Saint Philip Benizi, Servite friar

Saint Philip Benizi (1233–1285) was an Italian friar of the Servite Order (Order of Servants of Mary). Born in Florence, he studied medicine before joining the Servites as a lay brother in 1254, and was later ordained a priest. In 1267 he was elected the order's fifth Prior General, a position he held until his death. He worked to promote peace during the conflicts between the Guelphs and Ghibellines in Italy, and is said to have been considered for the papacy in 1268, an honor he avoided. He was canonized by Pope Clement X in 1671.