St Philip Neri
The Congregation of the Oratory was instituted by St Philip in the 16th century and so from him we discover the founding vision of and inspiration for the Oratory. St Philip began his work by gathering under-employed young men and taught them how to pray as well as gave them instruction in the faith and morality. They were then sent back to their homes or places of residence, as well as to the hospitals, to put their faith into practice through works of charity. These original activities of the Oratory re-evangelised Rome of the time, so much so that St Philip is called the ‘Apostle of Rome’, next in honour after the two great apostles, St Peter and St Paul.
A detailed biography of St Philip Neri can be found here.
Our Lady Help of Christians
The Brisbane Oratory is first of all placed under the patronage of Our Lady, Help of Christians, giving to her the prominence and pre-eminence she rightly has in the Church. Her intercession is unrivaled and her protection is sure, so we place ourselves under her maternal mantle. She is also the Mother of Priests and so we, as a community of priests, place ourselves under her care so that we may do whatever her Son tells us (cf John2:5).
Joined to Christ the Head and in the unity of fellowship with all His saints, the faithful must in the first place reverence the memory of ‘the glorious ever Virgin Mary, Mother of our God and Lord Jesus Christ.'
- Lumen Gentium, n. 52
St John Henry Newman
Adapting the Oratory Rule and way of life, he brought the customs and traditions of the Oratory to England in the 19th century. Having experienced the Oratory in Rome, St John Henry saw the potential of this model of priestly and apostolic life for the resurgence of the Catholic faith in England. He petitioned Bl Pius IX for the establishment of the Oratory in England and with amendments suggested by Newman, the Holy Father approved of the Oratorian life in England formally erecting the Oratory in Birmingham in 1848.
Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati
Bl Pier Giorgio is the patron of Frassati Australia, which is closely connected to the Brisbane Oratory. Bl Pier Giorgio was the son of a wealthy Turin family and he died in 1925 at the age of 24. His life seemed mostly ordinary, though privileged, yet he was passionate’ for Christ and His Church. Pier Giorgio had an intense devotion to Eucharistic Adoration, to the Blessed Virgin Mary as well he was deeply committed to serving the poor in the neglected neighbourhoods of Turin. Frassati Australia seeks to follow his example by bringing young men to know and live the Catholic faith in an authentic way.