St. Philip Neri
Patron Saint of Rome and Humor
Philip Neri, known affectionately as "Pippo buono," or "good little Phil," dreamed of becoming a missionary, but found that his mission territory was the Holy City of Rome in the early 1500s during the Counter Reformation. He was known for his cheerfulness and sense of humor. He became a priest in 1551 and spent hours in the confessional. Philip founded the Congregation of the Priests of the Oratory and died in 1595. “Cheerfulness strengthens the heart and helps us to persevere. A servant of God ought always to be in good spirits. Charity and cheerfulness, or charity and humility, should be our motto.” -Philip Neri