May 3rd 2010 - Saint Philip Neri Church Gardens

The beautiful Spanish Garden of the Saint Philip Neri Church in Catherine Street was a welcome sight in the mid morning sunshine today - a wonderful calming atmosphere lies therein, in contrast to the busy streets into the city centre that surround it. The oratory became the base for the two Universities' Catholic Chaplaincy in 2001, although the original St. Philip Neri church in the area dates back to 1825 and has strong links with the community; the priests having set up a school and later a home for local street children in and around Hope Street. The present church building was completed in 1920 and was inspired by the then priest, Fr. John's love of St. Mark's in Venice. The architect P.S.Gilby was responsible for the design and for the marble and mosaic decoration. Sadly, the presbytery (now the gardens) and church windows were devastated by a bomb during the Blitz. The Spanish Gardens were completed in the 1950's and the church also became central for Liverpool's Polish community - with Polish priests resident and a weekly mass celebrated in Polish. A hidden jewel in the hustle and bustle of the city centre.