Feast of St. Philip Benizi, Servant of Mary

By your grace, Lord, Saint Philip Benizi was a disciple of the Seven First Fathers and learned to harmonize in his life authority and service, discipline and compassion, prayer and apostolate.

Grant that, through the intercession of Saint Philip Benizi, we may follow Christ, your Son, witness to the Gospel and dedicate our lives to the coming of your kingdom. May we be always open to the voice of your Spirit and attentive to his presence encouraging us to be instruments of joy and peace. May we always be inspired by the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary and offer her our service of love.

Amen.

Fr. Vidal Martinez, OSM
Servite St. Philip Benizi (1233-1285)

Born to a noble family in Florence, Italy, Philip studied in Padua and Paris, earning a doctorate in medicine and philosophy. He joined the Servite Order in 1253; in time he became renowned for his preaching. He was instrumental in the future Saint Peregrine Laziosi joining the Servite order.
 
In 1267 Philip was chosen as general superior (prior general) of the order. He was influential in reforming the religious order, and was eventually considered a possible candidate for the Papal Throne, after Pope Clemete IV died in 1268. This so distressed Philip that he fled and lived in a cave until the papal election was over.
St. Philip Benizi's Retreat at The Grotto (1927)

This shrine is one of the earliest installations at The Grotto, and represents his time spent as a hermit in the mountains of Montagnata, Italy.

With the Papal Tiara at his feet, he is represented praying at the entrance of the cave where he lived while in hiding.

During this time he redoubled his penances, eating only herbs and drinking at a fountain, ever since held to be miraculous by reason of its healing qualities, and called "St. Philip's Spring."

St. Philip was one of the shining lights of the early Servite Order, both intellectually and spiritually. (The Grotto is a ministry of the Servite Order.)

St. Philip’s gifts of compassion and generosity, as well as his leadership abilities and his commitment to reconciliation, were readily recognized within his Servite community as well as the Church at large.
Operating Hours: 9 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Upper Gardens admission sold until 7:30 p.m.

Under orders from the governor, properly-worn masks are required in all indoor spaces at The Grotto.
Daily Mass

12 noon in the Chapel of Mary
Recitation of the Rosary

Daily recitation of the Rosary at The Grotto will take place everyday, one half hour before each Mass. On Friday's, we pray the Rosary of the Seven Sorrows of Mary (Servite Rosary).
Priest's Office Hours

Monday - Saturday
10 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
3 p.m. - 5 p.m.

The Servite Friars gladly await your request for confession, spiritual guidance and blessing of articles. You may also set up an appointment for a blessing with the relic of St. Peregrine. The office is located at the Visitor Center.
Gift Shop Hours: 9 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Click on the video and take a moment to relax and experience the serenity of the sanctuary.

Today, enjoy the tranquil sounds of St. Philip Benizi's Retreat from a distance.

Join Fr. Vidal Martinez, OSM, Rector of The Grotto, for a daily stroll through the garden.

Each day, enjoy photos and videos taken by Father Vidal, often during hours when the grounds are closed.

Today, one more visit to St. Philip Benizi's Retreat on his feast day.

The Servite Friars (from left to right)

Father Vidal Martinez, OSM, Rector: FatherVidal@thegrotto.org
Father Ignatius Kissel, OSM: FatherIgnatius@thegrotto.org
Father Leo Hambur, OSM: FatherLeo@thegrotto.org
Father Edgar Benedi-an, OSM: FatherEdgar@thegrotto.org
Bible Study Livestream

Saturdays: 9:15-10 a.m.

All are welcome to the weekly Bible Study Livestream with Fr. Edgar Benedi-an, OSM. For more information, please click the button below.