St. Philip Neri was born in Florence, Italy in 1515. He gave up worldly goods as a young adult and in 1548, co-founded a fraternity to minister to poor pilgrims in Rome.

Philip joined the Priesthood in 1551 and in 1556, The Oratory was founded where hymns, scripture study, and lectures became well known.

Philip commonly mingled with all society types, leading discussions about God and theology.

He died after a day of hearing confessions and receiving guests. St. Philip is the Patron Saint of U.S. Special Forces.