The Holy life of Philip Nerius founder of the Congregation of the Oratory. To which is annexed a relation written by S. Augustine of the miracles in his dayes, wrought many of them in or near the city wherein he resided and well-known to him. And a relation of sundry miracles wrought at the monastery of Port-Royall in Paris, A.D. 1656. publikcly [sic] attested by many witnesses. / Translated out of a French copie published at Paris. 1656.

CHAP. XVIII. Philip removes to Vallicella.

THings thus setled, Philip, though he governed the whole Congregation, yet would not quit S. Hieroms: for which he gave many reasons; chiefly, that he might not be called Founder of the Congregation, a title which he ever disclaimed. Be∣sides, lest he might seem to shun the Cross, which in love to him God there offered; and that he might lose the benefit of his so long perseverance in that place and duty, having lived there three and thirty years.

But the Fathers, considering how much it im∣ported to have a head to their body, and seeing all means of changing Philips minde ineffective, repair to Cardinal Peter Donatus Caesius, and beseech him that he would impart the matter to his Holiness, and by Authority from Him procure, what they neither of themselves, nor by others could obtain. Caesius very readily undertakes it, certifying Pope Gregory XIII. of the Fathers request: who assenting to it, forthwith enjoyns the Cardinal to tell Philip from him, that he must to Vallicella. As soon as Philip understood the Popes pleasure, bowing his head, without dispute he presently obeyes. And in the year 1583. on the 22^d. of November, being the Anniversary of S. Cecilia Virgin and Martyr, to the incredible joy of his, he went from S. Hieroms

to Vallicella: but though he shifted his station, he held the old course of life, he had prescribed him∣self at S. Hieroms: and that he might the better attend on the contemplation of things celestial, he chose him a chamber in the higher and privater part of the house.

The day he went to Vallicella, that he might in∣ure himself and his to the mastering their inclinati∣ons, he commanded that they should carry, openly as they went in the streets, all their houshold stuff, either on their shoulders, or in their hands. And he was so in love with S. Hieroms his whole life after, that he alwayes kept the keyes of his chamber by him, and himself went often, or sent some of his to see it, he was so pleased with the remembrance of his old dwelling.