Posted on July 19, 2015 View all news
Laudetur Jesus Christus!
Gelobt sei Jesus Christus!
Praised be Jesus Christ!
This is an exciting week for the Community-in-Formation and for Oratories throughout the world. Born on the Vigil of St. Mary Magdalene, who he held deep devotion to through his life, St. Philip Neri was born on July 21, 1515. Exactly 500 years ago, the founder of the Congregation of the Oratory was born. This has set off a year of special events in Oratories around the globe. Here at Old St. Mary’s, we will have special events all year. We will start with a special presentation and discussion on the person of St. Philip Neri this Tuesday, July 21, at 7:00 p.m. in Fr. Felten Hall.
Perhaps you don’t know much about St. Philip, or perhaps you have wondered what is this group of priests living at Old St. Mary’s. This will be a good opportunity for you to learn about who St. Philip was and the Oratory is. Everyone is welcome. A special cake to celebrate St. Philip’s birthday will be served.
Pope Francis recently sent a letter to all of the Oratories in the world to begin this year of celebration. I quote a part of it here: “His [St. Philip’s] existential journey was profoundly marked by his relationship with the person of Jesus Christ and by the commitment to direct to Him the souls entrusted to his spiritual care. At the point of death he recommended: “Whoever seeks other than Christ, does not know what he wants; whoever seeks other than Christ, does not know what he asks.” The Oratory was born from this fervid experience of communion with the Lord Jesus, an ecclesial reality characterized by an intense and joyful spiritual life, prayer, listening and conversation on the Word of God, preparation to receive worthily the Sacraments, formation to Christian life through the history of Saints and of the Church, works of charity in favor of the poorest. Thanks also to Saint Philip’s apostolate, the commitment for the salvation of souls became a priority in the action of the Church; it was understood again that Pastors must be with the people to guide them and support them in the faith. Philip was a guide to many, proclaiming the Gospel and dispensing the Sacraments. He dedicated himself in particular, with great passion to the ministry of Confession, up to the evening of his last earthly day. His preoccupation was to follow constantly the spiritual growth of his disciples, supporting them in the harshness of life and opening them to Christian hope.” – Pope Francis
May God Bless you in the coming week!
