Catholic Info
Traditional Catholic Faith => The Sacred: Catholic Liturgy, Chant, Prayers => Topic started by: Bilbo on May 26, 2018, 02:55:42 PM
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Today is the feast day of Saint Phillip Neri and I just found out that he is the patron saint of the U.S. Special Forces which I find very interesting.
I have done some internet research on why this is the case but can't find anything solid.
Does anyone know why Saint Phillip Neri was chosen as the patron saint for our SF soldiers?
Thanks
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Info found in the thread at http://www.professionalsoldiers.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-6809.html (http://www.professionalsoldiers.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-6809.html)
Dan
05-10-2005, 06:53
What is being referred to is the "St. Philip of Neri Award".
MG Lambert took command of USASFC(A) in Sept 01 and was receiving his Operations in-brief on 9/11...the briefing was interupted twice and the second time the briefing was halted. That day not only marked one of the largest historical events in American history, but it also changed the history of Special Forces. Back to the story...MG Lambert has asked his staff to come up with a Special Forces Award, kind of like the St. Michael - Patron Saint of the Airborne. The St. Philip of Neri Award is an award given to Special Forces (current and prior) for a lifetime of service to the U.S. Army Special Forces.
MG Lambert gave his new staff some guidance and they were off and running. Once MG Lambert had the program up and running he turned it over to the SFA. Col Bank, LTG Yarborough, and MG Schacknow were the first three recipients. I know who the 4th and 5th awardees are, but beyond that I'm not sure the order...the SFA tracks the awarded individuals privately. You can see references to the award online here:
- Referenced in COL Bank's news post (http://www.soc.mil/News/releases/04APR/040402-01.htm)
- 16 Photos of one of our 5th SFG(A) soldiers beign awarded (http://www.sfa38.org/photos/St_Philip_Neri_Award/index.php?rep=./)
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Dan
05-16-2005, 09:07
All, Here's the official history of the St. Philip of Neri Award courtesy of the Special Forces Association (http://www.sfahq.org/). Thanks SFA!
The St. Philip Neri Award Program was established by the United States Army Special Forces Command in 2002. St. Philip Neri was selected as the Patron Saint of Special Forces because lie embodied the traits of the ideal Special Forces Soldier, Selfless, Superb Teacher, and Inspirational Leader. The Medal was first awarded at the SFA 50th Anniversary Banquet with three Gold Medal Awards. Since then, One Gold Medal, One Silver Medal and Eight Bronze Medals were awarded by the Special Forces Command. On 26 May 2003, General Lambert, CG USASFC, officially turned over the program to the SFA for their administration and implementation.
CRITERIA:
For The Order of Saint Philip Neri Gold Medal - this medal is the most distinguished of the three levels of the Military Society of Saint Neri. It recognizes the select few who stand above their brethren of the Silver or Bronze Order. The specific criterion for accession into the Gold Order is to have performed conspicuous, twenty years or more long-term service for or on behalf of the United Slates Army Special Forces or the Special Forces Association. The Gold Order is reserved for an elite few whose careers have embodied the spirit, dignity and sense of sacrifice and commitment epitomized by Saint Philip Neri. Only one nominee will be awarded the Gold Order per calendar year. The Saint Philip Neri Selection Committee may approve, disapprove or downgrade the nomination to the Silver Order as they deem appropriate. This award may only be presented lo veterans of Special Forces who have been awarded the Green Beret or Special Forces Tab.
For the Order of Saint Philip Neri Silver Order - This Medal recognizes those individuals who have demonstrated the highest standards of integrity and moral character; displayed an outstanding degree of professional competence; served in the United States Army Special Forces or the Special Forces Association for a period of 15 years or more with selflessness; and contributed to the promotion of Special Forces or the Association in ways that stand out in the eyes of the recipient's seniors, subordinates and peers alike. Only two nominees will be awarded the Silver Order per calendar year. The Selection Committee may approve or disapprove the nominations as they deem appropriate. This Award may only be presented to veterans of Special Forces who have been awarded the Green Beret or Special Forces Tab.
