The Apostle of Rome in the Middle Ages
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Who is Saint Philip Neri?
St. Philip Neri founded the Oratorians and ministered to the people in the 16th century. He comissioned one of the most iconic baroque churches in the city popularly known as "Chiesa Nuova", which was a restoration of the Church of Santa Maria in Vallicella. He is known for his poverty but also for the tremendous joy and humour with which he lived the Christian life while serving the poor and youth in the city.
He was born in Florence in 1515 and came to Rome in 1534. As a priest, he was known for his mystical experiences where he was known to levitate during celebrating Mass and for running a hot body temperature because of his enlarged and "enflamed" heart, a gift of the power of the Holy Spirit. St. Philip Neri passed away on May 27th, 1595. According to tradition, his autopsy confirmed that he actually lived for a significant period with an enlarged heart. His tomb is on display beneath the altar of a side chapel at the Church of Santa Maria in Vallicella, also known as Chiesa Nuova.
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Footsteps of St. Philip Neri
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St. Philip Neri also founded the Seven Churches Pilgrimage of the Papal Basilicas in Rome.
Chiesa Nuova (S. Maria in Vallicella)
Baroque Church and resting place of St. Philip Neri, Apostle of Rome
Commonly called the "New Church" in Italian because the new construction replaced the previous church, also called "Santa Maria in Vallicella". The Pope gave the previous church to the Oratorians following the death of St. Phillip Neri, who then rebuilt it as "Chiesa Nuova". It was designed by Dionisio di Bartolomeo in 1592 in the baroque style.
The location is also known as the home of the "Oratory of St. Philip Neri", who were authorized to organize themselves as a congregation at this place by Pope Gregory XIII in 1575, and founded by St. Philip Neri himself. The Rule of the Oratorians was later authorized by Pope Pius V in 1612.
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Catacombs of San Sebastiano
Constantine's Basilica and the Catacombs of Early Christians
The Catacombs of San Sebastiano, originally a pagan burial site, transformed into a Christian necropolis in the 2nd century, dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul. Renamed in the 4th century after Saint Sebastian, who was buried here after his martyrdom in 298 A.D.
Saint Sebastian, who survived an initial execution attempt, was eventually killed by Emperor Diocletian and buried here. Highlights include the cubicle of Jonah with its 4th-century frescoes, the crypt of San Sebastiano, and three pagan mausoleums later used by Christians.
The site also features graffiti from early pilgrims and a grand basilica built by Emperor Constantine.