This does not come from God

Saint Philip Neri had a great devotion to Mary and he was often consulted by bishops to discern the authenticity of mystics. His practice of humility and obedience, in imitation of the Virgin, allowed him to infallibly test false mystics, because the demon is proud and independent.

One day in 1560, the cardinals were divided about a nun who claimed to have visions. St Philip Neri’s advice was solicited. He observed the nun as she arrived, and greeting her congenially, exclaimed:

"Oh, you are not the one I wanted to see; I wanted to meet the saint!" - "But I am the saint, Father!" - "Ah! So you are the saint? Thank you." He turned on his heels and said to the cardinals: "This does not come from God."

In l’Etoile Notre Dame, issue #148, October 2006