Philip Neri founded the Congregation of the Oratory in Rome in 1575.
Philip was born in Florence in 1515 and moved to Rome as a young man. He worked as a tutor and studied theology before becoming a priest. His ministry centered on informal spiritual conversations, prayer, music, confession, and service to the poor.
The community that grew around him became the Congregation of the Oratory. Unlike a traditional religious order, it consisted of secular priests who lived together without formal monastic vows. The congregation received papal approval in 1575 and spread to other countries while retaining its emphasis on pastoral fellowship.
Philip was known for his cheerful personality and was called the Apostle of Rome. He died in 1595 and was canonized in 1622, the same year as Ignatius of Loyola, Francis Xavier, Teresa of Ávila, and Isidore the Farmer. His feast day is 26 May.