Saint Philip Benizi

Biography

Saint Philip Benizi, also known as Felipe Benicio, Filip Benizi, Philip Benitius, or Philip Beniti, was born to the Italian nobility on 15 August 1233 in the district of Oltrarno, Florence, Italy. From a young age, Philip displayed exceptional intellect and a thirst for knowledge. He pursued his studies in medicine at prestigious institutions in Paris, France, and Padua, Italy, and by the remarkable age of 19, he had received doctorates in medicine and philosophy. After practicing medicine for a brief period, Philip experienced a life-changing vision of the Virgin Mary. This vision compelled him to abandon his medical career and join the Servites, a religious order, as a lay brother in Monte Senario in 1254. His commitment to the Servites led him to complete his ordination as a priest in Siena, Italy, in 1258. Philip initially sought to conceal his extensive education to maintain a humble position within the Order. However, his talents and background were recognized by others, who encouraged him to utilize his gifts to advance the Servite mission. In 1262, he became the novice master at Siena, overseeing the training of new members. In 1266, Philip was assigned to Forli, Italy, where he confronted a conflict between the papacy and the emperor. While preaching in Forli, he faced heckling and physical attacks, yet he responded with nonviolence, turning the other cheek. It was during this time that his peaceful demeanor had a profound impact on Peregrine Laziosi, who would later become a revered Servite saint. Through his dedication and leadership, Philip went on to hold several significant positions within the Servite Order. He served as the superior of multiple Servite friaries and demonstrated exceptional qualities that led to his election as prior-general of the Order on 5 June 1267, despite his protests. Philip attended the Council of Lyons, where he defended the Servite rules against attempted dissolution following the Second Council of Lyons, which imposed restrictions on mendicant orders. In 1279, Philip worked diligently to bring about peace between the opposing factions of Guelphs and Ghibellines. Due to his remarkable qualities, some even considered him a candidate for the papacy. Upon hearing this rumor, Philip chose to retreat into hiding on Mount Tuniato until Pope Saint Gregory X was eventually chosen. Throughout his life, Philip collaborated closely with Blessed Andrew Dotti and played a crucial role in the establishment of the Servite Third Order alongside Saint Juliana of Cornillon. The desire to spread the teachings of the Servite Order led Philip to dispatch the first Servite missionaries to the East in 1284. In his final years, Saint Philip Benizi resided in a Servite house in Todi, Italy, where he embraced a life of retirement. Despite his age and seclusion, he continued to be renowned as a miracle worker and healer. One notable account recalls Philip encountering a leper on the road and offering him his cloak. Miraculously, the leprosy vanished instantaneously. Saint Philip Benizi passed away on 22 August 1285, during the Octave of the Assumption, in Todi, Italy. He was buried there, and his exemplary life of faith and service became an inspiration to many. Recognizing his profound holiness, Pope Innocent X beatified Philip on 8 October 1645, and Pope Clement X canonized him on 12 April 1671. The canonization ceremony took place at Saint Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, Rome, making Saint Philip Benizi the first Servite to be officially recognized as a saint. Today, Saint Philip Benizi is honored as the patron saint of Sergio Osmena, Zamboanga del Norte in the Philippines. His life stands as a testament to a humble nobility that utilized his intellectual gifts and pastoral skills to passionately serve the Servite Order and the Church.