Two miles from the Vatican is the Church of St. Patrick in Rome, the parish of the American Community living in the city. The parish for U.S. residents and American Pilgrims to Rome is just a few blocks away from the U.S. Embassy to Italy. The Church, built in the Neo-Renaissance style, was founded in 1911, thanks to the work of Fr. Patrick Glynn, an Irish Augustinian from Limerick. The façade is covered with Romanesque-Byzantine motifs. The interior has three naves and a coffered ceiling. The mosaics that adorn the Church were made by the early-20th century artist Rodolfo Villani depicting St. Patrick converting the High King of Ireland in the 5th century and using the shamrock leaf to explain the Trinity. In the apse of the Church, there is a quote in Latin from the writings of St. Patrick that translates to “Be Christians as those of the Roman Church”. At the front of the church on the left is the Sacred Heart altar with a beautiful mosaic of the Last Supper. On the right is Our Lady’s altar with the painting of Our Lady of Grace, painted on slate in the 14th century. Until 2017, St. Patrick’s Church in Villa Ludovisi belonged to the College of Irish Augustinians. In August 2017, the church passed on to the Paulist Fathers. From then on, the church has been the official parish for Americans living in Rome, taking the place of the Church of Santa Susanna, the former church of the Paulist Fathers. EWTN Vatican Bureau Chief, Andreas Thonhuaser, has more.
St. Patrick’s Church in Rome Becomes the Parish for the American Community
- EWTN
- via EWTN
- 20.03.23

Receive the most important news from EWTN Vatican via WhatsApp. It has become increasingly difficult to see Catholic news on social media. Subscribe to our free channel today
EWTN
Share
Would you like to receive the latest updates on the Pope and the Vatican
Receive articles and updates from our EWTN Newsletter.
More news related to this article
Archbishop of Canterbury Celebrates Anglican Mass in a Catholic Basilica in Rome
The Anglican Archbishop Justin Welby celebrated an Anglican rite Mass on the morning of January 25th in the Catholic Basilica of San Bartolomeo, located on the banks of the Tiber River on the so-called Tiber Island of Rome.
BREAKING: Vatican Closing Down Loyola Community Co-Founded by Rupnik
The Vatican has decided to shut down the religious community of sisters co-founded by accused abuser Father Marko Rupnik, the Slovenian Archdiocese of Ljubljana announced Friday.
LIVE from the Vatican | General Audience with Pope Francis
LIVE | Join us for the General Audience with Pope Francis from St. Peter’s Square. Let us know
Pope Francis: Share the Gospel with zeal like St. Francis Xavier
Pope Francis at his general audience on May 17, 2023 (left) and a painting of St. Francis Xavier in the Church of the Gesù in Rome (right).
Pope Leo tells Lebanese religious leaders unity and peace are possible
Pope Leo XIV told Lebanon’s religious leaders on Monday that their country remains a sign to the world
First known Nativity scene figurines are on display in Rome
The first known Nativity scene figurines are currently on display in one of Rome’s oldest basilicas. The underground






