When writing about nuns on sleds, I happened to mention that my randomly-pulled patron saint for 2010 is St. Philip Neri, of whom I am not well-informed, beyond the fact that he was known to be “cheerful and charming.”
Since a lack of both charm and cheerfulness has generally defined Lizzie, I have been assuming that Neri and I would make an uncomfortable team; I am certainly open to being taught those habits (or traits) if they are in fact teachable, but I believe good St. Philip will find me a less-than-stellar pupil.
So it was heartening to receive an email today from Fr. Patrick, who wrote:
One of [Neri's] best prayers was: “Lord, don’t trust Philip!”
As a fervent lay person Philip inspired many vocations. St Ignatius Loyola criticized him: “You are like the bell in the steeple: you call many people into the church but don’t go in yourself.”
Heh. “Lord, don’t trust Philip,” completely rang my bell; I identified. I also identified with the second part in ways most would not comprehend.
A look at Neri’s hagiography brought some additional comforts. We both exhibited early and rather spectacular detachments from our lineage and our father’s houses. We’ve both been broke and managed to scrape by on our wits. We have a Benedictine connection, and Jesuit friends; we share an inclination toward visiting the sick in hospitals. We do not share a love of fasting, though, but hey, Neri founded the Brotherhood of the Little Oratory, (still going strong), and I have a little Oratory, so…you know…I’m feeling more and more comfortable with St. Philip Neri, all the time! We could get to be good friends!
And then, who knows, perhaps some of that cheerfulness and charm will rub off on me!
Yeah, okay, go ahead and snicker. I’m a Catholic; I believe in miracles.
And perhaps I have now found the motto for my whole life: “Lord, don’t trust Lizzie!”
UPDATE: Larry D points us to A daily source of Neri Quotes. Is there nothing that cannot be found online? 
Thanks, Larry!
January 3rd, 2010 | 8:43 pm | #1
“you call many people into the church but don’t go in yourself.” I can relate! I spent twenty years studying A Course In Miracles and the lesson that bowled me over was “you teach what you need learn.” The teachers are the students! The students are the teachers.
January 3rd, 2010 | 10:34 pm | #2
[...] Anchoress Lord, Don’t Trust Lizzie! – When writing about nuns on sleds , I happened to mention that my randomly-pulled patron [...]
January 3rd, 2010 | 10:37 pm | #3
The only problem with “Don’t trust Lizzie” is that why would we believe that? It’s the same as “Don’t believe me; I’m lying!”
Of course, I get your point, but I’m just saying…
January 3rd, 2010 | 10:55 pm | #4
I discovered your blog by accident, or did I? Thank you for your writings,you bring joy to my life each day.I am a firm believer of miracles.
January 4th, 2010 | 4:41 am | #5
I love the fact that St. Philip De Neri is your patron for 2010. That is my Grandfathers name and who he was named after.
January 4th, 2010 | 5:45 am | #6
I love saints who can laugh. I’ve always been a fan of Philip Neri and St. Teresa of Avila for that reason.
How do you get your own saint for the year?
January 4th, 2010 | 11:48 am | #7
I love and trust Lizzie, always!
January 4th, 2010 | 12:06 pm | #8
Have you seen this post at Patrick Madrid’s blog? He wrote about a site that has a St Philip Neri quote for each day of the year. Check it out!
[Thanks -admin]
January 4th, 2010 | 12:51 pm | #9
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by The Anchoress, Kathie. Kathie said: RT @TheAnchoress: Lord, Don't Trust Lizzie! http://www.firstthings.com/blogs/theanchoress/2010/01/03/lord-dont-trust-lizzie/ [...]
January 4th, 2010 | 11:26 pm | #10
Lizzie – you’re welcome! Stop by my blog sometime if you have some time to waste.
January 5th, 2010 | 1:09 am | #11
I really like these nuns who can live with such joy as brides of Christ. Compare this to this woman priestess
link
January 5th, 2010 | 2:20 pm | #12
Since a lack of both charm and cheerfulness has generally defined Lizzie, I have been assuming that Neri and I would make an uncomfortable team;
You and Philip go together like Eeyore and Tigger.
January 7th, 2010 | 11:13 pm | #13
I have always heard the quote as “Lord, beware of Philip today, for he is very likely to betray you.” Many times I have said this with my own name substituted!
January 8th, 2010 | 6:24 pm | #14
[...] tried to cheer myself up ala St. Philip Neri, and said, “Lord, don’t trust Lizzie; she’s not following well, and she’s a [...]
Links
Blogs
Find Us
Contact