For the Order of Saint Philip Neri Bronze Order - The Bronze Order Medal is reserved for Active Duty and National Guard Special Forces soldiers only who have contributed in a significant way to the improvement of the United States Army Special Forces. Nominations may be submitted to the Selection Committee by any Special Forces Unit Commander. Only five nominees will be awarded this medal per calendar year. The Selection Committee may approve or disapprove the nominations as they deem appropriate.
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That is really great information and thank you for finding that!
My only question is why did they choose Saint Phillip Neri for the award rather than some other saint? I'm wondering what it is about Saint Phillip Neri that relates to the U.S. Special Forces?
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This gracious, cheerful saint was Rome's apostle of the sixteenth century (1515-1595). A peculiar charism was his burning love of God, a love that imperceptibly communicated itself to all about him. So ardently did this fire of divine love affect him during the octave of Pentecost in his twenty-ninth year that the beating of his heart broke two ribs. It was a wound that never healed.
(https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/pictures/5_26_neri3.jpg)For fifty years the saint lived on in the intensity of that love which was more at home in heaven than on earth. Through those fifty years his was an apostolate to renew the religious and ecclesiastical spirit of the Eternal City, a task he brought to a happy conclusion. It is to his credit that the practice of frequent Holy Communion, long neglected in Rome and throughout the Catholic world, was again revived. He became one of Rome's patron saints, even one of the most popular.
Philip Neri loved the young, and they responded by crowding about him. As a confessor he was in great demand; among his penitents was St. Ignatius. To perpetuate his life's work, St. Philip founded the Congregation of the Oratory, a society of secular clergy without religious vows. The purpose of his foundation was to enkindle piety among the faithful by means of social gatherings which afforded not only entertainment but religious instruction as well. Joy and gaiety were so much a part of his normal disposition that Goethe, who esteemed him highly, called him the "humorous saint." It was his happy, blithe spirit that opened for him the hearts of children. "Philip Neri, learned and wise, by sharing the pranks of children himself became a child again" (epitaph).
As a youth Philip Neri often visited the seven principal churches of Rome. He spent entire nights at the catacombs, near the tombs of the martyrs, meditating on heavenly things. The liturgy was the wellspring of his apostolic spirit; it should likewise motivate us to Catholic Action.
— Excerpted from The Church's Year of Grace, Pius Parsch.
https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2018-05-26
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That is really great information and thank you for finding that!
My only question is why did they choose Saint Phillip Neri for the award rather than some other saint? I'm wondering what it is about Saint Phillip Neri that relates to the U.S. Special Forces?
https://catholicexchange.com/wit-humor-st-philip-neri (https://catholicexchange.com/wit-humor-st-philip-neri) This will definitely help. I found it by searching St. Philip Neri sense of humor cat. He had a cat. I know the military well enough because of experience with people in high military Hawai'i. A sense of humor is needed but, that's not all St. Philip Neri had. He is a favorite of mine and now I am reminded to add him back to the little list. He fits the military. It's a perfect fit. With the depth I am absolutely gratified to see.
St. Phiip Neri took aim JUST like the military which aims at pride. We can see in reading up on him St. Philip Neri was not relaxed on that subject and had an unerring ability to make himself understood without words. Barking orders is not enough in the military. You have to gain the respect of your men. I will be politically incorrect and leave it at men. The cat I am sure relaxed him. Maybe there are anecdotes about the cat to be found.
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Today is the feast day of Saint Phillip Neri and I just found out that he is the patron saint of the U.S. Special Forces which I find very interesting.
I have done some internet research on why this is the case but can't find anything solid.
Does anyone know why Saint Phillip Neri was chosen as the patron saint for our SF soldiers?
Thanks
In order for St. Philip Neri to be a true patron saint of U.S. Special Forces, the Catholic Church would have to deem it. That's not going to happen when the patronage is installed for an individual nation. The patronage would have to be for all Special Forces, just as St. Sebastian is the patron saint of soldiers (all military Catholics), around the world despite nationality.
Just because U.S. Special Forces "adopted" St. Philip Neri as a surrogate patron saint, it doesn't mean he truly is one in the Eyes of God because the Church never ruled it.
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In order for St. Philip Neri to be a true patron saint of U.S. Special Forces, the Catholic Church would have to deem it. That's not going to happen when the patronage is installed for an individual nation. The patronage would have to be for all Special Forces, just as St. Sebastian is the patron saint of soldiers (all military Catholics), around the world despite nationality.
