Saint Philip Benizi, born August 15, 1233 in Florence, Italy, and died August 22, 1285 in Todi, was a Roman Catholic saint, priest, and member of the Order of the Servites of Mary. He is revered for his piety, his ascetic life, and his role in the reconciliation and reform of his religious order. Here is a detailed article on the life, work and legacy of Saint Philip Benizi.
Youth and vocation: Philippe Benizi was born into a noble family in Florence, but he chose religious life despite pressure from his family for him to pursue a secular career. At the age of 17, he joined the Servite Order, where he took vows of chastity, obedience and poverty.
Ministry and reconciliation of the Order: After his priestly ordination, Philippe devoted himself to prayer, contemplation and service to the poor. He also played a vital role in reconciling rival factions within the Servite Order, which had been divided by internal conflicts. Thanks to his wisdom and charisma, he was elected superior general of the order in 1267, and he helped restore unity and discipline within the community.
Marian work and devotion: Saint Philippe Benizi was a fervent devotee of the Virgin Mary. He encouraged Marian devotion among the faithful and wrote several sermons and homilies in honor of the Mother of God. He also worked to spread devotion to the Rosary.
Death and canonization: Saint Philip Benizi died on August 22, 1285 in Todi, Italy. His reputation for holiness spread quickly after his death, and he was canonized by Pope Clement X in 1671. His feast day is celebrated on August 23 in the Catholic Church.
Legacy and Veneration: The life of Saint Philippe Benizi is an example of piety, humility and dedication to the service of God and his brothers and sisters. His spiritual legacy continues to inspire members of the Servite Order and all Catholics who seek to follow Christ in prayer and charity toward others. He is venerated as a model of religious life and Marian devotion.
Baldassarre, Francesco. Vita di San Filippo Benizi. Florence: Società Editrice Fiorentina, 1847.
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Pope, H. J. Saint Philip Benizi and His Times. London: Longmans, Green & Co., 1915.
The Holy See. Saint Philip Benizi. Vatican: Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 2020. [Available online at the Vatican's official website]
Gordon, L. R. The Servite Order and Its Founders. New York: Catholic University of America Press, 1949.
Nicolai, P. A. Philippus Benizi: Servus Mariae et Ecclesiae. Paris: Éditions du Cerf, 1937.
Muller, John. The Canonization of Saint Philip Benizi. Rome: Vatican Press, 1672.
Pereira, J. The Life of Saint Philip Benizi. Lisbon: Casa de Nova Editora, 1683.
