Neri

Neri, St. Filippo di (1515-95), founder of the Oratorians, was born of noble parents at Florence. Having studied at Rome, he was ordained to the priesthood in 1551, and soon became famous for his piety and his charitable deeds. He also took a leading part in the internal reformation which was begun in the Roman Church almost at the same time as the external movement. The congregation of the Oratory was founded by him in 1564, and approved by the Pope in 1577. Neri was canonised by Gregory XV. in 1622. [Oratory.]