For your reading pleasure in 2010!

We are happy to announce that we have just added a short, but very important article to our main web site ..... the Biography of Saint Philip Neri, founder of the first community of Oratorians.

Saint Philip was filled with the joy of faith and devoted his life to bringing others to a life focused on service to the Lord. He was a person of unique faith, gifted by God with unique capabilities. In today's materialistic world, his words and his exemplary life give us all inspiration to better and be better to love and serve the Lord.

You may download and print the 15-page biography for later reading by clicking through to our site here.

Fr. Jim Moran C.O. resumes his ministry at the Oratory

Fr. Jim Moran C.O., who until recently was working in Hawaii,and previously in Louisiana, his home state, has returned to the Oratory to resume his ministry. The Oratorians of Rock Hill extend to Fr. Jim a hearty welcome and hope that he can reacclimate himself quickly to the "southern way" of doing things! Many parishioners have expressed their pleasure at seeing him again, including one, who said, "I knew you would be back." Welcome, Fr. Jim!!

St. Anne's School Historical Marker Dedication

On October 26, 2009, a historical marker was dedicated to commemorate the legacy of St. Anne's Parochial school in the history of Rock Hill and of South Carolina. In a ceremony attended by fathers of the Oratory, sisters from the Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary from Pennsylvania, city officials, including Rock Hill mayor the Hon. Doug Echols, Buddy Motz and Thi Le and Master of Ceremonies Michael C. Scoggins, the marker was unveiled at 648 South Jones Avenue, the site of the first school.In 1954, St. Anne's School was the first school in South Carolina to integrate, when it enrolled 5 students from St. Mary's, the predominantly African-American Catholic Church in Rock Hill.

A sincere thank you to all who participated in this event and a special thanks to the sponsors, which included WRHI & Interstate 107 Radio; John C. West Forum on Politics and Policy, Winthrop University; Redeeming Life Ministries and The Hands of Mercy, Inc.; St. Anne Catholic School and the City of Rock Hill Culture and Heritage Museums.

Fr. William F. Pentis celebrates Golden Anniversary

On Saturday, August 22nd, Fr. William F. Pentis, C.O., the Oratorian community of Rock Hill and the many parishioners from our parishes in York County celebrated the 50th anniversary of Fr. William's entry into the novitiate in 1959. The Mass of the Blessed Virgin Mary was celebrated at noon in the Oratory Church followed by a luncheon in Blessed Pope John XXIII Center.

Fr. William has served in most of our parishes in York Co. through the years and been involved with the Summer Religion Camp for 38 years. He is also active with the South Carolina Council of Catholic Women.

Fr. William made his seminary studies at Mundelein Seminary at the University of St. Mary of the Lake, Mundelein, Illinois and finished his studies at Catholic University in Washington, D.C.

We are all very fortunate for Fr. William's decision to exercise his ministerial call at the Rock Hill Oratory. May he enjoy many more years (in semi-retirement, of course!!)

Sisters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul visit the Oratory

Five sisters from Saint Vincent's Convent in High Point, NC, visited the Oratory for a weeklong retreat August 3-7. Their Motherhouse is located in Mananthavady, Kerala State, India.

They are involved in parish and social ministries, focusing on pastoral care, faith formation, visitation and music ministries as well as nursing and teaching.

In the photos, you can see the sisters' visit to Divine Saviour Catholic Church's Summer Bible School.

Left to right, Sr. Pushpa Jose SCV, Sr. Christie SCV, Fr. Elbano CO, Sr. Vinaya SCV, Sr. Elsa Tom SCV, and Sr. Lissy Tom SCV.

You may contact the Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul at their email: scvusa@triad.rr.com

Rock Hill Oratory Celebrates Corpus Christi

On Sunday, June 14, 2009, guests, both lay and religious, gathered in the Church of St. Philip Neri and Our Lady on the Oratory grounds to begin the annual procession of Corpus Christi. The readings at the stations were read in English, Spanish and Vietnamese. Fr. William Pentis, C.O. and Fr. Joseph Wahl, C.O., Provost, presided, as the procession wound its way through the grounds of the Oratory, praying the Luminous Mysteries of the Holy Rosary. A reception was held in the patio after the procession was completed.

