John Henry Newman and St Philip Neri: two spiritual reformers of the Church

Abstract

ABSTRACTPhilip Neri (1515–1595) is too often seen merely as a man of fantasy, wit and practical jokes. But he was also a conscious reformer who did more than any other man of his time to bring about a moral and spiritual transformation of the Catholic Church in Rome, receiving from his fellow citizens the title of ‘Apostle of Rome’. It was Philip (first discovered whilst still an Anglican) whom the Catholic Newman chose as his patron saint, on whom he sought to model himself, and whose congregation – the Oratory – he established in England. Despite the differences in historical context, in culture, in temperament and in literary output, the two men present many parallels which this article seeks to explore. Both sought to bring about a spiritual renewal of their respective churches (Newman most obviously as an Anglican, but as a Catholic also) through a return to the modes of life, thought and belief of early Christianity. Both saw in the monastic life of the early centuries an inspiration for their own congregation. Both placed prayer at the centre of their life and teaching. Both at the same time displayed a deep and active pastoral concern. Both displayed a positive attitude towards the culture of their age whilst seeking to transform it from within, to the effect that both can be seen to exemplify a form of ‘spiritual humanism’. Both strove to promote the place of the laity in the Church. Finally, both displayed and advocated an attitude of deep humility and of ‘surrender’ to God.