The Oratory of Divine Love was an Italian Catholic ecclesiastical reform movement that originated in Genoa at the end of the 15th century.
In 1497 Vernazza established the Society of the Handkerchief (Compagnia del Mandiletto), a grouping whose purpose was to gather alms for the poor, and which was to overtake Vicenza in significance.
The Oratory in Rome was established in the Trastevere district around 1514-17, where both prelates and laymen would meet in the Church of Santi Silvestri e Dorotea frequently to discuss ecclesiastical reform.
The rule prescribed a fixed program of prayers, a weekly fast, monthly confession, and Communion four times a year.
Members of the Oratory cared for orphans, helped the poor, consoled imprisoned criminals, and attended the sick in hospital.