Just because U.S. Special Forces "adopted" St. Philip Neri as a surrogate patron saint, it doesn't mean he truly is one in the Eyes of God because the Church never ruled it.
Yes.
Here is a thought. As true Catholic saints recede in time it might be that they become more intriguing to more different kinds of people and adopted. It could actually get strange to see this but that to me is just less important than that someone finds something. So many need to. It is astonishing to me, that fact of life.
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In order for St. Philip Neri to be a true patron saint of U.S. Special Forces, the Catholic Church would have to deem it. That's not going to happen when the patronage is installed for an individual nation. The patronage would have to be for all Special Forces, just as St. Sebastian is the patron saint of soldiers (all military Catholics), around the world despite nationality.
Just because U.S. Special Forces "adopted" St. Philip Neri as a surrogate patron saint, it doesn't mean he truly is one in the Eyes of God because the Church never ruled it.
Why can't they have two patrons? If the US Special Forces why can't they have him as their own? If you want St Philip Neri or any saint as your patron saint do you think that that saint would refuse to pray for you because the Church did not maek a special ruling?
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Why can't they have two patrons? If the US Special Forces why can't they have him as their own? If you want St Philip Neri or any saint as your patron saint do you think that that saint would refuse to pray for you because the Church did not maek a special ruling?
Strawman argument.
Lay off the fat-laden oils and sauces. It's limiting O2 to your brain due to restricted arteries.
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Also, the U.S. Special Forces is part of the same military that openly accepts fαɢɢօts, and it rejects the Cross. It's essentially Antichrist in spirit. It's the military version of the global, unified, new religion that rejects the true Christ. St. Philip Neri isn't going to intercede for fag-enablers and practitioners who also spark wars for the Antichrist state of "Israel".
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Also, the U.S. Special Forces is part of the same military that openly accepts fαɢɢօts, and it rejects the Cross. It's essentially Antichrist in spirit. It's the military version of the global, unified, new religion that rejects the true Christ. St. Philip Neri isn't going to intercede for fag-enablers and practitioners who also spark wars for the Antichrist state of "Israel".
They need the guidance of St Phillip Neri more than ever before.
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They need the guidance of St Phillip Neri more than ever before.
Your vague, insubstantial "piety" isn't Catholic. It's deceit.
Individual Catholic soldiers, who are faithful, will get St. Philip Neri's intercession, but the Godless U.S. military as a whole will not get his intercession because the military is of the spirit of Antichrist. They removed the Cross from their chapels and military installations, and they teach a polytheistic, pantheistic, unified global religion that excludes the truth of Jesus Christ; and they fight immoral wars and destroy nations based on pretexts; and the military allows perverts against nature to openly serve.
Of course, this begs the question, why would any faithful Catholic person serve in what is clearly, in these present times, a diabolical organization such as the U.S. military.
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Your vague, insubstantial "piety" isn't Catholic. It's deceit.
Individual Catholic soldiers, who are faithful, will get St. Philip Neri's intercession, but the Godless U.S. military as a whole will not get his intercession because the military is of the spirit of Antichrist. They removed the Cross from their chapels and military installations, and they teach a polytheistic, pantheistic, unified global religion that excludes the truth of Jesus Christ; and they fight immoral wars and destroy nations based on pretexts; and the military allows perverts against nature to openly serve.
Of course, this begs the question, why would any faithful Catholic person serve in what is clearly, in these present times, a diabolical organization such as the U.S. military.
conscription.
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conscription.
Another deceitful response.
The U.S. hasn't had the draft since the Vietnam conflict ended.
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Lay off the fat-laden oils and sauces. It's limiting O2 to your brain due to restricted arteries.
:facepalm:
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:facepalm:
Check out the recent rice-fruit...archaeologic dig thread I started in the Health & Nutrition subforum.
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Another deceitful response.
The U.S. hasn't had the draft since the Vietnam conflict ended.
It can come back.
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Your vague, insubstantial "piety" isn't Catholic. It's deceit.
