Letter from the Procurator General of the Congregation of the Oratory

Dear Fathers & Seminarians

I would like to congratulate you for your initiative to establish a House of the Oratory with the support of His Excellency Most Rev. Mark Coleridge in the Archdiocese of Brisbane. As you begin this journey of learning, spiritual growth, and education about the Oratorian way of life, and as you continue to pray to the Lord of the Harvest for an increase in priestly vocations, rest assured of the continuous support of the Procura. You may count on our support to fulfill the obligations found in the Modus Procedendi in Praeparandis Congregationibus, but most importantly we invite you to imbibe the Oratorian spirituality and common life, as these are the only sure foundation on which to build the house of our Holy Father Philip Neri.

I would like to assure the seminarian of your emerging Oratorian community, Mr. Shawn Murphy, of my prayerful support and encouragement as you begin your first year of studies with the community of the Toronto Oratory this September.

Finally, I would like to ask the Lay faithful to support this initiative in every possible way. Please especially do this by fervent prayer through the intercession of the patrons of this project, Our Lady, St. Philip Neri and Blessed John Henry Newman. I would also like to thank those who have generously given of their time, talent, and treasure, to assist in the establishment of an Oratorian Community in Brisbane.

Assuring you of my prayers for continued success, I remain,

Mario A. Avilés, C.O.
Procurator General