Early Image of St Philip from 1622

This is one of the oldest images of St Philip, painted in the year of his canonisation, 1622. His reputation for sanctity had spread all over the Catholic world, and the Congregation of the Oratory had begun to grow. Here we have a lifesize fresco in the Church of San Carlo Borromeo at Forio, on the Island of Ischia, in the Bay of Naples (built in 1620). It was painted by a local artist, Cesare Calise (still a common surname on the island).

Ischia was used by many Neapolitans, as it still is, as a retreat from the busy city. When the Naples Oratory was founded in 1586, some of the Fathers used to go and take the mineral waters there, and enjoy some relaxation before returning to their busy ministry in the city. In particular, we have accounts of the trips of Fr Francesco Maria Tarugi, who was an early disciple of St Philip (later Cardinal and Archbishop of Avignon, and then Siena), for rest and quiet on the island. It was probably during these visits to Forio that devotion to St Philip began, and helped to inspire this beautiful image.

And, as you can see, Forio still provides a beautiful place for members of St Philip’s family to come for rest and relaxation amongst friends, before returning to the city… this time Manchester.