Individual Catholic soldiers, who are faithful, will get St. Philip Neri's intercession, but the Godless U.S. military as a whole will not get his intercession because the military is of the spirit of Antichrist. They removed the Cross from their chapels and military installations, and they teach a polytheistic, pantheistic, unified global religion that excludes the truth of Jesus Christ; and they fight immoral wars and destroy nations based on pretexts; and the military allows perverts against nature to openly serve.
Of course, this begs the question, why would any faithful Catholic person serve in what is clearly, in these present times, a diabolical organization such as the U.S. military.
Love of your country
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It can come back.
Red herring fallacy.
Even if the draft was enacted, the U.S. military is still Antichrist in spirit because it removed the Cross from military chapels & installations ... allows perverts (fαɢɢօts) to openly serve ... wages immoral wars ... and teaches a pantheistic, polytheistic, unified, global false religion. No saint will intercede for any Godless, wicked institution, and God won't hear the institution's "prayers".
Love of your country
Vacuous comment. Means nothing.
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Red herring fallacy.
Even if the draft was enacted, the U.S. military is still Antichrist in spirit because it removed the Cross from military chapels & installations ... allows perverts (fαɢɢօts) to openly serve ... wages immoral wars ... and teaches a pantheistic, polytheistic, unified, global false religion. No saint will intercede for any Godless, wicked institution, and God won't hear the institution's "prayers".
Vacuous comment. Means nothing.
Love of country is a virtue in relation to the fourth commandment.
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Love of country is a virtue in relation to the fourth commandment.
Red herring fallacy.
Loving your country doesn't nullify the fact that no saint will intercede for a nation's military that, by policy, commits iniquity and is the spirit of Antichrist. Nor will God hear that military's prayers.
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Red herring fallacy.
Loving your country doesn't nullify the fact that no saint will intercede for a nation's military that, by policy, commits iniquity and is the spirit of Antichrist. Nor will God hear that military's prayers.
The saint will intercede for the individual soldiers who are in need.
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The saint will intercede for the individual soldiers who are in need.
He will only intercede for individual Godly soldiers who ask for his intercession or soldiers sincerely seeking God and have contrition for their sins.
I already made that distinction before your comment above. My exact comment:
"Individual Catholic soldiers, who are faithful, will get St. Philip Neri's intercession, but the Godless U.S. military as a whole will not get his intercession because the military is of the spirit of Antichrist. They removed the Cross from their chapels and military installations, and they teach a polytheistic, pantheistic, unified global religion that excludes the truth of Jesus Christ; and they fight immoral wars and destroy nations based on pretexts; and the military allows perverts against nature to openly serve.
"Of course, this begs the question, why would any faithful Catholic person serve in what is clearly, in these present times, a diabolical organization such as the U.S. military."
You then followed with the red herring fallacy of the draft being enacted.
You keep proving yourself to be sneaky and a dishonest troll.
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He will only intercede for individual Godly soldiers who ask for his intercession or soldiers sincerely seeking God and have contrition for their sins.
I already made that distinction before your comment above. My exact comment:
"Individual Catholic soldiers, who are faithful, will get St. Philip Neri's intercession, but the Godless U.S. military as a whole will not get his intercession because the military is of the spirit of Antichrist. They removed the Cross from their chapels and military installations, and they teach a polytheistic, pantheistic, unified global religion that excludes the truth of Jesus Christ; and they fight immoral wars and destroy nations based on pretexts; and the military allows perverts against nature to openly serve.
"Of course, this begs the question, why would any faithful Catholic person serve in what is clearly, in these present times, a diabolical organization such as the U.S. military."
You then followed with the red herring fallacy of the draft being enacted.
You keep proving yourself to be sneaky and a dishonest troll.
I don't think that love of one's nation is sneaky and dishonest.
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I don't think that love of one's nation is sneaky and dishonest
Of course, it's not.
You're sneaky & dishonest for treading around the Catholic Truth that God will not hear prayers of iniquitous groups, nor will any saint intercede for them. Faithful Catholic individuals in those institutions, who pray, will be heard by Heaven, but, as I said before, why would any Catholic serve in an institution that is of Antichrist such as the U.S. military? Don't say "the draft" again because that doesn't apply now, and it hasn't since the Vietnam conflict ended. Use some logic and stop eating the oils and fats that clog your brain which limits you from thinking well.
