Philip Neri lived in the most important century for the history of the Catholic faith, and even the modern world. Yet he didn't factor into the great events of that century, albeit he was close to many of the great men active in that age. Philip began a life of devotion and prayer, and embodied the expression of St. Paul to "Pray without ceasing." Raised to the priesthood, he began the direction of penitents, fearing neither to approach the poor, tradesmen, nobles or cardinals, and to give them great penances to focus their devotion on Jesus Christ. Sometimes reading these penances, one would scratch their head thinking that this is crazy, yet Philip could read souls and had the gift of prophecy, and he knew exactly how to direct his penitents. The distinctive feature of the Mediatrix Press edition is that it is a reprint, not a facsimile. Moreover, footnotes have been added to translate the numerous Italian and Latin quotes found in the text that are not in the original, as well as new portraits.
