Saint Philip Benizi

"S. Philippi Benitii Confessoris" refers to Saint Philip Benizi, who was a confessor.

He was a member of the Servite Order, a religious community formally known as the Order of Servants of Mary. Saint Philip Benizi is celebrated for his humility, preaching, and efforts in spreading the Servite Order throughout Europe during the 13th century.

The phrase "S. Philippi Benitii Confessoris: Missa 'Justus'" refers to the Mass celebrated in his honor. The term "Justus" is often used in the context of the Mass to refer to the righteous or just, which aligns with the virtues associated with Saint Philip Benizi.

His feast day is celebrated on August 23rd.

Saint Philip Benizi, also known as Filippo Benizzi, was born on August 15, 1233, in the Florentine district of Oltrarno, Italy, into the noble family of Benizi. He initially studied medicine and philosophy at the University of Paris and Padua, intending to become a doctor. However, he felt a call towards religious life and joined the Servite Order, an order dedicated to the Virgin Mary, in 1253.

From the Breviary
From the noble family of the Benizi, Philip was called by the most Blessed Virgin, in an extraordinary vision, to enter the recently established Order of her Servants. First he withdrew to a cave on Monte Senario, where he led a life made hard by continual castigation of the body, but sweetened by meditation on the sufferings of Christ the Lord. Then he established sodalities of the Seven Sorrows of the Mother of God throughout almost all Europe and a great part of Asia. He was named General of his Order against his will and, burning eagerly with the ardor of divine love, he traveled about through many of the cities of Italy, settling the disputes which flared up among the citizens, calling back many men to the obedience of the Roman Pontiff and leading even the most abandoned men to repentance. Finally at Todi in the year 1285, embracing the image of Christ the Lord hanging on the Cross, which he used to call his 'book', he died a most holy death. Pope Clement X added him to the number of Saints.

He served as a lay brother until 1259, when his superiors directed him to be ordained. He displayed the utmost diligence in his service and was known for his deep devotion to the Virgin Mary. He often retired into a cavern near the church to meditate. His humility, compassion, and unwavering dedication to the Catholic faith were well recognized.

In 1267, he was elected the general superior of the Order of the Servites. During his time in the Servite Order, he served as a priest, a superior, a prior general, and a peacemaker. His tireless efforts in reconciling warring factions, healing the sick, and spreading the teachings of Catholicism earned him the respect and admiration of many.

Saint Philip Benizi passed away on August 22, 1285, during the Octave of the Assumption at Todi, where he is buried in the church of San Filippo Benizi. He was canonized as a saint in 1671 by Pope Clement X.

Today, he is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church, and his feast day is celebrated on August 23. His teachings and example continue to inspire Catholics around the world, reminding them of the importance of humility, service, and devotion to the Catholic faith.

(1) Philip Benizi de Damiani - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_Benizi_de_Damiani.

(2) Saint Philip Benizi - Catholicism. https://spiritualculture.org/saint-philip-benizi/.

(3) Saint Philip Benizi | SPB Website. https://www.philipbenizi.com/saint-philip-benizi.

(4) Philip Benizi, Saint | Catholic Answers Encyclopedia. https://www.catholic.com/encyclopedia/philip-benizi-saint.

(5) The Daily Mass: St Philip Benizi - YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRU-f-qxhAA.

(6) A Short History of the Benedictines in the Philippines. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llVaKkJR15E.