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. XIII. The opinion Men had of his sanctity.

PHilip thus enriched with these so many and sig∣nall Favours by Almighty God, procured him∣self such admiration and esteem amongst men, that almost all who knew him judged him a Saint: not only those of inferiour rank, but even Nobles, Prin∣ces, and Popes themselves.

For first: Paul the IV. made such account of him, that he not only commended himself frequently to his Prayers, but professed, that he was sorry his Pontificall dignity detained him from being present at the Exercises of the Oratory.

Pius IV. honoured him so, that in his last sickness, as he lay a dying, he would have him by him to com∣mend his soul to God, as one who knew his singular Merits: besides that he always testified very frankly

his respect to him in severall particulars.

Pius V. of B. and Glorious Memory, being well assu∣red of the benefit and advantage accruing to the Faithfull, from the Foundation of the Oratory, was, as he said, exceeding glad, that in his days there should be men in the City, that should appeare so forward to promote Religion and Holiness in De∣vout minds. As on the other side, Philip, to quit the Good Pope, had so firm and setled an opinion of his Sanctity, that he kept his Pontificall Slipper a∣mong other of his Saints Reliques: which the H. man applying once to a Sick Person, he began to mend, and perfectly recovered.

Gregory XIII. much used his advice in difficult matters, and for his Piety so esteemed him, that he would never suffer him to Stand in his presence, but made him both cover his head, and sit very familiar∣ly with him.

Sixtus V. highly prized him, as appeared by his constant liberality toward him. For he freely be∣stowed on him the Bodies of the H. Martyrs Papias and Maurus: annexed a Rich Benefice among the Samnites to the Congregation; granted them many Priviled Ses, and Immunities, with other Acts of Graces.

Gregory XIIII. not only advised with him in mat∣ters of importance, making him sit covered before him, but so respected him, that upon his Entrance to the Popedome, the H. man coming to kiss his feet, as the manner is, he by no means would suffer it: but meeting and very lovingly embracing him, burst forth into these expressions: Although, Father, I be greater in Dignity, yet in Sanctity you are far the more Eminent.

Clement VIII. in almost all his affairs of moment

recommended himself to his Prayers; and when he was pained with the Go••t in his hands, he used to say; Sure Father Philip doth not pray to God for us: intima••ing that if he did but pray for him, he should not suffer those tormenting pains. Besides, as oft as the Father vi••i••e•• h••m he, like his Name, in his affa∣ble and mi••d d••portment, courteously embraced him; and as his predecessors had done, made him sit covered in his Presence. To say nothing of his chu••ing him for his Confessor, and when he grew a∣ged, substituting Baronius in his Room. Again when he was Auditor of the Sacr••d Rota, he said by way of Prediction; Philip is questionless a Holy man, and in due time shall be inserted in the Catalogue of Saints.

And in how great Veneration he was among the Cardinals of the H. Church of Rome, is apparent both by what they have writen of him, and by their publike Testimonies. Aug. Valerius Cardinall of Ve∣rona, made a Book, and intituled it Philippus, sive de Laetitiâ Chritiana, Philip yet living.

Cardinall Gabriel Paleottus, the first Archbishop of Bononia, whose Confessor Philip was, proclaimed him, then al••ve, to the World as the Exemplar of a Vertuous and Pious Old man, in a Book which he writ De bono senectutis, to this effect.

And truely it were easy to produce, out of the Antient Records of Story, especially of Ecclesiasti∣call Antiquity, many old men renowned for Holi∣ness, and adorned with those Eminencies, which in their proper places are mentioned. Neverthe∣less, since those things make deeper impression on the mind, which occur to sight, and ••re much in our hands, the truth being hereby made more evi∣dent and invincible: I thought good to offer to your

