Oratorian - Definition

The Oratory of Saint Philip Neri is a congregation of Roman Catholic priests and lay-brothers who live together in community bound together by no formal vows but only with the bond of charity. They are commonly referred to as Oratorians. The order was founded by St. Philip Neri (1515-1595).

Cardinal John Henry Newman founded the Birmingham Oratory in Egbaston, England, in 1848 and lived there in his later years. Attached to the Birmingham Oratory is the famous Oratory School.

English houses also exist in London and Oxford.

The post-nominal initials commonly used to identify members of the order are "C.O.". The Abbreviation "Cong. Orat" is also used.

See also

• Catholic order

External link

• Oratory of Saint Philip Neri (Toronto) (http://www.oratory-toronto.org/)
• London (Bromton) Oratory (http://www.bromptonoratory.com/)
• Birmingham Oratory (http://www.birmingham-oratory.org.uk/)
• Oxford Oratory (http://www.oxfordoratory.org.uk/)