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IT was the genius of Saint Philip Neri to be simple. He did not want any new religious order, just the life of the early church community as it is portrayed in the Acts of the Apostles. He believed this life could energize the church even in his turbulent times if it was given the chance.
AN Oratory is a place where people gather and the word of God comes alive. It is a place where people learn to pray and a home base for reaching out to the world in need.
THE Congregation of the Oratory, the core
community, is composed of laymen, deacons, and priests. People outside the Congregation pray with us regularly.
THE Congregation of the Oratory is unique in the Catholic Church. No member takes vows, oaths, or promises.
Saint Philip wanted nothing except love to bind the members!
THE government of the Congregation is democratic and major decisions are shared by the whole community. The superior, a cleric, is traditionally known as the
« Provost », is « first among equals » and is elected every three years.
THE works of the community, depending on the talents and calling of each member, extend to parish work, campus ministry, retreats, teaching,
counseling, writing, prayer groups, hospital chaplaincy, and work in civic community agencies.
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