View, as an express and lively Precedent of an ex∣cellent Old age, a Man yet living, and conversant in the eyes of all, who hath dwelt at Rome, the The∣atre of the Ʋniverse, above fifty years in much re∣putation, animating and promoting others strange∣ly to a good and vertuous life. I mean Father Phi∣lip Neri a Florentine, who now fourscore years old, like a tall and goodly Tree sheds the various fruits of his Vertues among the people. He was the First Founder of the numerous Congregation of the Oratory in the City; whence sundry others have very happily been propagated in severall places and religions unto this day. Whom heretofore many Popes particularly Gregory XIII. and XIIII. of B. Memory, and at this day Our H. Lord Clement the Eighth of times were wont to call to their assistance in matters of Religion and Spirituall conference. To whom the Most Illustrious Cardinalls, Bishops, and Prelates daily resorted, with others of all Ranks both for performance of Penances, & other weighty affairs, as for his pious discourses & communication with them. Who despising all terrene felicity, aspires after only celestiall honours and dignity: although he hath born a great sway with Popes, and the Prime Cardinalls, and been in esteem with them. Lastly, one in whom the Images of Prudence, Pie∣ty and Devotion, joyned with a rare mildness, Chearfullnes, and Christian simplicity, do so glo∣riously shine, that whoever hath once beheld this Venerable old man and observed his long con∣firm'd Discipline and Life can have no grounds left to doubt •••• question the Benefit of Old age.

Thus Paleottus.

Augustine Cardinal of Cusa was so devoted to him, that he loved to be continually in his Chamber. Who

speaking of his Holiness saith:

Indeed I never knew any, whether Regulars or Seculars, that were both by Plebeians and Nobles so highly reverenced as Philip; not only for a reall opinion they had of his piety, but for his huge success in reclaiming such as went astray to a holy life: and I ever won∣derfully prized his incomparable Vertues; which by so much were the more conspicuous in him, by how much the more concealed.

Cardinall Frederic Borromeo, who together with the forenamed Cardinal Cusanus were called Father Philips Soul, speaks of his extraordinary Sanctity in this wise.

All the time I conversed with the B. man me thoughts he was so divinely qualified, and en∣dowed with such admirable Gifts by God, as I doubt not, but he might be compared with most of those admired by the antient Writers. For he was so well experienced in the knowledg of Spirituall things, that he may truely be said to have perfected all, that either Cassian or Climacus, and Richardus de S. Victore have writ on this argument. Besides of all that ever I knew, there is none hath answer∣ed my expectations as he: yea he so satisfied me herein, that bethinking me sometimes, what I could wish more compleat in him, I could find no∣thing.

So far Borromeo.

Cardinall Octavius Paravicinus thus. By the Mercifull Providence of God, I have been acquaint∣ed with Philip from about six years old, till I was twenty eight when I went into Spain, being present at his usuall conferences, and one of his intimate familiars: in all which time, and after my return from Spain, as long as he lived, upon an exact Scrutiny of all his actions, expressions, & behaviour, I found him indeed flaming with an ardent love of

God. And a little after▪ I render Eternall thanks to God, that I had a Master, whose Vertues are dif∣fused and famed all the World over, and whose Glory no age shall ever impair.

Hitherto Paravici∣nus, one who was so passionate a Lover of Philip, that he could scarce live without him, spending frequent∣ly whole dayes and nights with him; and whenso∣ever he lay sick, attending him, as if he had been his Servant, though he were a Cardinall.

Once when he was ill, being one of his last sick∣nesses, send••ng away them that were by, he called the Cardinall saying; Octavius, I desire much to talk with you, but when my Cough comes, that I must spit, I would have you put the Bason under me as you have used to do. Good Humble Soul he did not in this despise the Purple but satisfied the impatient longing of the man. Thereupon Octavius; be pleased to know, Father, that I account it a special honour and priviledg to do you service. Again,

I so willingly did attend on Philip, that though sometimes I suffered great inconveniences thereby, yet I was alwayes requit∣ed with far greater content. Yea whilst I recount them, I am so del••ghted with the offices I hereto∣fore did him, that nothing troubles me, but that I could not further serve him.

