About our Music

"Introite portas eius in confessione atria eius in hymnis confitemini illi laudate nomen eius" - Psalmus 99:4

"Go ye into His gates with praise, into His courts with hymns; and give glory to Him. Praise ye His name." - Psalm 99:4

Music has been a hallmark of Oratorian life since its founding by St. Philip Neri in 1575. In fact, the oratorio, a musical work sung in a concert style that usually incorporates scriptural or religious texts (e.g. Handel's Messiah, Mendelssohn's Elijah, among countless others), directly takes its name from the first Oratory in Rome. The oratorio developed from the late Renaissance custom of singing laude, an Italian song form similar to the English carol or hymn. Textually rich and melodically accessible, laude were usually sung congregationally as a form of prayer. Yet, as the popularity of the custom grew, the desire for increasingly dramatic and complex arrangements arose. Composers were inspired to create longer works whose extended and grand arrangements interpreted the theological and emotional elements found in scripture and religious writings.

In the late 19th century, the English Oratories in London and Birmingham greatly contributed to Anglophone Catholic congregational singing. A remarkable number of hymns and careful translations of Latin hymns were published by English Oratorians; "Jesus, My Lord, My God, My All," "See Amid the Winter Snow," "Faith of Our Fathers," "Lead, Kindly Light," among many others. These hymns can now be heard in Catholic churches across the world.

Mr. John Teague, music director and organist

The Prefect of Music for the Philadelphia Oratory is Br. Alexander Mosko, C. O., who is responsible for ensuring that the parish music program upholds the Oratorian musical tradition. We strive to utilize music to elevate the liturgy, to assist in lifting the heart and mind to the things of God.

Carefully selected classic hymns are programmed for Masses, with a special emphasis on hymns from the Oratorian oeuvre.

We incorporate Gregorian chant at each of our sung Masses, with the understanding that it is the constant means with which the Church has conveyed her teachings for over a thousand years.

Our parish church possesses a well-maintained 1904 Hook & Hastings pipe organ that is original to the church. It can be heard at all of our Masses with music, special events, and appropriate prayer services.

The program at St. Francis Xavier is a developing and growing ministry, one that inspires love for Our Lord through the praise and beauty of traditional Catholic music.

If you are interested in our volunteer cantoring program, please email Mr. John Teague at music@sfxoratory.org to arrange a time to meet. All music, rehearsals, and training are provided.

Contributions to our music program may be sent to:

St. Francis Xavier Parish
2319 Green St.
Philadelphia, PA 19130

(please include a memo that notes "music program contribution")

Every year the Oratory hosts two choral music concerts, both consisting of classic hymns and anthems and featuring local musicians. Our annual Christmas concert takes place on Gaudete Sunday, and our Lenten Meditation concert takes place on the Friday evening preceding Laetare Sunday. We also host additional musical events featuring local singers and musicians.

To hear recordings from some of our previous concerts, please visit our YouTube page: HERE.

Further inquiries about our music program may be sent via email to:

music@sfxoratory.org