With a name honoring St. Ignatius of Loyola, a key figure in the Catholic Reformation, this storied landmark showcases a distinctive architectural style that blends Italian Renaissance Revival and Spanish Revival elements. Found on the University of San Francisco campus, St. Ignatius Church has survived more than one challenge on its journey to 650 Parker Avenue, including the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and a fire during World War I. Today, St. Ignatius Church is committed to social justice, tackling critical issues such as climate change, racial justice, and LGBTQ+ rights.
Churchgoers and visitors can go to St. Ignatius Church and admire the civic landmark’s dome and impressive towers. Hop on the Line 5 bus or walk 50 minutes for a scenic walk from Union Square and discover this truly iconic gem.
Facts, Curiosities and Interesting Things about St Ignatius Church
1. Humble beginnings
St. Ignatius Church began as a “temporary” wooden church on a sand dune. Fr. Anthony Maraschi, founder and first president of St. Ignatius College, purchased the original site in 1855 for $11,500. A church and classroom were built and fortunately, the number of churchgoers and students continued to grow thanks to outstanding preaching and teaching, creating a need for expansion.
2. A Jesuit presence
St. Ignatius Church stands as a symbol of the continued Jesuit presence in the city. It only took six years after the arrival of the Jesuits from Italy in San Francisco for that small wood-framed church to be dedicated to the Jesuit legacy in 1855.
3. Virtual mass
The church has come a long way and some of its recent offerings perfectly exemplify this fact. While the daily Mass schedule includes the morning service at 9 am (Monday-Saturday) and Sunday Mass, worshippers need not even leave their homes because St Ignatius Church’s virtual parishioners can watch all of the Masses on the church’s YouTube Livestream.
What can else you do at St. Ignatius Church?
Aside from saying your prayers at St. Ignatius Church during the week or at the weekend, you can also keep an eye on their website to discover upcoming events. From Saturday Rosary Groups and Sunday Hospitality to the monthly parish bike ride, St. Ignatius Church brings together a lively community of people.
And if you are looking for a unique way to spend an evening out in San Francisco, these Candlelight concerts illuminating St. Ignatius Church make for the perfect plan with friends or a special someone. Talented musicians will reintroduce you to some of your favorite music by the likes of Taylor Swift, Adele, and Nirvana.
Although the Candlelight series is shining its one-of-a-kind light on the beautiful interiors of St. Ignatius Church, the wildly popular concerts are also taking place at several other spectacular venues across San Francisco. Relax inside some of the city’s finest venues and discover awe-inspiring takes on timeless music.