Saint Philip Neri Church facts for kids

Front entrance

St Philip Neri Church in Liverpool is a beautiful building. It serves as the main church for Catholic students at the universities in Liverpool. The church has a unique design inspired by ancient Byzantine buildings. It was built a long time ago, between 1914 and 1920.

A Look at the Church

The outside of the church has cool stone carvings called friezes. One carving shows the Last Supper, a famous scene from the Bible. Another carving shows Mary, the mother of Jesus, with baby Jesus. Above the door on Catherine Street, there are Latin and Greek words carved. These words mean "Mother of God," which is a special title for Mary.

There is also a large stone with Latin writing on the wall. It shows the name of Thomas Whiteside, who was the Archbishop of Liverpool in 1916. This stone helps us remember when the church was built.

How the Church Started

The church's story began with a school called 'The Institute' in 1853. It was on Hope Street, not far from where the church is now. A very important person named John Henry Newman visited this school. He was a Cardinal and had started a group called the Oratorians in England.

The church and its community were named after Saint Philip Neri. This was done to honor Cardinal Newman, because Saint Philip Neri had started the first Oratory church in Rome.

A Garden and New Purpose

In the 1950s, a priest named Father John Garvin created a beautiful Spanish garden next to the church. He called it 'El Jardin de Nuestra Señora,' which means 'The Garden of Our Lady.' He built it on a spot that had been damaged by bombs during the war.

In 2001, St Philip Neri Church became the main church for university students. It now serves students from the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University. Before this, the university church was in a different place.

Protecting History

St Philip Neri Church is a very important building. It is listed as a Grade II* building, which means it has special historical value. Recently, the church received money to fix some damage. Water was getting into the building and harming its beautiful mosaic tiles. This money helps keep the church safe and looking good for many years to come.

Inside the Church

The church has six different altars, which are special tables used for religious services.

• There is a main altar in the center of the church.
• The original high altar is also still there.
• One altar is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
• Another altar is dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
• There is a side altar for Saint Joseph.
• At the back of the church, there is an altar dedicated to Saint Gerard.

See also

• Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Liverpool