Philip was from a line of saints who consoled and blessed the Church during the sixteenth century. After a holy childhood, he left Florence to travel, but soon renounced worldly favors and pursued a religious vocation. While receiving spiritual formation in Rome, the Holy Spirit alighted upon him in visible form. He would have gone to India, but God reserved him for Rome. Under the hands of Mary, as he said, the Oratory grew up, and all Rome was pervaded and transformed by its spirit.

Miracles and superabundant grace marked Philip's life. He experienced states of ecstasy, read the hearts of men, foretold their future and knew their eternal destiny. His touch gave health of body, and his very look calmed troubled souls and drove away temptation. "When I met him in the street," says one, "he would pat my cheek and say, 'Well, how is Don Pellegrino?' and leave me so full of joy that I could not tell which way I was going."

Philip inspired confidence and love in God and was the common refuge and consoler of all. When sad or perplexed, Fabrizio de Massimi would stand at Philip's door. He said it was enough to see him, to be near him. Others said that when he playfully pulled their hair or their ears, their hearts would bound with joy. Marcio Altieri felt such overflowing gladness in his presence that he said Philip's room was a paradise on earth. Long after Philip's death, it was enough for many, when troubled, to go into his room to find their hearts lightened and gladdened.

Philip Neri passed away at the age of 80 in 1595. He bears the title, "Apostle of Rome."