Happy St Philip Neri

Have a Blessed Feast of St Philip Neri

"My heart grew hot within me, and in my meditation a fire shall flame out..."

Second Alleluia (Psalm 38:4)

"The charity of God is poured forth in our hearts, by His Spirit dwelling within us"

Introit (Romans 5:5)

We were lucky enough to begin the feast of St Philip Neri, the founder of the Oratorian congregation, last night with First Vespers presided over by Cardinal Foley, who is staying at the Birmingham Oratory during this special time. For more on his visit, see the Cause Website.

He celebrated Vespers beautifully, which consisted of traditional Gregorian chanting of five Latin Psalms intoned by the Cantors (four of the Oratory clergy, vested in copes and sitting on the red stools). This then lead to the Magnificat, the song of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which was sung elaborately by the Oratory choir, during which the Altar was incensed by the celebrant (in this case Cardinal Foley).

A special part of last night's ceremony was the Blessing with St Philip's relic (right). There is actually an opportunity for anyone to receive this blessing every Monday at 8pm. Last night, it was of course, more elaborate and solemn. It included a procession to the reliquary (seen in the top picture) where Cardinal Foley blessed it with incense (an ancient act dating back to the Israelites to symbolise the rising up of our prayers to heaven).

After Vespers we also have Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, where the Celebrant blesses all the Faithful with the Blessed Sacrament held in a monstrance (left). This act of adoration seeks to extend the blessings encountered during the midst of the Mass, when the Host is elevated for brief veneration.

The Cardinal's American accent was no longer evident as he took up the sung Latin Collect with great care and prayerful attention:

Deus, qui beátum Philíppum Confessórem tuum, Sanctórum tuórum glória sublimásti: concéde propítius; ut cujus solemnitáte laetámur, ejus virtútem proficiámus exémplo. Per Dóminum...

O God, who hast exalted blessed Philip, Thy confessor, in the glory of Thy saints: grant in Thy mercy, that we who rejoice in his festival, may profit by the example of his virtues. Through Christ our Lord... Amen.

For more about the Saint, the holy and inspirational Philip Neri, see a previous post of mine. Vespers at the Oratory uses the traditional breviary pre-1969, but follows the revised calender depending on the feast and its corresponding Magnificat Antiphon and Collect.