Our Lady of Sorrows and St Bridget of Sweden

Introduction

The present church of Our Lady of Sorrows and St Bridget of Sweden in Isleworth was opened in 1909 in the Italian Renaissance style. The church was consecrated in 1910. The dedication to Our Lady of Sorrows and St Bridget of Sweden is unusual in England.

History

The Catholic community in Isleworth has a history spanning more than 250 years, and the parish emerged between 1906 and 1929 under Father Eric Green. The permanent post-Reformation Catholic presence in Isleworth started in the household of the Earl of Shrewsbury, who maintained a chaplain and provided a chapel within Shrewsbury House. The church was built at a main road junction on the edge of the village. A bell tower was added to the church in 1927 and a parish hall in 1931.

Father Green died in 1929 and is buried in Isleworth Cemetery. The interior was completely redecorated to celebrate the Millennium. The church contains a 'pieta' donated on its opening in 1909.

Music and liturgy

In 1923, Father Green in Isleworth exchanged telegrams with Prince Eugen, Duke of Nark, who presided at the celebrations in Vadstena for the 550th anniversary of the death of Saint Bridget. Syon Abbey was a place of almost continuous worship as the nuns and monks sang the Office in shifts.

Parish life

The parish community is diverse, with between twenty and thirty countries of origin represented. About 500 regular churchgoers attend St Bridget's. Most young children attend Saint Mary's Junior, Infants and Nursery School, and older students go to Gumley House, Gunnersbury and Saint Mark's Schools. The sick and elderly are cared for in West Middlesex Hospital and several residential homes. The parish offers preparation for baptism, funerals, first communion, RCIA, confirmation, care of the sick and weddings.

Visiting

The parish offers a virtual tour of the church with audio descriptions for most scenes. The virtual tour begins in the vestibule, and views can be changed using the floor plan button.