is an Anglican Religious Community of professed brothers, both ordained and lay, founded at Cambridge University in 1913. We have provinces in Europe, Australia, North America, and South Africa. Bound together by a common Rule, Oratorians pursue a consecrated life of service in dedication to Jesus the Good Shepherd, as guided by the Seven Notes.

Although brothers generally do not live in community, they are grouped into ‘colleges’ and gather regularly for prayer and fellowship. There are also formal chapter meetings and retreats as provinces and the worldwide Oratory. Moreover, the Rule does make provision for members living together or in close proximity and sharing in a common work, living a common life and even sharing a common purse. This flexibility of modes of living the Oratory life is one of its great strengths.

As well as celibate brothers, the Oratory family includes Companions – lay and ordained, men and women, married and single – who have their own Rule and report to one of the professed brethren.

We hope that our website will give you a glimpse into our shared life. Please do get in touch if you want to explore further.