The Virtual Oratory

The Virtual Oratory connects people in a virtual house of prayer inspired by the patron saint of joy, Philip Neri, guided by the writings of John Henry Newman, and under the supervision of Fr. Hal Weidner, CO.

What We Do

Oratorians are lay people, priests, and brothers. On this site you will be invited to explore resources and news  being a virtual community of prayer, an open contemplative community, sharing prayer with anyone seeking God.

Philip Neri, said Newman, came to save people IN the world, not from it. So without being monastic or cloistered, we are contemplatives at the service of others.  

What is new?

John Henry Newman will be beatified this year. A miracle has been approved by the Vatican. His cause will go over to the theologians passing on his orthodoxy and, of course, this is no problem. A second miracle is getting considerable attention also and that would allow for his canonization. 

England's VANITY FAIR magazine in the 1800s had delicious caricatures of famous people. The covers of the magazine are now valuable items. This one of Newman I think is funny and worthy of attention. The thin, poorly dressed priest with patchy clothes, and umbrella (no carriages for him, he walks!) compliments Newman's very unpretentious self.