Daughters of the Oratory (Italian: Figlie dell'Oratorio; Latin: Institutum Filiarum Oratorii; abbreviation: F.d.O.) is a religious institute of pontifical right within the Roman Catholic Church. Its members profess public vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience and follow the evangelical way of life in common.
History
The institute was founded in 1885 in Pizzighettone, near Cremona, Italy, by the Italian Roman Catholic priest Vincenzo Grossi (1845–1917), with the assistance of Ledovina Maria Scaglioni. Grossi established the congregation to address the religious and moral needs of poor young women through Christian education. He was beatified by Pope Paul VI on 1 November 1975 and canonized as a saint by Pope Francis on 18 October 2015.
Spirituality and Mission
The rule of the Daughters of the Oratory is based on the spirituality of Saint Philip Neri, known for his joyful approach to Christian life. Their primary mission is the instruction and Christian education of children and youth, carried out in parishes, oratories, schools, and boarding institutions, in collaboration with priests and laypeople.
Status and Presence
The institute received pontifical status in 1915. As of 31 December 2005, there were 236 sisters in 29 communities. As of 2023, the congregation has houses in Italy, Argentina, and Ecuador. The Generalate (motherhouse) of the congregation is located in Rome, Italy.
