The Brisbane Oratory in Formation has passed the necessary three years as an Oratory “in formation”, and at the present time we are in the phase when we can petition the Holy See for establishment as a Congregation of the Oratory. According to the norms which outline this process, the Procurator General of the Confederation of the Oratory indicates to a community-in-formation when he judges it ready to petition the Holy See. A new Procurator General for the Confederation was elected last year, and we have been in contact with him since his election. He has visited the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life in Rome, and discussed there the situation of all the Oratories-in-formation. At present we are furnishing the Procurator General with further information about our own case.
Some of the things that an Oratory-in-formation needs to demonstrate, in order to be established, are sufficient members; financial independence; stability in a place; and the capacity to live the Oratorian Constitutions. With all of this in mind, we have decided that now is the most appropriate time to bring some of the Brothers back home to Brisbane permanently. Accordingly, Brothers Shawn, Tyson and Conor will be returning to Brisbane in February, and will do what remains of their theology studies at ACU Banyo. The Brothers have gained much from their studies overseas, and especially from their time in other Oratories, but we feel that it will be beneficial for our community – as we prepare for establishment – for more of us to be home under the one roof. In doing this we think we will be in an even better position to demonstrate our capacity to live the Oratorian way of life, and also our stability in our parish. We already can demonstrate our financial viability, and we’re so grateful to our many benefactors who make this so. Needless to say, we rely on your continued support of the Brothers for their study and Oratory living expenses. Brother John Henry will be remaining in Toronto to complete his novitiate year, and most probably will continue there for the further two years to do the philosophy course there, before returning to Brisbane to do his theology. It will be great to have the Brothers back, and knowing that they are back for good.
An extract from the Moderators Message in the Oratory Newsletter. If you would like to read the rest be sure to view the latest newsletter and don’t forget to subscribe!