St Matthew Parish Seattle

St. Philip Neri The Apostle of Joy 🎉

"Cheerfulness strengthens the heart and helps us to persevere."

Today we celebrate St. Philip Neri, the 16th-century priest who turned Rome upside down—not with fire and brimstone, but with joy.

Philip understood something the world has forgotten: holiness is cheerful. Not fake-happy. Not prosperity-gospel positivity. But the deep, unshakeable joy that comes from a heart on fire with love for Christ.

Philip was so serious about this that he'd walk around with half his beard shaved off, wearing ridiculous clothes, just to remind people (and himself) that holiness doesn't mean grim severity. He even said: "Scruples and melancholy, stay away from my house."

This week, you can notice one moment where you chose anxiety over joy, or heaviness over hope. Then choose differently. Call a friend. Laugh at yourself. Pray with your whole heart instead of a worried mind. Let Philip's fire, the fire that literally broke his ribs in prayer, remind you that joy is not a luxury. It's a fruit of the Holy Spirit.

Phillip approached holiness with a fire in his heart and a smile on his face. We can try to do the same this week!

St. Philip Neri, pray for us. 🕊️

"Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Grace and peace to you in Our Lord Jesus Christ. In these turbulent times — marked by conflict abroad, fragmentation at home, and profound questions about our shared moral life — the Church once again lifts high the Gospel as the light by which we must walk."

Read Archbishop Etienne's Pastoral Letter here: https://ow.ly/AVhU50Y3S0r

Please read more about the Archdiocese of Seattle’s 2024-25 impact here: https://ow.ly/8VnX50XWYU0