everything that you ask of me and to accept all that you allow to happen to me. Just show me what is your will."

If you do this, your life will be happy and serene. Even in the midst of troubles you will experience great consolation, for grace will be given to strengthen and help you to cope with every difficulty.

St Philip Neri

If one had to choose one saint who showed the humorous side of holiness that would be St. Philip Neri. Born in 1515 in Florence, he showed the impulsiveness and spontaneity of his character from the time he was a boy. His father was not successful financially and at eighteen Philip was sent to work with an older cousin who was a successful businessman. During this time, Philip found a favorite place to pray up in cave on a mountain that had been turned into a chapel. He then went to Rome in 1533 where he studied  philosophy and theology until he thought his studies were interfering with his prayer life. He then stopped his studies, threw away his books, and lived as a kind of hermit.

Night was his special time of prayer. After dark he would go out in the streets, sometimes to churches, but most often into the catacombs of St. Sebastiano to pray. He felt so filled with energy to serve God that he went out to work at the hospital of the incurables and starting speaking to others about God, everyone from beggars to bankers.

In 1548 Philip formed a confraternity with other laymen to minister to pilgrims who came to Rome without food or shelter. The spiritual director of the confraternity convinced Philip that he could do even more work as a priest. After receiving instruction from this priest, Philip was ordained in 1551.

At his new home, the church of San Girolamo, he learned to love to hear confessions. Young men especially found in him the wisdom and direction they needed to grow spiritually. But Philip began to realize that these young men needed something more than absolution; they needed guidance during their daily lives. So Philip began to ask the young men to come by in the early afternoon when they would discuss spiritual readings and then stay for prayer in the evening. The numbers of the men who attended these meetings grew rapidly. In order to handle the growth, Philip and a fellow priest built a room called the Oratory to hold them in.

Philip understood that it wasn't enough to tell young people not to do something -- you had to give them something to do in its place. So at Carnival time, when the worst excesses were encouraged, Philip organized a pilgrimage to the Seven Churches with a picnic accompanied by instrumental music for the mid-day break. After walking twelve miles in one day everyone was too tired to be tempted!

The altar where the body of St Philip Neri lies, with the painting 'St Philip in Ecstasy' by Guido Reni

In 1555, the Pope's Vicar accused Philip of "introducing novelties" and ordered him to stop the meetings of the Oratory. Philip was brokenhearted but obeyed immediately. The Pope only let him start up the Oratory again after the sudden death of his accuser. Eventually Philip decided it would be best for the group to have their own church. They became officially known as the Congregation of the Oratory, made up of secular priests and clerics. Philip was known to be spontaneous and unpredictable, charming and humorous. One of his men was Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina who wrote beautiful harmonic choral music and Masses.

Humility was the most important virtue he tried to teach others and to learn himself. Some of his lessons in humility seem cruel, but they were tinged with humor like practical jokes and were related with gratitude by the people they helped. There were unexpected benefits to his lessons in humility. One member, Baronius, wanted to speak at the meetings about hellfire and eternal punishment. Philip commanded him instead to speak about church history. For 27 years Baronius spoke to the Oratory about church history. At the end of that time he published his talks as a widely respected and universally praised books on ecclesiastical history!

Philip died in 1595 after a long illness at the age of eighty years. This prayer is a fitting conclusion to this brief biography of this happy joy-filled saint: Saint Philip Neri, we take ourselves far too seriously most of the time. Help us to add humor to our perspective - remembering always that humor is a gift from God.