Lectio et Oratio

We read about the early life of the first Oratorians. They devoted themselves to the Eucharist, the common life (fellowship), prayer, and handing on to others the things of God. We see a small microcosm of the early Church (Acts 2:42).

We read about the remarkable apostolate that the earliest Oratorians began to carry out. They were making use of the Roman Siesta, that period of 3 hours in the afternoon when many people took a nap. St Philip and the others would gather those who were seeking Christian perfection. They would give them four talks. Each talk was 30 minutes long!

We read about the obedience St Philip was able to win from his spiritual sons. But St Philip rarely gave direct commands. Instead he won the affection of his sons. He gained their trust. He would use indirect suggestions, humour, and tact. He was able to guide these men in whatever way the Lord suggested. How we need to pray for genuine love for the brethren!

Last episode we read about the way the future Oratorians lived in 1564. We read about the family connections that Tarugi had to various Popes. In his early years of manhood, Tarugi was very close to the future Pope Clement VIII. Gallonio gives wonderful descriptions of the authority of the Pope. May we always honour and respect the office of chief shepherd, the office of Peter, the Bishop of Rome.

Did all the earliest Oratorians have the same exact background?

By no means. We will read about the other early disciples of St Philip who began to live together at the church of the Florentines in Rome. These men differed in age and background. They had different family histories. Like the Apostles, the early Oratorians were a diverse group. But what they had in common was a desire to live under St Philip's direction.

Last episode, we heard the interesting way the Oratory of St Philip got its beginnings. The Oratory is a way of life for priests and brothers who live together without any external bonds or vows, but simply out of the inner bond of charity. They believe that God has called them together. St Philip reestablished in Rome the practice of secular priests living together without vows, but with a community life. When St Philip first gathered some spiritual sons into a community, he did not have any grand ideas in mind. He was simply responding to the requests of Divine Providence. By his fidelity, God did greater things than were first imagined possible.

How would this work of St Philip as a priest be prolonged in the Church?

By a new congregation. We read about the providential beginning of the Congregation of the Oratory. St Philip never thought he was starting a new group in the Church. But one day, after he recovered from his first great serious illness, Philip was asked to take over the Church of the Florentines in Rome. In agreeing to staff the church, he asked three disciples to be ordained priests. From those three men, a remarkable new congregation would develop. We call it the Oratory of St Philip Neri.

Last episode, we read about the importance of female disciples of the Lord. One of St Philip's most devout penitents was a woman who brought many others to Christ by her example and words. We need priests. But the Church also needs people in the world, especially women!