> St. Philip Neri was a Christian missionary and founder of the Congregation of the Oratory, a community of Catholic priests and lay brothers. > He was born in Florence on July 21, 1515 as one of four children to Francesco Neri. > From a very young age, Philip was known for being cheerful and obedient. He was affectionately referred to as "good little Phil." He received his early teachings from friars at the Dominican monastery in Florence, San Marco. [continue reading](https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=97)