Oratory of Saint Philip Neri

The Confederation of Oratories of Saint Philip Neri is a Catholic society of apostolic life comprising priests and religious brothers who live together in community without taking formal religious vows, bound instead only by the bond of charity. It functions as a confederation of independent, self-governing local communities rather than a centralized order. Saint Philip Neri established the first Oratory in Rome on 15 July 1575, envisioning an unpretentious return to the lifestyle of the first disciples of Christ centered on prayer, preaching and the sacraments. The confederation has grown to more than 70 Oratories worldwide, operating under pontifical right so that the Roman Pontiff directly establishes each individual Oratory, with about 501 members, including 430 priests, as of 2020.