Have you ever wondered what lies behind the busy and modern streets of Manchester, one of the most vibrant and diverse cities in the UK? If you are a passionate traveler who loves to explore the history and culture of different places, you might be surprised to find a hidden gem that is often overlooked by tourists and locals alike. This hidden gem is none other than St Mary’s Catholic Church, also known as the Hidden Gem, a stunning architectural masterpiece that dates back to the 18th century.
St Mary’s Catholic Church is not only a place of worship, but also a witness to the rich and turbulent history of Manchester and its Catholic community. It is one of the oldest and most beautiful churches in the city, and it has a unique and fascinating story to tell. In this blog post, we will take you on a journey to discover the hidden gem of St Mary’s Catholic Church, and why you should visit it on your next trip to Manchester.
The Hidden Gem of Mulberry Street
St Mary’s Catholic Church is located on Mulberry Street, a narrow and inconspicuous lane that runs parallel to the bustling Deansgate, the main road that cuts through the heart of Manchester. If you don’t pay attention to the signs that point to its entrance, you might miss the hidden church. But the contrast between the church and its surroundings will amaze you once you step inside.
The church is a peaceful and serene oasis in the midst of the noisy and crowded city. It is also very close to another church, St Chad’s, which belongs to the Church of England and is much larger and more prominent than St Mary’s. The two churches have a friendly relationship and often cooperate in various activities and events.
St Mary’s Catholic Church is a treasure trove
The church is open every day from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, and it welcomes people of all faiths and backgrounds. You can join the daily Mass, or just sit and pray in the quiet and beautiful atmosphere. You can also admire the stunning architecture and art of the church, or learn more about its history and significance. The church also has a gift shop, where you can buy souvenirs and support the church’s maintenance and restoration.
If you want to explore more of the area around the church, you will find plenty of attractions and amenities nearby. You can visit the Manchester Art Gallery, which houses a collection of fine art, decorative art, and costume. You can also check out the John Rylands Library, which is one of the most impressive libraries in the world, with its Gothic architecture and rare manuscripts. Or you can enjoy the Spinningfields district, which is a hub of entertainment, shopping, and dining.
The Catholic Mass Centre of Manchester
St Mary’s Catholic Church is not only a hidden gem, but also a Catholic Mass Centre., which means that it is a place where Catholics can gather and celebrate their faith. Father Rowland Broomhead founded the church in 1794. He converted a former warehouse into a chapel for the Irish families who settled in Manchester during the Industrial Revolution. At that time, Manchester was a booming city, thanks to the cotton industry, but it was also a harsh and hostile place for the Catholics, who faced discrimination and persecution.
The Catholics in Manchester had to endure many challenges and hardships, such as the anti-Catholic riots of 1807, which destroyed many Catholic properties and forced many Catholics to flee the city. They also suffered from the Manchester typhus epidemic of 1817, which killed thousands of people, especially the poor and the immigrants.
Despite these difficulties, the Catholics in Manchester remained faithful and resilient, and they found a home and a refuge in St Mary’s Catholic Church. The church was also served by some of the most notable and influential priests in the history of the Catholic Church in England, such as:
Father Thomas Gillow, who built the current church in 1848, and who was a pioneer of Catholic education and social work in Manchester.
Father Richard Lane, who designed the Salford Town Hall and the Friends Meeting House, and who was a friend and collaborator of many prominent architects and artists of his time.
Father Matthew Ellison Hadfield, who designed the Salford Cathedral and the High Altar of St Mary’s, and who was a leader of the Gothic revival movement in England.
The Architectural Masterpiece of Augustus Pugin
St Mary’s Catholic Church is not only a hidden gem and a Catholic Mass Centre, but also an architectural masterpiece. The church reflects the vision and the genius of its designer, Augustus Pugin. Pugin was one of the most influential and controversial architects of the Victorian era. who also designed the Houses of Parliament and the Big Ben in London. Pugin was a convert to Catholicism, and he had a passion for the medieval Gothic style, which he believed was the true expression of the Christian faith and the ideal form of architecture.
He designed St Mary’s Catholic Church in his own distinctive and eclectic style. He combined various elements from Norman, Gothic, and Byzantine traditions. The church has a rectangular shape, with a pointed arch at the entrance. And it has a rose window above it, a tower on the left, and a dome on the right. Plus, it has a simple and elegant exterior, which contrasts with the rich and elaborate interior.
The interior of the church is full of artistic and symbolic features, such as:
The stained glass windows, which depict scenes from the life of Christ, the Virgin Mary, and the saints. They create a colourful and luminous effect inside the church.
The marble statues which represent the patron saints of the church, such as St Mary, St Joseph, St Patrick, and St George.
The Victorian carving. This covers the ceiling, the walls, and the furniture of the church. It shows life size images of angels, animals, flowers, and fruits.
The Sacred Heart. It is a symbol of the love and devotion of Jesus Christ. It’s is placed above the main altar of the church. It’s surrounded by a crown of thorns and a halo of flames.
The Stations of the Cross. These are fourteen paintings that depict the passion and death of Jesus Christ. They are arranged along the nave of the church. The paintings were done by Norman Adams, a modern expressionist artist, who gave them a vivid and dramatic style.
Conclusion
St Mary’s Catholic Church is a place where you can experience the beauty and the mystery of the Catholic faith. And, the history and the culture of Manchester, and the art and the architecture of the Victorian era. It is a place where you can find peace and inspiration. It’s a place where you can connect with the past and the present.
If you are interested in visiting St Mary’s Catholic Church, you can book a tour online or contact the church directly. You can also make a donation to support the church’s preservation and restoration. Or share your feedback and suggestions with the church staff. And if you enjoyed this blog post, please share it with your friends and family. And, let them know about the hidden gem of St Mary’s Catholic Church in Manchester.
