Letter IX. To Monsignor Domenico Pinelli, Bishop of Fermo

Re avoids sending thither any of his own people, and suggests another means of founding there a Congregation.

Most reverend Monsignore, my most respected Lord in Christ, — God our Lord knows that nay desire and that of all the Congregation would be that this our Institute of the Oratory should spread far and wide, seeing how useful it is; and we would willingly make every effort thereto, if it were to appear to be our vocation. But so far carefully measuring our powers, it appeared to me wise to abstain from undertaking the foundation of Oratories outside Rome, despite very pressing demands from several persons, more especially from the very reverend and illustrious Lords Prassede and Paleotto for Milan and Bologna, which we have always been obliged to decline for the same reasons that we adduce now to yourself and your city that so lovingly invite us; and I grieve not to be able to correspond to the faith and devotion manifested towards our Congregation. But desirous at the same time to encourage your desire, we thought your most reverend lordship might send to Rome for a few months, two of those priests who seem more inclined and fitted to

St. Charles Borromeo, Cardinal of S. Prassede.

undertake the exercises of the Oratory, and who frequenting and practising our method of life, may, with the help of our Lord, be so far instructed, as to be able to undertake the service all by themselves, receiving on our part every possible help. I, moreover, offer to take as much care of them as of my own. If, therefore, as a consolation to your most reverend lordship and to the city, it is decided to send one of the Congregation for a beginning, I will do all in my power to meet your wishes, and give all possible help on our side, so as to secure a prompt progress. Besides, I trust you will deign to consider us devoted to you and command us. May the Lord keep you in His holy grace. — Of your most reverend lordship the servant,

Philip Neri

Rome, January 13, 158a