“To God one and Three under the invocation of St Francis Xavier.” This is the English translation of the Latin text inscribed on the pediment of the Saint Francis Xavier Church. But locals know it better as Gardiner Street Church. The Saint Francis Xavier Church stands as a testament to faith and architectural elegance.
The story of Saint Francis Xavier Church begins in 1829. This was the year of Catholic Emancipation. Father Bartholomew Esmonde SJ and architect Joseph B. Keane designed this classical church. The first stone was laid on July 2nd. Just three years later, on May 3rd, 1832, the church opened its doors.
Father Esmonde’s time in Italy deeply influenced the church’s design. He drew inspiration from the temples there. Architectural critic Christine Casey calls it “the most elegant church of the period in Dublin.” Inside Saint Francis Xavier Church, a treasure trove awaits. Sculpted altar pieces and paintings adorn the space. Most are Italian in origin. They date back to the Victorian period. The high altar was designed and assembled in Rome by Father B. Esmonde.
Saint Francis Xavier Church has witnessed many significant events. The funeral of the poet Gerard Manley Hopkins took place here in 1889. The church also appears in James Joyce’s short story “Grace” from Dubliners. The 1991 film The Commitments featured the church organ. It played “A Whiter Shade of Pale”. In Ulysses, Joyce seems to have made amends for his rather shabby treatment of St. Xavier’s in Dubliners. Bloom displays pride in Molly’s having performed splendidly in “the jesuit fathers’ church in upper Gardiner street”.
The church is more than just a building. It is a living testament to faith and community. Venerable Matt Talbot, patron of those struggling with alcoholism, prayed here daily. He attended the 5:30 am Mass. St John Henry Newman celebrated Mass here when he lived on Dorset Street in 1854. Blessed John Sullivan ministered from this church. His remains are now enshrined within its walls. The church was one of the first churches to be built in Dublin after Catholic Emancipation in 1829.
The Jesuits have played a vital role in the Saint Francis Xavier Church’s history. They opened a school nearby in 1841. This school later became Belvedere College. The church has always served the needs of the community. During times of social deprivation, it offered support through various charitable organizations.
Today, Saint Francis Xavier Church continues to be a welcoming place for all. It strives to create beautiful and meaningful experiences. The church focuses on spiritual healing and God’s love. It is also an active hub of mission in the city. It helps people in need and reaches out to those who do not know God. The Saint Francis Xavier Church even received the Eco-Congregation Award. This award recognized its efforts to care for God’s creation.
So, as you stand before this elegant building, remember its history. Remember the faith, art, and community it represents. The Saint Francis Xavier Church is more than just stones and mortar. It’s a beacon of hope. It is a testament to the enduring power of faith in the heart of Dublin.