St. Philip Neri: A Saintly Love for All Creatures
Today we celebrate the feast of St. Philip Neri (1515-1595), the patron saint of joy and a saint who is known for his compassion towards all animals.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church says, “We should recall the gentleness with which saints like St. Francis of Assisi or St. Philip Neri treated animals.”
His biography, The Life of St. Philip Neri, was written by Fr. Pietro Giacomo Bacci and published in 1622, just 27 years after St. Philip Neri’s death. It was based on sworn testimony from those who knew him.
Among the many inspiring stories, we learn of St. Philip Neri’s kindness and empathy for both humans and animals, with not a single creature excluded. When someone placed their foot on top of a lizard, St. Philip Neri responded, “Cruel fellow! What has that poor little animal done to you?” When birds or other creatures entered rooms, he ensured that doors or windows were open to allow them to escape, and insisted that captured animals be unharmed and allowed to go free.
His stewardship extended to creatures even outside of his immediate sight. He sent people every day for six years to ensure that a cat who lived at his prior church was cared for and fed. When the caretakers returned, he would pause his other activities - including interrupting his visits with high-ranking officials - to ask about her comfort, well-being, if she was eating happily, and more.
May we all learn to bring his saintly and courageous love and sensitivity towards animals into our daily actions.