Oratory of Saint Philip Neri
Society of apostolic life for Catholic priests / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The Confederation of Oratories of Saint Philip Neri (Latin: Confoederatio Oratorii Sancti Philippi Nerii), abbreviated C.O. and commonly known as the Oratorians, is a Catholic society of apostolic life of pontifical right for men (priests and religious brothers) who live together in a community bound together by no formal vows but only with the bond of charity.
Confoederatio Oratorii Sancti Philippi Nerii (Latin) | |
Abbreviation | C.O. |
---|---|
Nickname | Oratorians[1] |
Formation | July 15, 1575; 448 years ago (July 15, 1575)[1] |
Founder | Philip Neri[1] |
Founded at | Rome, Italy |
Type | Society of apostolic life of pontifical right for men[1] |
Headquarters | Rome, Italy[1] |
Membership (2020) | 501 (including 430 priests)[1] |
Procurator general | Michele Nicolis[1] |
Parent organization | Roman Catholic Church |
Website | www |
Founded in Rome in 1575 by Philip Neri, today it has spread around the world, with over 70 Oratories and some 500 priests. The post-nominal initials commonly used to identify members of the society are "CO" (Congregatio Oratorii). The abbreviation "Cong. Orat." is also used.
Unlike a religious institute (the members of which take vows and are answerable to a central authority) or a monastery (the monks of which are likewise bound by vows in a community that may itself be autonomous and answerable directly to the pope), the Oratorians commit themselves to membership in a particular, independent, self-governing local community (an Oratory, usually named for the place in which it is located: e.g., Birmingham Oratory, Oxford Oratory, Brooklyn Oratory) without actually taking vows, an unusual and innovative arrangement created by Philip. Normally an oratory must have a minimum of four members, two being ordained, in order to be founded. If a group of men seeks to establish an oratory, they may apply to do so, going through the proper diocesan channels; during the process of formation a member (or members) of a well-established oratory resides in the community to facilitate every aspect of the proposed foundation.