Manchester: Restoration of Jesuit church reveals fine architectural details

Source: Jesuits in Britain

Work to restore the tower of the Holy Name Church in Manchester has begun and with the façade now under scaffolding, beautiful architectural details not easily visible from the ground can now be seen close-up.

Commenting, Fr Dushan Croos SJ, the Jesuit priest in charge at Holy Name, said: "Though visible from the ground, from the scaffold one sees more clearly the finer detail of the roundels on the West façade, one showing the Holy Name in a Medieval Manchester and one of two sailing ships, perhaps representing the smaller Jesuits behind and the larger diocese in front. Seeing up close the Calvary which presides over Oxford Road is deeply moving. More worryingly, one also sees the deterioration of the soft sandstone on this west façade and more work that needs to be done."

You can view unique, close-up pictures of the façade here.

In the last decade, over £1.6M has been spent on restoring the church, described by the National Trust as a "vast and stunning masterpiece of the Gothic revival", and which is the only Grade I listed Catholic church in Manchester. Restoration of the tower is the final phase of this monumental project.

The restoration of the tower will also address structural issues and prevent further damage. The tower has been added to the 'Buildings at Risk Register' by Historic England due to active dry rot and water ingress.

Architect, Mark Pearce, and Fr Dushan joined others on a site visit to inspect the progress of this latest phase of the work. Fr Dushan added: "The church still serves as a focal point for the Manchester Universities' Catholic Chaplaincy, catering to a diverse student population. In addition to the two Sunday Masses with music, and midday Mass on other days, the restored tower will also ensure the church remains a welcoming and comfortable environment for various events, such as concerts, lectures, and cultural activities."

The church and its student chaplaincy are vital for students away from family and sometimes their country. One student remarked: "I just want to say how much value Holy Name church has brought to my life - I have found friendship, community at Holy Name and it has enriched my life I look forward to the services every week."

Fundraising Manager for the Jesuits in Britain, John Green, said: "We are incredibly grateful to the trusts and individuals that are supporting this restoration that will benefit Manchester for generations to come, and we are continuing to seek donations to complete this work"

To support the restoration works with a donation visit: www.jesuit.org.uk/donate

About Holy Name Church: Holy Name Church (Church of the Holy Name of Jesus) on Oxford Road is one of Manchester's most iconic churches, known for its stunning Gothic Revival architecture. Designed by Joseph A Hansom, it was built between 1869 and 1871. For over 150 years, it has served as a spiritual centre for Manchester's Catholic community, particularly for the University of Manchester. You can read more details about its rich history at the Jesuit Archives website.

About the Jesuits in Britain: The Jesuits, or Society of Jesus, are a Catholic religious order founded in 1540 by Saint Ignatius of Loyola, now present in over 100 countries. In Britain, they are at the centre of a broad network of lay men and working in education, spirituality, social justice, pastoral care, and academic research, helping to bring the Kingdom of God to life. From its early days in the 16th century, the Jesuits have focused on caring for the disadvantaged, sharing the Gospel, and guiding people into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. Today, they continue to promote faith, justice, and reconciliation in society. For more information, visit Jesuits in Britain.