Completed in 1877, the imposing church you see today replaced an earlier, more modest building and was clearly intended to demonstrate the growing influence and numbers of Catholics in late 19th Century Belfast. Amongst its many charms is the statue of St Patrick above the door which, like the altar, was carved by the father of Padraig Pearse, hero of the Easter Rising. Renowned Irish artist Sir John Lavery was baptised here, and his religious triptych adorns the side chapel. A stained glass window also depicts the church's 1815 origins.