Oratory Vocations
Enquiries are welcome from those seeking to explore an Oratorian Vocation as a student for the Priesthood (or Lay Brother), and from men who are already Ordained.
Initial steps – as well as growing in love of God – are to develop an understanding and love of Saint Philip Neri and the Oratory way of life which he founded. Read about St Philip, and the other Oratorian Saints. One of the best but reasonably short recent biographies of our Founder is: ‘Philip Neri: The Fire of Joy’ by Fr Paul Turks of the Aachem Oratory.
St Philip encouraged the use of ‘arrow prayers’ – short phrases which, like arrows, can be shot up to heaven, as brief but frequent prayer. He is also famous for his many memorable short sayings (or Maxims). Being guided by one of these at the start of each day is another good way of getting to know S Philip, and allowing ourselves to be guided by him in our daily spiritual life.
All Oratories of St Philip are directed by the Constitutions and General Statutes, compiled by our Saint’s first disciples immediately after his death, ratified by the Holy See in 1612, and occasionally revised.
Beyond that, each Oratory is independent and autonomous (once it is formally erected by the Holy See, after a period ‘in Formation’), has its own Particular Statutes, and develops its character according to local needs and the abilities of the Community – so each House of S Philip has a familiar but different feel and apostolate.
It is therefore important to become familiar with a particular Oratory and its environment, as each House develops its own character, and Oratorians ordinarily remain in the same House for life, living with the same Community, and serving the same people.
If you are interested in exploring the possibility of an Oratorian vocation we suggest:
- Come to Holy Mass at St Bernadette’s Parish and introduce yourself
- Contact the Provost of the Port Elizabeth Oratory for more information about Oratorian life, or to make an appointment with him.
- Then visit us for a weekend, and then for a few longer periods of mutual enquiry.