Rock Hill Oratory Celebrates Diamond Jubilee

On Tuesday, May 26, 2009, the Rock Hill Oratory celebrated 75 years of mission service in York County, South Carolina. A Mass of celebration both to honor the feast of St. Philip Neri and to commemorate our anniversary was held in our church on the grounds of the Oratory at 12 noon. Special celebrant was the retired bishop of Charleston, David Thompson. Priests and men and women religious and invited guests came from throughout the Dioceses of Charlotte and Charleston, including monks from Belmont Abbey and Mepkin Abbey. The Mass was followed by a luncheon for those attending. Many thanks to all who helped us make this celebration so special!

Rock Hill Oratory Celebrates Its Diamond Jubilee

May 26, 2009 -- It was a single beautiful day in a very rainy week (thanks to God for the beautiful sunshine!), when the Oratorians and the Friends of the Oratory celebrated 75 years of service to the Rock Hill, SC community in a joyful and grand style!

~Our Diamond Jubilee~

From the earliest days of the Rock Hill Oratory, our goal was to follow closely in the path of St. Philip Neri and the Oratorians worldwide, who came before us. In this photo, Fr. Charles Naldi of the Oratory of Florence, Italy (right), greets then Bishop Walsh of the Charleston Diocese. Fr. Naldi came to Rock Hill to assist us . . . "When he observed how well the Rock Hill Oratory had begun despite being deficient in concrete Oratorian knowledge and traditions, he set about the task of helping to educate the members. He affirmed them by saying he was delighted in what he saw here without the benefit of ever having seen or visited another Oratory. "

We celebrate all that he taught us, as well as all we have been able to accomplish in our 75 years here, as we pray that we may continue on as an integral part of serving the needs of the people in the Rock Hill and York County area for another 75 years!

This photo is of the Rock Hill Oratorians as they looked in 1935 . . . Father Paul Hatch, founder of the Rock Hill Oratory is seated in the front row on the right end. He would be proud of how far his dream has led us.

To read more about the Diamond Jubilee celebration, go to http://www.rockhilloratory.org/html/rock_hill_oratory_-_the_diamon.html . . . and be sure to scroll to the bottom and click on the photos link to see some of the photos taken that day. And we now have an almost complete history of the Rock Hill Oratory on the web site as well, if you'd like to read it.

Have a blessed day!

SAINT PHILIP NERI ITALIAN FESTIVAL

Benvenuti! Saint Philip Neri Catholic Church held its 14th Annual Italian Festival this weekend, which featured homemade Italian specialties, a silent auction, live entertainment, games, rides and vendors. Fr. John Giuliani, C.O., pastor of Saint Philip Neri Church, opened the festivities with a blessing, bidding all to join him to celebrate the Lord's bounty, his promises and his love.

These photos, taken Thursday at the opening of the festival, show several aspects of the activities. At top, Bob Wilusz, accordionist, is strolling through the dining hall. Fr. Edward McDevitt, C.O., assistant pastor at Saint Philip Neri Church is seen with a Rock Hill Oratory visitor, Kevin Waters. Below, Fr. John Giuliani, C.O. is dining in the company of two happy parishioners.

Women of Divine Saviour Catholic Church

The Women of Divine Saviour held their last dinner for the season in York at The Brandon House, a restaurant whose owner studied at the Cordon Bleu in Paris. Members were joined by family, spouses and friends. At left is president of WODS, Debbie Mitchell with Fr. Elbano.

Above left: All having a good time!

Right above: Fr. Elbano, Br. Josemaria, Rose Cacciacarne and her daughter, Beverly Blair.

Brother David Boone, C.O. honored

A celebration of the life and work of Br. David Boone took place on Sunday, April 26th, in the South Pointe High School Auditorium in Rock Hill. In the photo he is standing next to Sr. Frances Saring, MSBT, a Trinitarian sister who worked alongside Br. David for many years. She was reassigned recently and returned to her Motherhouse in Philadelphia.

The event was sponsored by Saint Mary Catholic Church and the Rock Hill Ecumenical Chorale and featured the splendid singing of the Chorale as well as performances by the jazz group, The Plair Ensemble. The gathering also honored the Chorale for its 10 years of performing in the community.

Br. David was born in Western Kentucky, entered the seminary at age 16 and joined the Rock Hill Oratory in 1951. He was assigned to Saint Mary Church on Sept. 1, 1959. Through the years Br. David has been involved in the civil rights movement in Rock Hill, the development of the city's Parks and Recreation facilities, the establishment of services for the poor in this community, and the evolution of Saint Mary Catholic Church as a beacon for social justice.

At the end of the evening a special presentation was made honoring Br. David with The Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina's highest award for a civilian. This was presented by the Honorable Robert W. Hayes, Jr., state senator for our district. Congratulations Brother David!

