St Philip Neri: A Portrait

by Louis Bouyer

A classic portrait of St Philip Neri, which portrays the saint with a particular affection and understanding and sets him against the background of Renaissance Italy. The Apostle of Rome, as St Philip was called, has much wisdom to teach us and the author brings out his continuing relevance for a contemporary audience. This edition contains a new introduction and a chronology of the majot events in St Philip's life. Fr Michael Day who translated the work into English was a member of the Birmingham Oratory, established by Cardinal Newman. Louis Bouyer is well known for his many theological writings.

Genres: Biography, Catholic

Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

Rev. Louis Bouyer (1913-2004) was a member of the French Oratory and one of the most respected and versatile Catholic scholars and theologians of the twentieth century.

A friend of Hans Urs von Balthasar, Joseph Ratzinger, and J.R.R. Tolkien, and a co-founder of the international review Communio, Bouyer was a former Lutheran minister who entered the Catholic Church in 1939.

He became a leading figure in the Catholic biblical and liturgical movements of the twentieth century, was an influence on the Second Vatican Council, and became well known for his excellent books on history of Christian spirituality. In addition to his many writings, Bouyer lectured widely across Europe and America.

Woman in the Church (with an epilogue by Balthasar and an essay by C.S. Lewis), was one of the first three books published by Ignatius Press, in 1979. Other Ignatius Press books by Bouyer include The Word Church and Sacraments in Protestantism and Catholicism, Women Mystics, and the introduction to John Henry Newman: Prayers Verses Devotions (Bouyer wrote a biography of Newman).

He was chosen by the Pope to be part of a team to initiate the International Theological Commission in 1969.

Reviews

[Melissa · Rating 1 out of 5]

Author's writing style is not to my taste. He uses obscure terminology... Without explanation... Which leaves the reader confused. Usually, I could piece together his meaning, By just pushing through and connecting the dots. Author also used some weird comparisons with St. Philip, the Quakers, and Anglo-Saxons?? I thought these comments were out of place. I've read other biographies on St. Philip and am really drawn to his humor! So I was disappointed in this book and the few references it had to his sanguine temperament. I would encourage fellow readers interested in St. Philip Neri... To pick a different book. The St. Philip Neri book by Ignatius Press written for youth is a much better selection... Even though it's target audience is at a simpler reading level.

[Evan Beacom · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent little portrait of this strange and holy man...but I repeat myself.

[Johannes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Proverbs viii.30-31.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a fascinating, complex and devout person! This book provides a good overview of his life, but I want to know more. Wish the sources had been included even if most of them are probably not widely accessible.