Saint Philip Neri and the Poor Souls

Saint Philip Neri

On May 25, 1595, forty four years and two days after he was ordained, at age eighty, Saint Philip Neri gave his body and soul over to his Lord.  He joined the Communion of Saints in Heaven.  But here on earth, his work continued vigorously.  His followers begat more followers who begat more followers.

The Poor Souls in Purgatory

      Saint Philip Neri had always had a great devotion to the Souls in Purgatory. 

He taught his Oratorians to pray for the Poor Souls, to do redemptive suffering for them, to offer up good works and especially have Masses said for them, as there is nothing that moves the Father's Heart like the Sacrifice of the Mass. 

Those who had been part of his Community, or under his spiritual direction, held a special place in his heart. 

Many times, he was visited by those of his Community, who had passed on, asking for prayers.  Very often they returned to thank him for what he had done for them, how through his prayers, most powerfully during the Mass, he had kept them out of the pits of Hell, and instead brought them to Purgatory, where they had confident assurance that they would one day share in the Beatific Vision. 

      After our Saint's death, a holy priest was praying before his tomb when Saint Philip Neri appeared to him in radiant glory. 

The priest recognized him - It was the glorified St. Philip, surrounded by blessed spirits!  The priest asked him the meaning of these spirits.  He replied that these were the souls who had been under his spiritual direction during life, and for whose release from Purgatory, he had prayed. 

Having attained entry into Heaven through him, they had come to meet him upon his death, and usher him into the Kingdom.  They were so grateful to St. Philip Neri for praying for them and offering Masses for their release from Purgatory, they had prayed for him till the day he died.

      We're told that the Souls in Purgatory cannot do anything to help themselves. 

They can pray to our Guardian Angels to remind us to pray for them.  The Poor Souls can pray for us, but they can't pray for each other or for themselves. 

We, on the other hand, can pray and have Masses offered for them, with full knowledge that we have Souls in Purgatory and Heaven who are praying for us and our salvation. 

We're told that upon entry into Heaven, these souls immediately intercede for those who have prayed for their release. 

Remember, now they are Saints in Heaven. 

      Then, when we breath our last, as with Saint Philip Neri, maybe the Souls we prayed for, will escort us to Heaven.

Pray for the Poor Souls.

Special Offer Defenders of the Faith Book plus St Philip Neri DVD for $21.95 Save 30% St. Philip Neri The Apostle of Rome #BK120 - Minibook 24 pages - $5 free shipping

Saint Philip Neri dvd Apostle of Rome and the Laity Taped on location in Rome Walk the streets of Rome where St. Philip Neri began his ministry. Follow him as he teaches the brothers, who are now the Oratorians. Visit Chiesa Nuova, the Church where he lived, died, experienced Ecstasy, Our Lady appeared to him and where Pope John Paul II went to honor him. Discover the many Miracles that took place during his life. For English DVD click below download CD as mp3 audio file   For English Audio St. Philip Neri CD $4.95 Free Shipping

Visit our other sites: