Our Church
St. Philip Benizi
Feast Day: August 23
Philip was born in Florence in the early 13th century. He entered the Servite Order and was ordained a priest. In 1267 he was elected Prior General and remained in office almost until his death. He served with wisdom, developed excellent laws, and fought to keep the Order from being suppressed.
Recognized for his holiness, he attracted many to enter religious life and follow his example of Gospel values and the service of Mary. Because of his strong influence, he has been considered a "Father of the Order". He died in 1285 at Todi and was canonized in 1671.
Read more about our saint
St Philip Benizi parish church is located 6 miles east of Oregon City, OR, which is situated just south of Portland. This area lies at the north end of the Willamette River Valley, a broad green agricultural oasis in the Pacific Northwest. [Google MAP link.]
Our church grew out of religious education classes sponsored by St. John the Apostle Catholic Church in Oregon City, in the mid-1960's. Interestingly, St. John's was the 2nd parish to be established in the vast territory of the Archdiocese of Portland.
The Archdiocese itself is the second oldest archdiocese in the U.S., created in 1846. Since Oregon City is the oldest city in Oregon, it was the cathedral site for the Archdiocese in those years, with all the Portland area parishes founded as daughter parishes.
The first church in the diocese to be built implementing the liturgical changes of Vatican II was our own St Philip's, so from its origin, Mass was celebrated facing the people gathered as closely around as possible, none further than seven pews from the altar. The first Mass celebrated in the our new church was in December 1965.
Read the History of St. Philip Benizi Church