iServi News | 19 August 2022 | Term 3, Week 5
Feast of Saint Philip Benizi OSM
This week our community gathered to celebrate the feast day of patron saint of the College, Saint Philip Benizi. In addressing our students on this special occasion, I included the following reflections.
Who is Saint Philip Benizi?
I am sure that over many years some of you have heard many facts about Saint Philip, but perhaps some of you here today may be wondering about his origin story.
Philip Benizi was born in Florence in 1233, on the very day upon which the Virgin appeared to the founders of the Servite Order. It was perhaps inevitable that he would join the Servite Order.
He was educated in Paris and Padua where he earned a doctorate in medicine and philosophy. He practiced medicine for some time, but in 1253 he joined the Servite Order in Florence.
Philip soon became known as one of the foremost preachers of his era, becoming master of novices at Siena in 1262 and then superior of several friaries.
Despite his humility, he became General Superior of the Servite Order in 1267. Recognised for his holiness, he attracted many to enter religious life and follow his example of Gospel values and the service of Mary.
He was instrumental in saving his order from suppression after the Council of Lyons acted to reduce the proliferation of new orders in 1274. He established the Servite convent of San Marco al Borgo (later San Francesco al Borgo), Todi in 1282 and died there in 1285.
In 1671, Saint Philip Benizi became the first Servite to be canonised. There had been a number of campaigns to secure this canonisation since the 14th century, supported by the Servites and by the civic authorities of Todi and Florence. The pressure intensified in the 17th century, when it was promoted by a series of Holy Roman Emperors and Grand Dukes of Tuscany. The efforts of the Emperor Leopold I and Grand Duke Cosimo III de Medici finally succeeded under Pope Clement X.
Why is this important?
If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants. – Isaac Newton
Story is important, including the story we are writing as a school today. We are writing your history now. What do you want history to say about you? How would you like to speak about your experience at Servite College in 20 years’ time?
When I meet with alumni, they share their stories of school. They don’t tell me about tests or scores, but they talk about people. People make a community; relationships make a school. It is days like today that inspire memories.
Today we play a memorial football match to honour past members of our community and to cherish their contributions to our story.
We are so fortunate to share in the global story of the Servites which has now progressed to the story of Servite College. Let’s stand on the shoulder of giants so we can see far and hopefully one day, many years from now, the next generations of Servites will think that we are the giants on which to stand.
Today is about fun, but more importantly it is about honouring our story. Have a great day. Respect everyone. As you enjoy the experiences available to you today, I ask you to thank the student leaders, Homeroom teachers, Heads of Community, Heads of Learning Area serving food, the Finance team, our Grounds team and join me in offering a special thank you to Ms Potter for the overall organisation of the entire day.
Most importantly, thank you to all of you for being the reason that we celebrate Saint Philip Feast Day as a special event in our College calendar.
Ms Silvana Vicoli
Principal