Saint Patrick's Church, Edinburgh

Introduction

The church is distinguished by notable interior murals by Alexander Runciman. In 1898 the interior was realigned north to south and a new sanctuary was built by Edinburgh architect James Graham Fairley.

History

The church was originally conceived as a qualified Episcopal Chapel, as shown on the 1784 Map. The murals were painted over by the subsequent Presbyterian congregation, but some have been uncovered. The South entrance elevation was added in 1929 by Reginald Fairlie. Reginald Fairlie (1883-1952) was a celebrated and distinguished architect, based in Edinburgh, a devout Roman Catholic from an aristocratic family.

Architecture and furnishings

The church is a two-storey rectangular-plan pedimented building with a central steeple, a polygonal apse to the east, and a 1929 south entrance elevation designed in a triumphal-arch style. The south entrance elevation features a central double-height round-arched entrance arch, flanking niches with statues of Saint Patrick and Saint Bridget, and a central recessed 1772-4 square-plan tiered steeple with an octagonal top stage and ogee cap. The interior includes a marble panelled sanctuary, flanking chapels, a timber gallery to the south, and wall paintings by Alexander Runciman in the polygonal east apse. The apse was decorated with paintings by Alexander Runciman centring on a depiction of the Ascension in the vault, the first significant public religious painting since the Reformation.

Music and liturgy

A community of three priests serves the church, living a common life based on the pattern established by Saint Philip Neri. The church permits a Nuptial Mass in English or Latin if both spouses are Catholic.

Parish life

The annual Margaret Sinclair pilgrimage is held at Saint Patrick's. The cause for Venerable Margaret Sinclair's canonisation was introduced to the Sacred Congregation of Rites in 1942 by Pope Pius XII. A small museum telling the story of Margaret's life was established in the foyer of the church.

Sacraments and pastoral care

The parish provides visits to the sick and housebound, including the opportunity for Confession and Holy Communion. Baptism for infants is available to those who live or practise in the parish.

Only sacred music is permitted at weddings, and recorded music is prohibited. The parish offers preparation for reception into the Catholic Church through the priests. Confessions are heard before every Mass and also during and after Mass whenever a priest is available.