Sebastian Valfré was born in 1629 in Alba in Piedmont, now north-west Italy, and joined the Oratory in Turin on St Philip’s Day (26 May) 1651. As a priest, he was especially known for teaching Catechism, hearing confessions, giving spiritual direction, and helping the poor and sick. Among his virtues Sebastian was especially notable for […]
Feast of Bl. Sebastian Valfré – 30 January 2026 Read More »
10 & 11 January 2026, FEAST OF THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD The feast of the Baptism of the Lord, in a way, brings the Christmas season to a close. The crib is still up until the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord (and in our Diocese, we get the “extra” Christmas Feast of
Homily for the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord Read More »
The Oratory of St Philip rejoices to count among its sons the great sixteenth-century bishop and spiritual author Francis Sales (1567-1622), who was closely connected to St Philip’s own Oratory and whose life and teachings transmit the spirit of our Founder. St Francis also founded an Oratory in Thonon in France. His principle works are
Feast of St Francis de Sales – 24 January 2026 Read More »
Joseph Vaz (1651-1771) joined the Oratory in Goa but later undertook missionary work in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) during the Dutch occupation in a complex situation in which Catholics were a persecuted minority. Joseph, who died in 1711, was accorded the title “Apostle of Ceylon ”for the effectiveness of his ministry. In his homily at
Feast of St Joseph Vaz – 16 January 2026 Read More »
