Feast of Philip and James

The Tomb of Philip and James

Today is the feast of Saints Philip and James, Apostles. St. Philip is of course that great apostle whom you might remember from such famous tales as the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch. However, he is also the saint who put the ‘P’ in Shawn P. Tunink. When I was in Rome earlier this year, visiting the church of Santi Apostoli where he is buried and praying at his tomb was one of the highlights of my trip.

Many people notice that I normally use my middle initial and wonder why. I actually began using my middle initial frequently in 6th grade. I’m not exactly sure what triggered it, but I remember thinking that here I had been given St. Philip as my patron and I didn’t really recognize him enough. I therefore decided that I would always use the ‘P’ so as to honor my great patron, Philip the Apostle.

I have found that having Philip as a patron makes Easter an even greater time. He and my confirmation patron, Stephen, really have some great appearances in the Acts of the Apostles which we read at Mass all during this season. Sts. Philip and James, pray for us.

The Church of Santi Apostoli in Rome where Phlip and James are Burried