Friday, May 17th
6PM – Los Locos dancing
Saturday, May 18th
6:30 PM – Ballet dancing
Sunday, May 19th
5PM – Los Locos dancing
Friday, May 24th
7 PM – Ballet dancing
Saturday, May 25th
6:30 PM – Pilgrimage starting from the Fabrica Aurora
Sunday, May 26th
6AM – Bells and fireworks
2PM – Mojiganga dancing
8PM – Live Music
Phillip Neri was a 1500’s Italian priest noted for founding a society of clergy called the “Congregation of the Oratory” known for their music, called oratorios.
All members of his order had to be over 35 years old (having lived a secular life) and were able to not only bring their money to the order, but could withdraw the same amount if they left. The order is also unique for having priests that stay at one church their entire lives, instead of changing their home church every few years as is normally practiced.
St. Philip possessed a playful humor, combined with a shrewd wit. He considered a cheerful temper to be more Christian than a melancholy one stating “A joyful heart is more easily made perfect than a downcast one.”
The 1712 church built by the indigenous in his honor here in San Miguel is the Oratorio de San Felipe Neri. The side entrance of the church features angels carved with native features. This church features more indigenous art than any other church in centro. Prior to the church’s construction the site was home to indigenous worship for 250 years.
Inside, the church features 33 oil paintings depicting the live of Saint Phillip Neri.
By Joseph Toone