PALM SUNDAY PROCESSION AT THE ORATORY

Early on Palm Sunday evening, April 5th, the faithful gathered outside the front of Walsh Hall for the commencement of the Palm procession to the Oratory Church of Saint Philip and Our Lady. The Mass, presided over by Fr. David Valtierra, C.O. was well attended in preparation for Easter, the Glorious Sunday of Our Risen Lord. Alleluia!

SPRING IS EVERYWHERE!

The glorious sights and smells of Spring have arrived at the Rock Hill Oratory. These photos were taken a few days ago and show how inundated with colour we are, with the azaleas and dogwood blooming. The garden crew, headed by Br. David Boone, C.O. has been busy at work for several weeks, spreading mulch and trimming winter branches, as well as mowing and transplanting flowers and bushes, including a grouping of Japanese holly that had wintered near the front door to Walsh Hall.

The Oratory Labyrinth Prayer Garden

The Labyrinth Prayer Garden on the grounds of the Rock Hill Oratory is open to all faiths and all seeking to walk this prayer experience. Labyrinth prayer touches many parts of our lives and faith communities. We welcome all whose prayer and sense of God make this a sacred place.

Labyrinth Design: People of faith have been building and walking the Labyrinth experience for thousands of years on most continents. Although there are many variations in form and materials, the Labyrinth in the Oratory garden is a rounded, classical pattern of seven concentric circles in a single path 18 inches wide and covered with white stone. According to Robert Ferre, master labyrinth maker, a labyrinth has definite characteristics, distinct from a maze:

1. A continuous perimeter enclosing the design

2. Only one entrance and one center connected by one path.

3. A single path with no intersections or choices.

4. Circling turns that create a back-and-forth pendulum-like motion.

In some cultures, the circling pathway simulates the movement of planets in the solar system. The spiritual journey is the main focus of the Labyrinth experience. Walking and resting simulate the believer's movement through life. In Medieval times, Christians who wanted to journey to the Holy Land would approximate that pilgrimage in a local labyrinth walk and with Bible stories as a guide. Some believers pray the labyrinth journey to become clear on the direction for life and walk with a prayer phrase such as the mantra, "Show me the way, I will follow." This may lead to surrendering and allowing the Spirit to lead the way. Many labyrinth instructors recommend the traditional three-step method of the early Middle Ages: purgation, illumination, and union. Purgation is the journey to the center in which we let go of tensions, barriers, and spiritual blocks. At the center, meditiation, full communication with the divine, brings illumination and insight. Finally, union is the application and the living of the spiritual light as we return to everyday life. The labyrinth journey is open to many meanings in our life with God. It is one prayer path with and to God.

THE ORATORY MEMORIAL GARDEN

The Oratory Memorial Garden is located on the grounds of the Rock Hill Oratory. It was created to provide a simple, natural place for the remains of those who choose cremation. The Memorial Garden is nestled among the mature azaleas and dogwoods between Newman Hall and the Church of Our Lady and Saint Philip Neri. It is a place of quiet beauty where one can come to remember those who are buried and also to reflect on one's own life, death and resurrection in Jesus Christ.

The Garden is a raised circular bed covered with periwinkle and enclosed in a fieldstone wall. The stone wall creates a natural bench, encouraging people to stop and rest. Behind the raised bed is a large stone, holding individual bronze plaques. For a small cost, families may choose to have the name of the deceased engraved on a plaque. Burial is free of charge. The Garden is available to anyone. A representative of the Oratory will be present at all burials in the Garden. The ashes of the deceased are buried and the container will be kept by the family.For more information please call Br. Joe Guyon, C.O. at 803-327-2097 or email your question to rockhilloratory@gmail.com

Bishop Thomas Gumbleton visits the Oratory

Bishop Thomas Gumbleton of Detroit visited the Oratory and Winthrop University on Sunday and Monday, March 7th and 8th. A luncheon was given at the Oratory on Monday afternoon. Here Bishop Gumbleton appears with faculty, staff and friends who attended the luncheon. Monday night the bishop speaks at Winthrop on the topic of "Transforming the World through Non-violence," co-sponsored by the Peace Studies Minor and Philosophy/Religion Department of Winthrop University.

The Oratory Iconography Retreat

From February 4th through the 8th, The Oratory hosted an Icon Writing Retreat directed by Father Damian Higgins-Ukrainian Rite. Twelve participants prayed, studied and learned the traditional method of Egg-Tempera Icon Writing/Painting. Here are the happy retreatants showing their finished icons.