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The members of the Society of Apostolic Life, aUled the Confederation of the Oratory of 5t. Philip Neri, live as brothers in community, striving for the perfection of charity (d. Can. 731) and devoting themselves especially to the formation ofyouth. They also promote the holy Sacrament of Penance and the ministry to the sick and the poor. In keeping with the guidelines of the Second Vatican Council and other Church directives, this Institute has recently drawn up new Constitutions, which the General Congress has ratified and put before the Holy See for approval. Furthermore, this Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life has carefully examined the proposed text drawn up in Latin and upon hearing the favourable decision of its experts gives its approval by force of this decree. An authentic copy is to be preserved in the archives of the Congregation. Therefore, to acquire perfection the members of the Oratory should follow the way of simplicity and humility, mindful that their founder was dumbfounded at the thought that God had made use of him to found the Congregation of the Oratory and that he used to exhort his sons: Be humble, be lowly. In carrying out their apostolate the members should exude that joy of which St. Philip Neri gave the perfect example in his life as well as his actions. They should recall the words of Paul VI of venerable memory: The joy derived thence [living the evangelical counsels], the joy, that is, that comes from belonging to God forever, is the incomparable fruit of the Holy Spirit and is already given to you to enjoy. Filled with this joy, which Christ will guard for you even in the midst of adversities, look forward to the future with confidence. The way in which this joy radiates from your communities shows all people that the state of life you have chosen, with the threefold renunciation made at your religious profession, helps you to realize the greatest possible growth of your life in Christ. Observing you and your life, young people will be able to perceive well the invitation that Jesus never ceases to make heard among them. Furthermore, St. Philip was accustomed to say: Scruples and melancholy, I don't want them in my house. May the most loving Mother of the Lord, by whose example you have consecrated your lives to God, obtain for you in the daily course of your life that eternal joy which Jesus alone can bestow (ibid. 56). Moreover, may the members of the Oratory obtain from the blessed and ever Virgin Mary, Mother of God, that maternal affection of hers with which all who work together in the Church's apostolic mission for the regeneration of mankind should be animated

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