One of the epitaphs of Saint Philip Neri's is:
"Philip Neri, learned and wise, by sharing the pranks of children himself became a child again."
Father Frederick Miller's excellent article ''Saint Philip Neri and the Priesthood'' gives a glimpse into this wonderful saint.
On a personal note, I went to Neri's tomb at the Chiesa Nuova (Rome) yesterday to offer a prayer for a friend, and myself, and found consolation.
Remember, ''To pray well requires the the whole man.''
Philip Neri was a pal of St Ignatius and they supped their espressos together.
Hope that you are well and want you to know that I occassionally think of your vocation and my prayer for you is of the informal hearty type.
Any thoughts on my little adventure?
Applying Giussani to the life of prayer is a real challenge and is felt as a great opening,but sometimes I lack the range that a Jesuit examen would grasp.
Take care
Neri is one those characters that makes you want to be holy inspite yourself. He is simply an attractive saint to follow. Yea, he likely enjoyed an expresso or two with dear Ignatius.
Thanks for your prayers; I very much need them. The point of my trip to Rome was, among other things, to spend time in prayer among the saints particularly during the Year for Priests.
I have not forgotten the Ignaitus-Giussani link. I am also giving some thought as to how Benedict fits here. One thing all three saints have in common: the practice of prayer. All encourage us to be mindful to the Presence of Christ already in front of us, whether it be the Eucharist or the Scripture or neighbor. Reality never fails, us Luigi Giussani said before he died.
More later, David. Great to hear from you. PAX!