Cardinall Octavius Bandinus esteemed it a high honour, that, while he was yet a Boy, he waited on him, as he said Mass: and, speaking of his estima∣tion for Holiness, hath these words: The opinion of Philips Vertue was such, as not only most ho∣noured him for it, but divers conceived it necessary, for their better progress in the Service of God, to use his conduct. Therefore to him, as to an Oracle, resorted men of all degrees, for direction in a Spi∣rituall course. &c. And after: He that hath bin

acquainted with the B, Philip, and accurately ob∣served his procedure in the way of God, and what a life he led for so many years in eminent Holiness and Religion, shall not need to doubt, but that those mervailous Benefits, which so many obtained by his Prayers, were indeed so many visible and reall Miracles. And for that they were both so numerous and notorious, I always reverenced him as a true Servant of God, and do at present repute him as a Saint worthy of all honour.

Cardinall Franc. Maria Taurusius, then Archbishop of Avignon writes thus in a Letter:

I should be glad to be one of them that have the first place in the Chappell, where the H. Father saith Mass, although it be so small (it is the same that is at this day re∣moved to the other side of the Church, as was for∣merly said) for how ever I seem so far distant, yet, by the Blessing of God, I am always there, both by Faith and the Love I bear to my Most dear Father, and by the peculiar Seat I reckon my self to have in his Soul. For whilst He there displays his Mind in the Contemplation of things Divine, I deem my self ranked in not the lowest place within it. Ka∣therine of Siena built her self a Cell in her heart, where she would sit alone with Jesus amidst the concourse of a Multitude: so would I erect me a Lodging in the midle of Philips heart; not fearing but I should find Jesus there, and behold at once all the Progress of that his stupendious Life, which he hath led here on Earth with us now this thirty three, years: and so as often as the Father exults, and his swolne heart danceth, out of the plenitude of his Love of Christ, I also there should dance and exult together. Afterwards again: Enjoy ye therfore, while ye may, that Bliss, which I long

since enjoyed and long together; but, unworthi∣ly neglecting my best use of so happy a time, am now by the just judgement of God unwillingly de∣prived thereof.

Cardinall Hierom Phamphilio, one most intimate with the B. man, thus reports of him:

Philip out of his exuberant Charity, would so endear, solace, and assist every one, that none ever went from him but he was cheared, and confirmed in the opinion of his sanctity: My self especially have accounted him alwayes, and confidently held him for a Saint, and adjudged him absolutely furnished with all the Vertues, that can be desired in a true Servant of God: yea I have found by experience in all his acti∣ons that he was every day better than other, to his very death.

Cardinall Lud. Madruccius was so addicted to him, that he not only frequented his Chamber, there conferring with him a good while together, but was so much taken with their Method of Preaching, that he often came to the Oratory at S. Hieroms to Ser∣mon. Michael Bonellus Cardinall of Alexandria, Ne∣phew to Pius V. knowing how much his Ʋncle ten∣dred Philip, loved him entirely; whom for his sin∣gular piety he revered, often going, or sending to him for his Company. Alexander Medices, Cardi∣nall and Archbishop of Florence, afterwards Pope, un∣der the Title of Leo XI. visited Philip at least once a week, and spent the whole day in courtesy and friendly familiarity with him. Cardinall Pet. Do∣natus Caesius was also a great observer of Philip, and conferred many Favours upon the Congregation. Cardinall Guil. Sirletus so much both loved and ho∣noured him, that he seemed wholly taken up in his commendations. As also Cardinall Antonio Caraf∣fa,

and Julio Antonio Sanctorio, Cardinall of S. Se∣verines; and divers others for brevity omitted.

