The Triumph of the Cross by Savonarola. Of St Philip Neri, the Apostle of Rome, who was ever staunch in his loyalty to the memory of the one who, for a time at least, was the Apostle of his own native Florence, it is said, that this was one of his favorite books. The Saint’s biographer Cardinal Capecelatro, writes: It is well known that Philip often read the writings of Savonarola, especially The Triumph of the Cross, and that he used them for the instruction of his spiritual children. There are still preserved in the Vallicella, among the books which belonged to St Philip, and which were given by him to the Congregation, five of Savonarola’s works. What better endorsement than of a Saint of the Church?