Contemplative Haven: Feastday of St. Philip Neri 
Feastday of St. Philip Neri
Speaking of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, the miracle of St. Philip Neri's heart shows us what can happen when we enter into Divine Love. The Catholic Encyclopedia quotes St. Philip Neri's biographer, Pietre Giacomo Bacci, who wrote, "The life of St. Philip Neri: apostle of Rome and founder of the Congregation of the Oratory":
"While he was with the greatest earnestness asking of the Holy Ghost His gifts, there appeared to him a globe of fire, which entered into his mouth and lodged in his breast; and thereupon he was suddenly surprised with such a fire of love, that, unable to bear it, he threw himself on the ground, and, like one trying to cool himself, bared his breast to temper in some measure the flame which he felt. When he had remained so for some time, and was a little recovered, he rose up full of unwonted joy, and immediately all his body began to shake with a violent tremour; and putting his hand to his bosom, he felt by the side of his heart, a swelling about as big as a man's fist, but neither then nor afterwards was it attended with the slightest pain or wound."
The Catholic Encyclopedia goes on to say:
"The cause of this swelling was discovered by the doctors who examined his body after death. The saint's heart had been dilated under the sudden impulse of love, and in order that it might have sufficient room to move, two ribs had been broken, and curved in the form of an arch. From the time of the miracle till his death, his heart would palpitate violently whenever he performed any spiritual action."
I have absolutely no trouble believing in this miracle; many of the saints had similar experiences. What I have trouble believing is that in this day and age, any doctor performing an autopsy would come to the conclusion that the heart had dilated "under the sudden impulse of love." I don't think they cover consolations and miracles in medical school anymore.
posted by Gabrielle at 9:46 AM
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