The Regulars likewise held him for a Saint, and especially the Fathers of S. Dominic's Order, inso∣much that, whensoever he went to any Monasteries, the Religious flocked to him by troops, kissing his hands, and humbly craving a Blessing on their knees, and entertaining him as an Angell of God. And not only the ordinary Friers, but the choicest among them, famous for learning and piety, and those the most Eminent Preachers too, did thus reverence him: among whom was Father Francischinus of the Order of the Conventuall Minors, a knowing and devout man. For he advised much with the H. Father con∣cerning his affairs, and came to the Sermons with great delight, many times preaching in the Oratory himself. Father Evangelista also sirnamed Marcellinus was an admirer of him, being a noted preacher, who died in the Monastery of S. Maria de Ara caeli, and lyes buried in the Church there, well esteemed of for his good Life. Franc. Panigorala, an excel∣lent Preacher of the same Order, and Bishop of Asta, had so high an opinion of the Servant of Goa that he called him a Living Relique. Alphonsus sirnamed Lupus a Capuchin, prized him so exceedingly, that he depended on his very looks, and as oft as Philip met him, would fall down at his feet. Magister Paulinus, a Dominican, one of extraordinary Ver∣tue and Parts, did so repose in him for his Counsell, whom he held divinely inspired with Truth, that on a time refusing to undertake a principall office in his Order, yet when Philip urged it, he immediately obeyed.

In fine, how great a value his own Sons, set on him, besides what hath b••n above related, may by

that which follows apparently be seen. For first; they honoured every thing that was his as Reliques; yea they secretly and Religiously pilfered a way the hair of his head and beard, when he was barbed, to keep for Reliques: which once the Good man spying he commanded them presently to be flung out of the Window, yet they, privily gathering them up, had them in great estimation. Some of them very care∣fully preserved in Glasses his Bloud, which, toward his latter End, issued forth at his mouth in abun∣dance: and some, herein perhaps too zealous, tied themselves to say privately every day threescore times, Sancte Philippe ora pro me; i. e. Holy Philip pray for me; whilst he was yet alive. Others had his Picture hanging in their Chambers, he yet living, which they daily bowed unto, before they went a∣broad: others appointed to go to him every day, either to ask his Blessing, or kiss his feet; or at least to tarry by him in his Chamber. Moreover they reposed in his Prayers so much, that they would sometimes say;

I hope undoubtedly to ob∣tain whatever I shall beg of God by Philips Inter∣cessions. Others; If I look on the guilt of my life past, I even despair; if to Philips Prayers, I am al∣ready in the Harbour of safety. Some again; Though I should hear, that he had raised the dead, or were my self present and beheld them raised, I could not have a higher esteem of his Sanctity. Yea I can witness, that I have heard many say, that the publication of his being Sainted, nor yet his Canonization, added nothing at all to their opini∣on of his Holiness: for they said; Whatever the Pope hath designed concerning Philip, our hands had handled long before.

But the Elogies afforded him, extolling him to

the heavens, may seem perhaps incredible to such as read them; styling him an Angel, Moses, a Prophet and Apostle. One friend was heard to say to ano∣ther, going to Rome to see Philip: You shall see the A∣postle, you shall see Peter, you shall see Paul. Who then thinking the expression too hyperbolicall, after once he grew acquainted with Philip in the City, said My friend did not speak a jot too lavishly.

Franc: Cardonius, a Dominican well known to Philip for some forty years, gave H••m this testimony; Philip was great in Humility, rich in Poverty, in Cha∣stity an Angel.

Further the fame of his Piety was such and so di∣vulged, that many did not stick to affirm, that he had arrived to the highest pitch of every Vertue; yea, and that he had the perfect command of the first motions of his Mind, as they call them. Inso∣much that the Chiefest of the Nobility thought it a dignity and priviledg to serve him, to make his Bed, to sweep his Chamber, to wipe his shoos, and per∣form such like offices for him. His sayings were re∣puted by most as Oracles. In the Publick Tables drawn up for his Canonization, there was not one Witness, but with most ready suffrages would write him Saint. They joyntly agreed in this, that in due time he would be Registred in the Calendar: and some of them affirmed that his very looks had a kind of Holiness with them.

Mark Antonio Maffa writes thus: I indeed, though the vilest of sinners, ever since I came acquainted with Philip have respected him as a Saint. And as oft as I went to him to the Sacrament of Penance, I perceived, as it were, a breath of Holiness come from him, especially as he gave me Absolution, which never hapned, when I confessed to others.

So Massa.

