Philip Neri, born Filippo Romolo Neri, pronounced [fiˈlippo ˈrɔːmolo ˈneːri] was an Italian Catholic priest who founded the Congregation of the Oratory, a society of secular clergy dedicated to pastoral care and charitable work. He is sometimes referred to as the "Second Apostle of Rome" after Peter the Apostle, and sometimes as the "Third Apostle of Rome", after Peter and Paul the Apostle. Neri's spiritual mission emphasised personal holiness and direct service to others, particularly through the education of young people and care for the poor and sick. His work played a significant role in the Counter-Reformation, especially within the city of Rome.
