The Laughing Saint

Saint Philip Neri was born on 21 July 1515. Five hundred years later, he’s still an inspiration.

As a boy, Saint Philip Neri was known as pious, good natured, and handsome.  His father sent him to learn business from his uncle, but Philip decided that commerce wasn't the way he wanted to serve others, and he left his uncle before he had learned his trade.  

Philip then chose to go to university in Rome to study theology.  He was known there for being pious, good natured, and handsome, still, in addition to being a promising academic.  His professors and mentors expected him to stay and become an academic.  They were disappointed when Philip left academe because he thought that, like business, it didn't provide him with enough direct opportunities to serve the needy.

Saint Philip then decided to life a live of poverty, devoting his time to working with everyday people to bring them help, hope, and cheer.  After more than a decade of this selfless way of living, Saint Philip's pastoral mentors persuaded him that he could make a greater difference in the lives of many if he joined the priesthood and served through leadership in the clergy.

After becoming a priest, Saint Philip established his own order and started (or, perhaps more accurately, kept) doing things differently.

Instead of daily homilies, Saint Philip led informal oratories, which were practical discussions with his followers about how to live a pious life.  At first, the Pope was wary of these oratories, but with some persuading by Saint Philip—who was known for being charming in addition to being pious, good natured, and handsome—the oratories were granted Papal approval.

Saint Philip is sometimes called the Laughing Saint because, according to stories told about him, he knew how to have a good time.  He thought of laughter as a way to unite people through joy and humility.  Laughing at one's self, Saint Philip taught, is important for people of faith because it is a sign of humility and a recognition of one's place in relationship to the Almighty.  Some sources say that Saint Philip made the practice of joyful humility part of his order by asking his followers to do things like beg for alms or complete daily chores while dressed up in silly costumes.  Saint Philip himself was known to reach out to everyday people by attending wine-drinking contests and being a practical joker of some renown.

Saint Philip Neri’s creativity, joy, and humility inspire Laughing Saint Editorial’s mission to help writing be a source of joy and accomplishment.

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Writing should be joyful.