Oratory Center For Spirituality

Last Updated September 8, 2026

The Rock Hill Oratory, founded in 1934, is a part of a worldwide federation of 85 independent houses. It is the oldest and largest house in the United States. Founded by St. Philip Neri in Rome, members of the Oratory are bound not by vows, but by bonds of love. The community remains deliberately small to encourage interpersonal relationships. Governed democratically, the entire community shares in making major decisions with all members having equal rights and responsibilities.