As you may know, the parishes of St Boniface and Assumption are administered by the Oratorian fathers and brothers. The founder of the Oratory was St Philip Neri (1515- 1595). A native of Florence he spent his adult life in Rome.
Philip lived in a particularly troubled age. The place of his birth, Florence, was battling with Rome for dominance – the Medici’s pitted against the Papal States. The brave experiment of a Florentine republic had ended by the time Philip made it to Rome. The Rome he entered was in ruins, having been sacked yet again in 1527. The Church was struggling to come to terms with the reformation. By all accounts it was a place dominated by crime, civil and religious disorder.
In the midst of this Philip, somewhat inadvertently, founded the Oratory. The Oratory arose from Philip’s personal contacts. His ministerial style was characterized by greeting people on the streets, sitting long hours in the confessional, visiting the sick in the overrun hospital; giving solace and aid there to the many pilgrims who fell ill alone and far from home.
In the throes of this chaotic era, when much about social life was disturbed, Philip created a safe home. Indeed the word Philip used to describe the Oratory was “nido”, or nest.
The irony is that this period in Rome saw an extraordinary flourishing of the arts. In the nascent Oratory Philip not only promoted friendship and family, he nourished a most dynamic environment for artistic excellence. The Oratory was an early promoter of Caravaggio and Raphael, among others. The musical form the Oratorio (a precursor of Opera) began in the Oratory prayer rooms. Vittoria, Palestrina and others built their careers from compositions for the Oratory community.
As we face events unprecedented in most of our lifetime’s maybe we can find some inspiration and encouragement in our Founder, St Philip. Can we use the means at our disposal, as impoverished as they might seem, to forge deeper bonds of friendship in faith and charity? Could we see in the disruption of our normal patterns the upheaval of our daily lives an opening for new opportunities and creative energy?
Once again our faith invites us to see not so much what is lacking but what is possible with shared faith, hope and love.
Fr. Mark Lane, C.O. and Fr. Michael Callaghan, C.O.
Please keep the sick of the community in your prayers: Huberman Louis, Dory Hottensen, Iris Mabra, Marie Smith, Raymond Muhs, Rachel Potter, Michael Robinson, David M, Linda Anderson-Honsa, Sandy Levine, Connie Schiavone, Roberto Correa, Stephen Zicchinolfi.
Rest In Peace: Stephen Chinlund, Corinne King, Steven M. Edward, James Watkins, Deacon Jaime Pinzon, John Hennigan, Al Fioravanti, Ralph Gismondi, Fr. Edward Brophy, Matthew Messina, Ricardo Castaneda.
If you would like add someone to the prayer list,
email the parish office at [email protected] or go to the website
https://oratorychurch.org/contact-us and complete the information there.
Send your photo so we can set up a virtual congregation. Many faith communities have sent in photos that the clergy have printed and taped to the church chairs/pews. We invite you to do the same. Send a printable photo of your face to [email protected] or mail a photo to 64 Middagh Street and remember identify your parish. Next Sunday we will say mass with you! In the spirit of St. Philip and our annual St. Philip Day picnic if you want to send a photo with something of St Philip’s characteristic humor you might wear a funny hat – or not!
Grants available for parishioners and community members. The current pandemic has many impacts on our lives. For some there is reduced income or unanticipated expenses. Fr. Michael has a fund to assist with moderate grants to help cover a bill or support you during this time. This is a confidential process. Please email him at [email protected] or call 718-875-2096. In your initial message if you can indicate the type of need (e.g. utilities, food, medicine, transportation, etc.) and the amount, that will assist me in helping address your need.
An Act of Spiritual Communion by St. Alphonsus Ligiori My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart.
I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.
Stewardship Please remember, if you are able, to keep supporting our parishes as we try to maintain staff, clergy and operations during this time.
You can make your donation online through PushPay by clicking on one of the following links.
For Assumption https://pushpay.com/g/oratorychurch?src=hpp
For St. Boniface https://pushpay.com/g/oratorychurchbrooklyn?src=hpp
Or mail checks to:
64 Middagh St.
Brooklyn NY 11201
Attn: either ABVM or St Boniface
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: BrooklynOratory for Masses, devotions and inspiration. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClQ7KbyiPQ2mPUaAZcpxOig
Words of Encouragement Do you have words of inspiration to share with fellow parishioners? Send that to us at [email protected] Please continue to pray for first responders, medical staff, pharmacists, delivery people, supermarket staff, utility workers, transportation workers, and all keeping us alive and our city and country working.