Punk Rock Saints! St. Philip Neri | The Apostle of Joy

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St. Philip Neri may be one of the most punk rock saints in Catholic history.

Known as the Apostle of Rome and the Apostle of Joy, St. Philip Neri rebelled against religious gloom, spiritual ego, cold preaching, and closed-room Catholicism — not by rejecting the Church, but by making Catholic life joyful, human, embodied, and alive.

In this episode of Punk Rock Saints, we look at how Philip Neri’s devotion to the Holy Spirit set his heart on fire, how his humor and holy foolishness fought pride, and how the Oratory became a kind of sacred scene for the spiritually restless: prayer, music, confession, friendship, Scripture, saints, and laughter all in one room.

Philip Neri reminds us that holiness does not have to be grim, polished, or impressive.

Sometimes the most radical Catholic thing you can do is laugh, confess, open the doors, and let the Holy Spirit make your heart bigger.

St. Philip Neri, pray for us.