St Philip Neri Condemns the Butcher’s Trade. By Dr Chapman Chen
- Chapman Chen
- 11 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Saint Philip Neri (1515–1595) was an Italian Catholic priest. The biography, The Life of Saint Philip Neri by Alfonso Cardinal Capecelatro, unequivocally attests both St Philip Neri’s habitual abstinence from animal flesh (effectively a vegan/near-vegan diet), and his compassion for animals.
1. A Vegan Diet
The book explicitly and repeatedly describes the saint’s normal diet as “His food was bread and herbs”. Animal flesh is “almost unknown” to him. Capecelatro states plainly: “Even when he had moderated the rigour of his abstinence, he very seldom ate even fish, or used a milk diet, while meat was almost unknown to him.” “He would sometimes say, when passing a butcher’s shop: ‘By the grace of God I have no need of that sort of thing.’” Capecelatro even reports a visionary confirmation: “An inner voice spoke to his heart:‘…live in Rome… abstaining, so far as shall be given thee, from the use of meat.’”
2. Compassion for Animals
The book is also clear that St Philip Neri embraced veganism on the grounds of animal well-being, not just on the grounds of asceticism. Capecelatro states unambiguously that Philip’s biographers themselves singled this out as a defining trait: “His biographers note, as a feature of his character, his tenderness towards animals.” A number of concrete examples are given in the book.
3. Disgusted by the Butcher’s Shop
When passing a butcher’s shop, he would sometimes say, ‘By the grace of God I have no need of that sort of thing.’ Capecelatro draws a direct parallel with Francis of Assisi: “Dogs and birds and other animals fled often for shelter to S. Philip.” He set captive birds free which, by their own choice, would not leave him. Non-human creatures were drawn to him. “Another day a little bird was caught in the chapel…the saint said at once, ‘Take care not to hurt it, but let it fly away.’ And then he regretted his haste, fearing that the bird would not be able to find food for itself.”
4. Liberation of Partridges and Other Birds
On another occasion, “when the saint had received a present of partridges, he sent them away with an injunction that they were not to be killed.” On yet another occasion, “When he saw a Father of the Congregation crush a lizard with his foot he was much grieved and said: ‘Cruel man, what harm did that poor little creature do you?’”
5. Mercy for Flies
Moreover, according to Pan-Orthodox Concern for Animals (https://panorthodoxconcernforanimals.org/saints-and-animals/), St Philip Neri was said to insist that flies be allowed to exit through a window rather than be squashed. He reportedly set trapped mice free in safe locations and showed compassion toward animals being taken to slaughter. His concern extended to people as well as animals; he's described as having intervened to rescue a former Dominican heretic from execution.
6. A Patron Saint of Joy
Saint Philip Neri (1515–1595) was an influential Counter-Reformation figure known as the "Apostle of /Rome" for his charitable work and spiritual revival efforts. He founded the Congregation of the Oratory in 1575, a community dedicated to prayer, preaching, and music. Renowned for his joy, humour, and dedication to serving the poor and sick, he was canonized in 1622.
Known for his profound mystical experiences, including a vision of a "ball of fire" that expanded his heart, he preached that a "servant of God ought always to be happy". He is recognized as a patron saint of joy. His feast day is celebrated on May 26. #VeganChrist #VeganGod #VeganTheology
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