St. Philip Neri is the patron of joy and humor. He shaved half his beard to make people laugh, played pranks on the proud, and did whatever it took to keep people from taking themselves too seriously — all while being one of the great mystics of the Counter-Reformation.
He once said: "Cheerfulness strengthens the heart." His most beloved tradition was the Seven Churches Pilgrimage: gathering friends before dawn to walk 15 miles across Rome, praying at seven churches — with a picnic and live music in the middle. He started it as a joyful alternative to Carnival's excesses. "After walking twelve miles in one day," he said, "everyone was too tired to be tempted."
Enjoy a Feast Day Picnic
A picnic is the most directly saint-inspired meal of any May feast — Philip literally built one into his pilgrimage. Here's how to celebrate:
- Take it outside — Crusty bread, cheese, fruit, Italian cookies, sparkling water on a blanket. Simple and festive.
- If outdoors isn't possible — Set the table festively, bring in music, and make it feel like a celebration.
- Something joyful and a little extra — A special dessert, a fancy drink, something that makes everyone smile. Philip was the patron of joy. The feast should feel like it.
Color a Mini Book of Silly Creatures
Philip used humor and delight to draw people toward God — so it's only fitting that his feast day craft is a Mini Coloring Book of Silly Creatures. Color it together, laugh over the pages, and remind your kids that joy is a spiritual gift. Cheerfulness, Philip would tell you, strengthens the heart.
Read Jokes Aloud at the Table
Pull out a joke book and let each person share their best one. Philip used humor as a tool of evangelization — laughter at the table is completely on theme.
Take a Mini Pilgrimage
After dinner, take a walk together — even just around the block — praying one decade of the Rosary at each landmark. A small echo of Philip's famous seven-church walk.
Pray for the Grace of Joy
Offer a prayer to St. Philip Neri for joy, and for the grace to take our faith seriously without taking ourselves too seriously.
