Saint Phili Benzini was born on 15 August (Feast of the Assumption) 1233 in the district of Oltrarno, Florence, Italy. He was a brilliant student and studied medicine in Paris, France, and Padua, Italy, receiving his doctorates in medicine and philosophy by age 19. He practiced medicine for about a year, but following a vision of the Virgin Mary, he quit to join the Servites as a lay brother at Monte Senario in 1254. Ordained at Siena, Italy in 1258. Tried to hide his education so he could remain a simple member of the Order, but he was persuaded to use his gifts and background to further the Servite mission. He became the novice master at Siena in 1262
He was heckled and then physically attacked while preaching. Philip turned the other cheek. Father Philip’s non-violent ways caused a conversion in Peregrine Laziosi who later became a Servite saint.
He was elected prior-general of the order on 5 June 1267, much against his protests. Attended the Council of Lyons. Codified the Servite rules, and defended against attempts to disband it in the wake of the Second Council of Lyons which put restrictions on mendicant orders. Worked to bring peace to the Guelphs and Ghibellines in 1279. He was considered a candidate for the papacy at one point; when he heard the rumor, he went into hiding on Mount Tuniato until Pope Saint Gregory X was chosen. Worked with Blessed Andrew Dotti. Helped Saint Juliana of Cornillon find the Servite third order. Dispatched the first Servite missionaries to the East in 1284. Lived his last few months in retirement in a Servite house in Todi, Italy.
Miracle worker and healer. He once met a leper on the road, and gave the man his cloak; the leprosy was instantly cured. He died on 22 August 1285 at Todi, Italy.