Our Parish

History, Leadership & Community

Our History

The land on which our church stands was bought in 1909 by Bishop Cahill of Portsmouth. Within months, a church was blessed and the Portswood Mission was born.

A parish was established in 1931. Fr Walter Lynch came in 1948 with the ambition to open a new church worthy of the growing community. That vision was realised on March 25, 1955, when the current church was blessed and opened.

The University of Southampton is served by its own chaplain, and the Polish Centre is within our parish boundaries, reflecting the rich diversity of our community.

1909

The Land is Purchased

Bishop Cahill of Portsmouth purchases the land on Portswood Road for a new Catholic mission.

1910

The Portswood Mission

A church is blessed and the Portswood Mission is born, serving the growing Catholic community.

1931

A Parish is Established

The mission formally becomes a parish, marking a new chapter in the community's life.

1955

The Current Church Opens

On March 25, 1955, the current church is blessed and opened, realising Fr Walter Lynch's vision.

Our Leadership Team

Our parish is led by a dedicated team committed to serving our community.

Fr Anthony Chiatu

Parish Priest

Deacon Gerard Dailly

Permanent Deacon

Chris Nwoguh

Parish Administrator

Anastasia Lungu-Mulenga

Parish Council

To Be Confirmed

Parish Secretary

Past Parish Priests

Name Years
Fr Daniel Rea 1962–1970
Fr Cormac Murphy O’Connor 1970–1971
Fr Patrick Murphy O’Connor 1971–1983
Fr Roy Bennett 1983–1989