St Patrick’s Catholic Church

Hidden within the bustling heart of Soho Square stands St Patrick’s Catholic Church. It’s a sanctuary of peace amidst the vibrant energy of London. St Patrick’s boasts a rich history, intertwining with the story of Soho itself. Consecrated in 1792, St Patrick’s Church holds the distinction of being one of the first Catholic parishes established after the Catholic Relief Acts. These acts allowed Catholics to practice their faith more openly. The church replaced an earlier chapel built in the 1790s by Father Arthur O’Leary. The current building, designed by John Kelly, was completed in 1893. Its elongated shape is a unique feature. This resulted from the limited plot size available during construction. Look above the main entrance. You’ll see a Roman-style porch with Corinthian columns and an inscription: “UT CHRISTIANI ITA ET ROMANI SITIS”. This translates to “Be ye Christians as those of the Roman Church,” a quote from the writings of St. Patrick himself. St Patrick’s Church served as a beacon of hope for the marginalized Irish immigrants who lived in the impoverished area known as “The Rookeries”. The church provided them with spiritual comfort and community support during a time of great hardship. St Patrick’s Church has also hosted significant events throughout its history. It was here that the official requiem for Pope Pius VI was held. The annual procession honoring the Tyburn Martyrs also stops at St Patrick’s. The church houses a relic of one of the martyrs, Saint Oliver Plunkett. Even a famed figure like Archbishop Fulton Sheen, the first Catholic television evangelist, considered St Patrick’s his “unappointed curate”. He frequently preached here, drawing large crowds that often spilled out into Soho Square. St Patrick’s Church underwent extensive renovations from February 2010 to May 2011. During this period, services were temporarily held in the nearby Chapel of St Barnabas. Today, St Patrick’s continues to be a vital part of the Soho community, offering a place of solace and worship.