Philip Neri was born in Florence, Italy, in 1515. As a young man he came to Rome and for many years lived as a layman, studying and leading people to faith through conversations in the streets. He often spent nights in prayer in the catacombs and helped found a confraternity to serve pilgrims and the sick.

Ordained a priest in 1551, he met many people through confession and spiritual conversation, and he led gatherings for prayer, reading of Scripture and lives of the saints, and music. From these gatherings grew the Congregation of the Oratory, approved by the pope in 1575. Known for his cheerfulness and humility, he was called the Apostle of Rome. He died in 1595 and was canonized in 1622.