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St. Philip
Philip was born in Bethsaida in Galilee. After Jesus called Peter and Andrew to be His Apostles, He found Philip and said, "Follow me." Philip left all he had and all he was doing and did as Jesus said.
In the Gospel of John, Philip then finds Nathanael and tells him, “We have found the one about whom Moses wrote in the law, and also the prophets, Jesus, son of Joseph from Nazareth.”
He persuades Nathanael to “Come and see”. Jesus turned to Philip during the miracle of the loaves and fishes and asked him where to buy bread to feed the multitude. Philip tells him that they do not have money to buy enough bread to feed the entire crowd. But again, we see that Jesus knows Philip will follow His instructions. Later, Philip is approached by some Greeks who want him to take them to see Jesus but he goes and gets Andrew and together they find Jesus and tell Him.
Philip remains trustworthy and dedicated to Jesus. Finally, during the Last Supper we hear him say to Jesus,
“Master, show us the Father and that will be enough for us,” giving Jesus the opportunity to teach us of the unity between He and His Father.
Tradition teaches that after the Ascension, Philip preached in Phrygia.
He went on to spread the Gospel in Hierapolis with his sister Mariamme and Bartholomew. Because of the conversion of the proconsul of the city, the three were tortured. Philip and Bartholomew were hung upside down to be crucified but because Philip continued to teach the people from the cross, they released Bartholomew but Philip asked to remain.
He died in c.80.
Feast Day: May 3
Name Meaning: Lover of Horses
Patron Saint of:Uruguay, Hatters, Pastry chefs
Key Facts about Saint Philip
- Original Name and Calling: Originally Simon (or Simeon), he was a fisherman in Bethsaida before Jesus called him to be a “fisher of men,” along with his brother Andrew.
- The Name “Rock”: Jesus gave him the name Peter (derived from Petros in Greek or Cephas in Aramaic), which means “rock,” symbolizing his foundational role in the Church.
- Leader of the Apostles: Peter was the most prominent disciple, often acting as a spokesman for the twelve, and was part of Jesus’ inner circle along with James and John.
- The Denial and Redemption: Despite promising loyalty, Peter denied knowing Jesus three times on the night of his arrest, but was later redeemed and commissioned by Jesus to lead.
- Keys of the Kingdom: Jesus promised to give Peter “the keys of the kingdom of heaven,” a symbol of his authority.
- Early Church Leader: Following Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, Peter took a leadership role in Jerusalem, performing miracles and preaching, before traveling to Rome to lead the Christian community there.
- Martyrdom: According to tradition, Peter was martyred between 64-68 CE under Emperor Nero’s persecution, requesting to be crucified upside down because he felt unworthy to die in the same manner as Jesus.
- Burial Site: Peter is believed to be buried under St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.
- Authorship: The biblical letters 1 Peter and 2 Peter are attributed to him.
What Saint Philip is Known For
- Spokesman for Jesus: He often spoke for the disciples and was usually mentioned first in the Bible.
- First Pope: Roman Catholic tradition recognizes him as the first Bishop of Rome.
- Bold Preaching: He delivered a defining sermon on the day of Pentecost.
- Opening Christianity to Gentiles: He was pivotal in spreading the faith beyond the Jewish community.
Novena
O Glorious Saint Philip, at the Last Supper you said to Jesus,
“Lord, show us the Father and it will be enough for us.” Help us to make this our prayer also and to seek God in all things.
Obtain for us the grace to know the Father and Jesus Christ whom be has sent – for in this does eternal life consist.
Amen.
