THE WORK OF THE ORATORIOS

The work of the Oratories Today: The concept of the Oratorio was born and developed in Italy and has a long tradition. Many saints including Don Orione have given importance to oratorio. The work of oratoris, or Sunday schools or boys clubs are called not only to be limited to the place where our congregation are grown.

Oratories in Latin America: In the religious province our lady of La Guardia in Latin America, may communities have oratories. Priest or religious brother takes the spiritual director place. Common activities of Oratorio are human, religious and liturgical formation. Human means human values like friendship, sports etc. the devotion to St. Luigi Orione. Other activities can be visiting clients of Cottolengo, joining artwork and seminars, or being part of the church choir. A survey among the members of the oratorio said “to part of oratorio is to have second home.”

Oratorios in Asia: The Children of the oratorio San Lorenzo in Philippines said in a survey that “to be part of oratorio is like a family.”  They have become respectful children and youth. 

Oratorios as an essential dimension of the Orionine youth apostolate

Don Orione gave a lot of importance to the Oratorios. Luigi Orione himself was formed in an oratorio, being a student of Don Bosco in Turin. The festive oratorio is our blessed nest. The festive oratorios are still the health of society. Each much have its own festive oratorio.  The little work arose from oratorio. Salvation of all the youth of the entire world will come about not by colleges but Oratorios.

Humble beginnings: You can begin in a small courtyard and small room. Very soon a new people will join the oratorio. Discipline is necessary: Priest/brother is should have humble, fatherly and elder brotherly love. One should Praise in general and should not do any partiality among the members. Method of  Don Orione’s teaching method is “Christian fatherly method.” To become young with the young.

Documents

Oratorio and youth center have very important role in constitution norms; c#120, N#109. Documents of the church; Orione’s projects are vocation for youth.

Pastoral Recommendations

Each religious member in the community should have a role in Oratorio. Oratorio is to insert the project or schedule accordance with the diocese youth ministry. Oratorio is fertile ground for oratorio. 

(Summary of the Talk given by  Fr. Martin Mroz fdp at Don Orione Theologicum Kenya)