Lastly, even by Saints was Philip deemed a Saint. Carlo Borromeo when he came from Millain to Rome, used to visit the H. man first of all, and stay oftimes four or five hours with him: when he was away, to consult him by Letters: otherwhiles to kneel down at his feet, kiss his hands, and re∣peat the Canonicall hours with him. And that he proposed him as a Saint to all his, is most notorious; so that he sometime said, Philip is a man of admira∣ble sincerity, and rare Purity. And those which knew them both can testify, that he frequent∣ly recommended himself to his prayers. Withall he was extreamly pleased with his Rule; and once spent a whole day at Vallicella, one S. Francis Festi∣vall; where after Mass, he administred the H. Com∣munion from Morning till Noon, to almost infinite numbers of the Faithfull; among whom Martin Na∣varrus abstained from saying Mass, that together with the rest he might, after the manner of Laicks receive the Body of Christ from him. Besides he would needs view the new Fabrick of the Church, take notice of the Foundation and Rule, go to the publique Sermons after Dinner, come into the Orn∣tory toward Evening, sup with them, Lodg with them, and strictly observe every thing; and at his de∣parture in the Morning said; O happy you! that have light on a man, who hath fortified you with so Noble an Institution.

Felix a Cantalicio a Capuchin, whom Ʋrban the Eighth Canonized, besides that which is above said, was so extreamly devoted to the H. man that he would often come and ask his Blessing on his knees. Once spying Philip a far off walking on Mount Quiri∣nall, he ran & overtook him and kneeling down kis∣sed his hand, where mutually embracing each other

in most friendly sort, they stood mute there for a long space together; at last also parting each from the other silent, like S. Lewis the French King and S. Giles. A∣nother time Felix kneeling, as he was wont, Philip kneeled too and begged his Blessing: which contention lasting awhile they parted. Yea almost always both Felix and Ra••nerius his Companion, one of ap∣proved Integrity, when ever they met Philip fell on their knees.

The H. Woman Katherine Riccia de Prato, else∣where recited, sent simdry Letters to Philip as to a Saint, recommending her self to his Prayers.

Ʋrsula Benincas•• a Virgin of Naples well reputed, of whom before, so honoured him, as she uttered this Elogy of him: By command from Gregory XIII.

I was consigned to Philips Fuition, and though I was not much skilled in spirituall matters, yet I knew the Charity of this H. man, and that his heart was transfixed with Divine Love; for one might perceive, when he spake he did not only wish, but passionately long for the conversion of Souls. And he took no small pains to make triall of my Spirit: for first; after he had soundly rated me, he enjoined me at the same instant, as I kneeled, to retort those very expressions back upon himself: which he again and again requiring of me I clearly discerned his profound Humility. And being some∣times in Extasies before him, as I am wont, and profess it to be my Cross, although in such Tran∣ces I never could hear the Voice of any, albeit he cried to me, yet when first he called me by my Name, his Blessed Voice so pierced my brest, that I straight awaked from my Extasy; by all which I understood the Finger of God was with him.

Again once at S. Hieroms a Charitate, as I re∣ceived

the B. Body of Our Lord at his hands, and, after my wonted manner, fell into a Trance, when Mass was done, he commanded me to walk a long with him in the Church, and though I could very difficultly do it, being so weak and withall abstract∣ed from my Sences, yet at his command I walked to and fro with ease.

Thus far that Holy Virgin.

Francisca a Serrone, of S. Severine's in Marca de Ancona, whose Life one of the Oratory hath accurate∣ly writ, coming to Rome in the Jubilee under Gre∣gory XIII. and discoursing much with the H. man affirmed that

Jesus Christ resided in Philips Soul, and that he had drunk of the same Spirit with the B. Katherine of Siena.

She treasured up his say∣ings as the choicest Pearls: and out of reverence to him, would not weare but layed up the Ʋeil, which his hand had touched while he gave her absolution.

Lastly, the Sanctity of Philip was so blazed abroad every where, that People resorted to him, not from the City, nor out of Italy alone, but from all Quar∣ters of the World. And even Infidels, after once they had conversed with him, reverenced him with great Veneration.