EXCURSIONS IN BARCELONA

The flaming heart is not just a symbol of Catholicism. It is the symbol of Saint Philip Neri himself.

He lived in Italy in the 16th century. He was a renowned preacher. He introduced the tradition of pilgrimages to seven churches. He established an oratory at the church where he served—a place where anyone could come and discuss Scripture, the deeds of the saints, and faith. He devoted much time to church music and hymns.

Philip Neri became the founder of the Oratorian denomination.

In his youth, in 1544, a mystical event happened to him, difficult to explain, but confirmed by documents.

He spent the night in prayer at the tombs of the first martyrs in the catacombs of Sant' Sebastiano. His heart was suddenly filled with great joy and an extraordinary light illuminated it. He saw before him a fiery ball that entered him through the mouth and stopped in his heart. This caused his heart to swell so much that it broke two ribs and noticeably deformed his side. Later, the scientist who performed the autopsy on the saint recorded this fact.

Those who interacted with Philip Neri claim that when approaching him, they could feel the warmth of his heart. And its beating could be heard from the next room.

The fire of the heart warmed the saint himself so much that in winter he walked around in just a shirt and was not cold.

And when the Pope ordered all priests to wear white vestments for confession, Philip Neri went to the Pope to explain that he could not fulfill this order: he could not bear to wear another garment on his chest. And the Pope granted him special permission.

It is believed that in this way the Holy Spirit descended upon Philip Neri during prayer, just as, according to Holy Scripture, he descended upon the apostles in sacred tongues of flame.