Solemnity of Saint Philip Neri (Chiesa Nuova)

The Feast of Saint Philip Neri at Chiesa Nuova

In the heart of Rome's historic center, in the Parione district, the Chiesa Nuova — also known as the Basilica of Santa Maria in Vallicella — celebrates the Solemnity of Saint Philip Neri every year between mid and late May. The Saint rebuilt this church and lived here during the final years of his life. It is one of the most deeply felt religious festivals in the Capital, promoted by the Congregation of the Oratory of Saint Philip Neri (the Philippian Fathers) together with the parish of Santa Maria in Vallicella, in the Municipality of Rome, Lazio.

The Apostle of Rome, the "Saint of Joy"

Philip Neri (Florence 1515 – Rome 1595), founder of the Congregation of the Oratory approved in 1575, is considered the "Apostle of Rome" and co-patron of the city. Canonized in 1622, he is remembered as the "Saint of Joy" for his cheerful and human way of living and teaching the faith. As the organizers emphasize, the festival "is not just a liturgical recurrence: it is a living memory of Rome's spiritual vocation."

The Celebration Program

The celebrations open with the Pilgrimage of the Seven Churches, continue with the evening novena at the Saint's tomb, and culminate in the solemnity of May 26th, the day of his liturgical memorial. The vigil on May 25th features a solemn Mass presided over by the Father Provost of the Congregation; on May 26th, several Masses follow, including the youth Mass with the tribute from the Capitoline Authorities and the solemn concelebration presided over by the Cardinal Vicar of Rome.

The Pilgrimage of the Seven Churches

The heart of the Philippian tradition is the Pilgrimage of the Seven Churches, the nocturnal pilgrimage that Saint Philip Neri popularized and institutionalized in 16th-century Rome. Every year in mid-May, the faithful gather in the evening — starting from the Church of San Salvatore in Lauro — to walk together along the city streets in the footsteps of the Saint, in an itinerary of prayer that combines spirituality with the rediscovery of Rome's sacred heritage.

The Saint's Rooms

During the festival, the famous rooms of Saint Philip, located next to the basilica, are opened to the public. The Red Room preserves relics and memories of the Saint, including the banner created for his canonization, while the internal chapel houses an intense portrait of Saint Philip in prayer attributed to Guercino. On the upper floor, the rooms faithfully reproduce the appearance of the original chambers where the Saint lived and died.

An Event in the Heart of Rome

Set in one of the city's most important Baroque churches — overlooking Piazza della Chiesa Nuova, just a few steps from Corso Vittorio Emanuele II and Piazza Navona — the Solemnity of Saint Philip Neri is an opportunity to experience the most authentic and joyful dimension of Roman faith, with free celebrations open to all.