In a discussion between EWTN Vatican Bureau Chief Andreas Thonhauser and Fr. John Paul Mary, MFVA, EWTN Employee Chaplain, the topic of renewing our faith during the Jubilee year was explored in depth. The conversation explored the example of St. Philip Neri, the miracles in his life, and his work in Rome. This Spiritual Espresso episode is available along with more helpful content to explore Rome and beyond in the EWTN Travel App.
Standing in front of Chiesa Nuova—the church founded by St. Philip Neri—Fr. John Paul reflected on how churches spark curiosity and spiritual encounters. "A lot of people, when they walk past a church, might, during this Jubilee year, be drawn into a particular church and find a different kind of hope," he said. The very name Chiesa Nuova (New Church) symbolizes the transformative work of the Holy Spirit, who renews souls and brings about new beginnings.
St. Philip Neri himself was a man of deep renewal, known for his intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit. In a mystical experience, the Holy Spirit physically entered him, inflaming his heart. "He actually—talk about carrying the Holy Spirit!—his heart was inflamed with the Holy Spirit. That’s why he was so hot all the time," Fr. John Paul explained. This inner fire radiated outward, making St. Philip a powerful spiritual guide for the people of Rome.
Yet, St. Philip was not only a mystic but also a man of immense joy. "Wasn't he also known to be a very joyous person?" Thonhauser asked. "Oh, very joyous, very humorous," Fr. John Paul replied. "He had the ability to bring the best out of people." St. Philip’s humor and lighthearted spirit drew many young people to him, leading to the formation of the Oratory, a place where they could grow in faith and friendship. His example reminds us that holiness is not only about seriousness and sacrifice but also about joy and laughter.
This Jubilee year presents an opportunity for all of us to embrace spiritual renewal. Fr. John Paul emphasized that pilgrimage itself is a journey of hope and a chance for a fresh start. "The pilgrimage of hope can be a new beginning," he said, encouraging the faithful to begin this renewal with a good confession.
But how do we start anew, just as St. Philip Neri built Chiesa Nuova? "By giving the Holy Spirit permission," Fr. John Paul answered. "God doesn’t force us. He doesn’t come in like a dictator, but he invites us. It’s a gentle invitation."
As we journey through the Jubilee Year, this invitation remains open to each of us. Why not take a moment to pray, “Holy Spirit, I invite you into my life, into the cracks of my life, into the mess of my life. I give you permission to make me a new creation.”
Allowing the Holy Spirit to work within us, we become pilgrims of hope—living witnesses to the transforming power of God.
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Adapted by Jacob Stein
Andreas Thonhauser is EWTN Vatican Bureau Chief. He earned a Master of Business Administration from the WU Executive Academy in Vienna and a Master’s degree in German Philology/Anglistics and Americanistics from the University of Vienna. Prior to joining EWTN, Thonhauser worked as the Director of External Affairs for a global human rights organization, and for several media outlets in Vienna, Austria.
