St Philip Neri By Jo Briscoe
Apostle of Rome and Founder of The Congregation of the Oratory
St Philip Neri is one of the best-loved saints of all time. Known as the ‘”Apostle of Rome’’ he set in motion a great renewal of Christianity at the heart of the Church’s capital city. St Philip’s foundation of the Oratory began by stimulating young laymen to conversion, prayer and apostolic works, and through them gradually brought about a reform of the entire Church, at all levels of society. St Philip inspired many through his words, his miracles and his spiritual gifts, which show many similarities with other great saints. As is well known, originally our church was dedicated to the sixteenth century Italian priest, St Philip Neri (1515-1595). St Philip’s was seen to be a parish church for the Catholic community of Arundel and the surrounding St. Philip Neri
villages in the Diocese of Southwark. With Duke Henry’s devotion to St Philip Neri, an altar was built in the south transept, as well as a statue of the Saint, with stained glass