SVD Parish: Our Lady of Sorrows & St Bridget of Sweden, Isleworth

“Isleworth’s Inspirational Journey: A Tale of Faith and Dedication”

Nestled in the heart of Isleworth, a Catholic community with a rich history spanning over 250 years has thrived, firmly rooted in faith and unwavering resilience. The parish of Our Lady of Sorrows and St Bridget, in its present form, owes its existence and distinctive character to the remarkable leadership of Father Eric Green during the transformative years of 1906 to 1929. His visionary outlook found fertile ground in a dedicated congregation, composed of influential, gifted, yet profoundly humble individuals.

When Father Green arrived in Isleworth in 1906, he encountered a burgeoning Catholic population, estimated at 1,200-1,300 souls, served by a modest backstreet chapel accommodating a mere 200. In the vicinity lay several religious houses and educational institutions, including a boys’ school tethered to the chapel and a girls’ school graciously provided by the nuns of Gumley House. The latter also operated a convent boarding school for older girls.

Father Green, a dynamic and enterprising priest, grasped the significance of education without delay. Waste no time, he did not. He embarked on the construction of a new boys’ school, a pivotal moment in the parish’s journey. This era witnessed a growing confidence within the Catholic community, instilled by Father Green’s visionary leadership. Under his guidance, they embarked on various endeavors that reflected both their unwavering faith and an earnest desire to participate fully in civic affairs.

In 1907, Father Green initiated the annual outdoor procession in honor of the Isleworth Martyrs, setting a tradition that endures. His vision knew no bounds, as he inspired the community to construct a new church, strategically situated at a primary road junction on the outskirts of the village. The consecration of this splendid edifice took place in 1910, marking a momentous achievement.

However, the shadow of the First World War cast a solemn pall over Isleworth. Tragically, 386 Isleworth men lost their lives in the conflict. In a poignant response, the townspeople united to fund the town’s war memorial—a solemn tribute to the sacrifices made, now standing proudly in the square outside the church, harmonizing with the church’s timeless façade.

In 1927, a bell tower graced the church, and in 1931, a parish hall was raised. Father Green passed away in 1929, resting in Isleworth Cemetery. Yet, the legacy he left and the sturdy foundation he laid continued to shape the community under the able guidance of his successors.

Isleworth Catholic Parish, dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows and St Bridget of Sweden, boasts a distinctive and captivating history. Unlike many parishes dedicated to Mary, this one bears the name of St Bridget. The reason behind this uncommon dedication is rooted in the annals of the Middle Ages.

In 1415, King Henry V chose Isleworth as the site for a grand monastery of the Bridgettines, an enclosed order founded by St Bridget of Sweden in the preceding century. Syon Abbey, as it came to be known, housed 60 nuns and 25 monks, leading separate but equally devoted lives within the cloisters. The abbey became a bastion of continuous worship as the nuns and monks chanted the Office in shifts. It served as a beacon of spiritual renewal, with the monks gaining renown for their compelling sermons and contributions to religious literature. The Reformation ultimately led to the monastery’s closure, yet many of the nuns chose to remain united, preserving their community. Today, they reside in Devon but maintain heartfelt connections with the Isleworth Catholic community. While little of the monastery’s physical presence remains, the dedication of the parish’s chapel and later the church to the Swedish Saint who founded the Order remains an enduring testament.

St Bridget herself was a truly remarkable figure—a wife, mother of eight children, a lady-in-waiting to the Queen of Sweden, a mystic, a visionary, and the founder of her religious order. Her life’s narrative, marked by extensive travels and prophetic insights, endeared her to popes and kings alike. In 1999, she was elevated to the status of patron of Europe by the Pope—an honor befitting her profound influence.

In more recent times, a new chapter was etched into the parish’s annals when the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) initiated its mission in Isleworth on 1st September 2017. Two dedicated priests, Fr Nicodemus Lobo Ratu SVD and Fr Kieran Fitzharris SVD, marked the inception of the first SVD parish in the Westminster Diocese. As they embarked on this fresh venture, the community’s prayers accompanied them, trusting that they would continue to spread the timeless message of love and mercy. Today, Fr Nicodemus Lobo Ratu SVD and Fr Clement Narcher carry forth the torch of the SVD mission.

Today, Isleworth’s Catholic Parish stands as an enduring testament to unwavering faith, unity, and the indelible legacy of those who devoted their lives to its growth and prosperity. As the parish continues to thrive and evolve, it carries forth a torch of faith that illuminates the path for generations to come, forging an unbreakable link between the past, present, and future.