St. Philip Benizi

Saint Philip Benizi

Confessor

The first Servite saint, Philip was born to the noble Benizi family in Florence, on the Feast of the Assumption in the year of Our Lord 1233. He became a medical doctor at just nineteen years of age, but soon left this career, called by a vision of Our Lady to join the Order of Servants of Mary, or Servites, who were founded on the very day of his own birth. He attempted to remain a simple lay brother, but because of his excellent education he was prevailed upon to become a priest. Despite his great reluctance, he was elected general superior of the order in 1267. Philip steadfastly defended the Servites in the face of restrictions on mendicant friars after the Second Council of Lyons, though he did not live to see the order’s final formal approval. He also helped St. Juliana Falconieri begin the Third Order of Servites, or Mantellate Sisters, and brought about the conversion of St. Peregrine. Philip was known for his diplomatic skills and the working of many miracles. At one point, he was highly regarded as a papal candidate, but he fled to the mountains and hid until Pope St. Gregory X was elected instead. He died at the age of fifty-two on August 22nd, the Octave-Day of the Assumption, in the year of Our Lord 1285.

Traditional Roman Martyrology for August 23rd

THE vigil of St. Bartholomew, apostle.

At Todi, St. Philip Beniti of Florence, confessor. He contributed greatly to the growth of the Order of the Servites of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and was a man of the greatest humility. He was numbered among the saints by Clement X.

At Antioch, the birthday of the holy martyrs Restitutus, Donatus, Valerian, and Fructuosa, with twelve others, who were crowned after having distinguished themselves by a glorious confession.

At Ostia, the holy martyrs Quiriacus, bishop, Maximus, priest, Archelaus, deacon, and their companions, who suffered under the prefect Ulpian, in the time of Alexander.

At Aegaea, in Cilicia, the holy martyrs Claudius, Asterius, and Neon, brothers, who were accused of being Christians by their step-mother, under the emperor Diocletian, and the governor Lysias, and after enduring bitter torments, were fastened to a cross, and thus conquered and triumphed with Christ. After them suffered Donvina and Theonilla.

At Rheims, in France, the birthday of the Saints Timothy and Apollinaris, who merited to enter the heavenly kingdom by consummating their martyrdom in that city.

At Lyons, the holy martyrs Minervus, and Eleazar with his eight sons.

Also, St. Luppus, martyr, who, though a slave, enjoyed the liberty of Christ, and was likewise deemed worthy of the crown of martyrdom.

At Jerusalem, St. Zaccheus, bishop, who governed the church of that city the fourth after the blessed apostle James.

At Alexandria, St. Theonas, bishop and confessor.

At Utica, in Africa, blessed Victor, bishop.

At Autun, St. Flavian, bishop.

At Clermont, in Auvergne, St. Sidonius, a bishop distinguished for learning and sanctity.

℣. And elsewhere many other holy martyrs, confessors, and holy virgins.

℟. Thanks be to God.