# St. Philip in Himself explained — Verses on Various Occasions

> Chapter companion for Verses on Various Occasions by John Henry Newman.

## What happens

A song praising various religious orders, but ultimately expressing a special affection for St. Philip Neri, depicted as an old man with a gentle and inspiring presence, who ventures to the frozen North to melt hearts with his tenderness.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Role of the Saint

St. Philip is portrayed as a saintly figure whose sweetness, ecstasy, and fragrance inspire and transform others, embodying the ideal of saintly influence.

### The Church and Tradition

The poem celebrates various religious orders (Monks, Friars, Jesuits) within the Church, highlighting the tradition of monastic and mendicant life.

## Character check-ins

### St. Philip

The central figure of the chapter, described as an old man of sweet aspect with a head of snow, ready smile, keen eye, and kindling words, who ventures to the North to melt a stubborn race.

### The Friars

Mentioned as a zealous band led by Dominic or Francis, standing where foes are fierce or friends have fled.

### Philip Neri

Addressed directly as 'O sainted Philip, Father dear,' with a plea for his little ones to copy his loveliness.

## Key lines

> The holy Monks, conceal’d from men, In midnight choir, or studious cell, In sultry field, or wintry glen, The holy Monks, I love them well.

I deeply admire the holy monks, who live hidden from the world, whether praying at midnight, studying in their cells, or working in harsh conditions.

_Expresses affection for the monastic life in various settings._

> Yet there is one I more affect Than Jesuit, Hermit, Monk, or Friar, ’Tis an old man of sweet aspèct, I love him more, I more admire.

But there is one person I love even more than all these religious figures: an old man with a sweet appearance, whom I admire above all.

_Highlights the speaker's special devotion to St. Philip Neri._

> He lifts his hands, there issues forth A fragrance virginal and rare, And now he ventures to our North, Where hearts are frozen as the air.

When he raises his hands, a pure and uncommon fragrance emanates, and now he dares to come to our northern land, where people's hearts are as cold as the climate.

_Describes St. Philip's miraculous fragrance and his mission to England._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters/clxv-st-philip-in-himself
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/verses_on_various_occasions_se/chapters