Understand, sneaky man?
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Of course, it's not.
You're sneaky & dishonest for treading around the Catholic Truth that God will not hear prayers of iniquitous groups, nor will any saint intercede for them. Faithful Catholic individuals in those institutions, who pray, will be heard by Heaven, but, as I said before, why would any Catholic serve in an institution that is of Antichrist such as the U.S. military? Don't say "the draft" again because that doesn't apply now, and it hasn't since the Vietnam conflict ended. Use some logic and stop eating the oils and fats that clog your brain which limits you from thinking well.
Understand, sneaky man?
Patriotic Americans who love their nation and care about its well being may serve in the armed forces. We don't have to be in agreement with all of its policies but then we should remember that there were Christian soldiers in the Roman army who prayed for its success in battle and when God sent rain to confound their enemies the emperor Severus was more favorably inclined towards the Christians and there was an abatement in the persecutions for a time.
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Patriotic Americans who love their nation and care about its well being may serve in the armed forces. We don't have to be in agreement with all of its policies but then we should remember that there were Christian soldiers in the Roman army who prayed for its success in battle and when God sent rain to confound their enemies the emperor Severus was more favorably inclined towards the Christians and there was an abatement in the persecutions for a time.
None of that has any parallel to the iniquitous manifestations of the U.S. military who, paradoxically, ask St. Philip Neri to watch over them and guide them. Individual faithful Catholics might be saved (there are stories about indicidual Catholics getting help from God in every U.S. war campaign) but that doesn't mean the military as a whole will receive God's favor. Look what happened to the Roman Empire. Extinct. That includes the Roman army. They were not in God's favor. If the U.S. military succeeds in a campaign, it's not because God favored them, especially when iniquity is being spread. The world follows Satan, and many of his followers will win many battles and wars before Christ returns again.
And as I previously stated, only the Catholic Church can deem a patron saint to a group of people. St. Philip Neri isn't truly a patron saint of U.S. Special Forces, even if they adopt him as a surrogate. Also, to say St. Philip Neri will intercede for them upon their request is like saying Jeffrey Dahmer's "prayers" will be heard by God and saints will intercede for him, all while Dahmer remains entrenched in evil behavior and deeds. Dahmer is an appropriate personification of the U.S. military. They're essentially sodomites who are serial killers. They promote and protect sodomy, and they serially murder countless people. Wars based on pretexts are immoral. It's murder.
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Maybe we can pray for this to be a prelude for someone's conversion.
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Maybe we can pray for this to be a prelude for someone's conversion.
Absolutely, but first you have to be honest to God by acknowledging that no entity - rather an institution or person - can willfully, obstinately live in mortal sin, and expect their "prayers" to be heard and petitions granted by God, and saints to intercede for them. Matthew 23:27 applies in this case.
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Absolutely, but first you have to be honest to God by acknowledging that no entity - rather an institution or person - can willfully, obstinately live in mortal sin, and expect their "prayers" to be heard and petitions granted by God, and saints to intercede for them. Matthew 23:27 applies in this case.
St Teresa of Avila said that sometimes God will manifest Himself to a soul that is in mortal sin in order to bring it close to Him.
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St Teresa of Avila said that sometimes God will manifest Himself to a soul that is in mortal sin in order to bring it close to Him.
Most of those times, the soul still rejects Him. You're leaving out the necessary factor of the soul needing to do his part, too.
Jesus Christ said many people who call on His Name at Judgement will still be cast into hell after He tells them to depart from Him because He never knew them.
Sound like the hypocrites leading the U.S. military who decided to adopt St. Philip Neri.
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Most of those times, the soul still rejects Him. You're leaving out the necessary factor of the soul needing to do his part, too.
Jesus Christ said many people who call on His Name at Judgement will still be cast into hell after He tells them to depart from Him because He never knew them.
Sound like the hypocrites leading the U.S. military who decided to adopt St. Philip Neri.
That is not necessarily true. Sometimes they convert and become great saints. St Augustine for example, St Ignatius of Loyola, for example, St Paul for example.
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Sometimes they convert and become great saints. St Augustine for example, St Ignatius of Loyola, for example, St Paul for example.
Sometimes, but most of the time God is ignored.