Episode 67 -- Life of St Philip VI.67 -- Importance of Sacramental Confession

Besides the Eucharist, what other sacrament did St Philip have most at heart?

Confession, that is, the sacrament of Penance. In this episode's reading, St Philip becomes aware by his spirit of prophecy that a man is dying. He unexpectedly calls for Cesare Baronius, the earnest, studious, former law student who came under St Philip's care. Baronius probably struggled with gluttony. He struggled with being generous with his time for others. He loved to have his own time for all his own intellectual projects. In this episode's reading, St Philip teaches Baronius a valuable lesson and helps save someone's soul.

We saw last episode how important Eucharistic adoration was to St Philip. As a confirmation of this practice, Our Lord appeared to St Philip during exposition and blessed him and all those praying for a special intention. St Philip not only wanted people to go to daily Mass, if possible, but also to spend time before the Holy Eucharist in the tabernacle or the Monstance. Yes, God dwells as our friend and guest in our souls by our knowledge and love of Him. Yes, he is present in all places by his power over all things. Yes, all things are present to God's mind. Yes, God himself is holding us in existence. But in the Holy Eucharist, God the Son is fully present in his humanity. His Sacred Heart is there with all its human love for us.