The First Electronic Church of America
S A I N T S &
B I R T H D A Y P A G E
May 26, 1997
Saint Of The Day:
St. Philip Neri
St. Philip Neri, who was born in 1515 and died in 1595, was ordained a priest while the Council of Trent was still in session, in 1551. Trent instituted all manner of reforms to the Church -- among them, higher standards of holiness for its priests. Philip himself became an innovator for the priestly life. If priests strayed, he reasoned, it was because they were lonely, because they lacked a community around them to give them moral support. So Philip founded something called The Oratory, a community of learning, where priests could keep up to date theologically through lectures and conversations with visiting theologians, and grow spiritually, through prayer. Another wrinkle: frequent concerts in the evening, and even picnics. Life did not have to be lonely. It didn't have to be dull either. At first, Philip encountered some opposition to his plan. Pope Pius V wasn't sure he liked all the pleasure these priests seemed to be having. After all, no one had done this before. But the program made sense to the Archbishop of Milan, St. Charles Borromeo, who interceded with the pope to keep the Oratory going. Later, another pope, Gregory XIII formally approved the Oratory.
MODEL: Philip Neri's imaginative management style. If it takes music to keep the troops happy, well, let them have music. Whatever works.
Your Birthday Today:
May 26
Day of the Protector
Gemini
Pros
Protective, Virtuous, Honest
Cons
Impulsive, Over-serious, Evasive
Stand up for their rights. If you were born on May 26, you are the great protector of the common man and will not hesitate to express your opinions. Though others may disagree, they can usually see your point and respect you for taking a stand. Ruled by the number 8 and the planet Saturn, you build your career slowly and carefully but may grow impatient at times.
No rules. You like to live by your own rules, which may upset the codes of family and society, or even reach criminal levels. This rebellious attitude may only enhance your natural appeal. You may even be seen as a modern day Robin Hood. This need to go your own way may stem from an overly structured childhood.
Contradictions. You are warm-hearted but may seem cold since you have trouble expressing your emotions. You have fairly conservative values, but your impulsive behavior may contradict these views. You are champion of the underdog but may rise to high positions. You demand responsibility from others, yet may not live up to these high standards yourself. It can become an obsession with you.
Somber as a judge. You are very serious and cautious, seeing your life as a series of hurdles, conflicts and problems. Your family may wish you would lighten up a little and enjoy life, but it may just not be in your personality.
Some advice: Don't feel it's always your job to protect others. Tend to your own happiness sometimes. Button your lip and stop being so judgmental. Don't allow yourself to be provoked by little things.
Also born on this day: Vivian Robson (astrologer) Richard Lederer (language expert, writer, radio host) William Bolcom (composer, pianist) Queen Mary (British monarch) Peter Cushing (actor) Jean Crain (actress) Hank Williams, Jr. (country-western singer, songwriter) John Wayne (actor) Jay Silverheels (Tonto, of Lone Ranger) Stevie Nicks (singer, songwriter) Levon Helm (singer, drummer, The Band) Pam Grier (actress)
