Today is the Feast of St. Philip Neri and I am blest to be in Rome. I celebrated Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Altar of St. Thomas, spent some time in prayer at the Basilica and went to the church know as Chiesa Nuova. The real name of the church is Santa Maria in Vallicella (Our Lady of the Little Valley). And, Chiesa Nuova (The New Church) is not really new. The first church was built in this place by Pope St. Gregory the Great.

When St. Philip Neri’s congregation was recognized by Pope Gregory XIII in 1575, he gave the church and an attached convent to Neri’s group. Gregory also rebuilt the church in 1575. It is here that St. Philip Neri’s mortal remains are kept, in a chapel to the left of the High Altar.

You can find more information about St. Philip Neri here.

Chapel with St. Philip Neri’s body

Painting of St. Philip Neri in his rooms

A view of Chiesa Nuova from the entrance.