St. Ignatius Church

What a beautiful church! And, the perfect place to celebrate a high school graduation. The lawn adjacent to it is large enough to continue the celebration, making lasting memories and saying goodbye to good friends.
The design is classic and gorgeous. I’m looking forward to celebrating my niece’s wedding here next year!

Absolutely beautiful inside and located on the USF campus. I just wish there was more free parking available nearby. It’s way too congested here.
I’m not Catholic but I went for my cousin’s wedding. Nobody was judgey and nothing was forced on me. I respect that.

We picked St. Ignatius out of all the Catholic churches in the city for a few reasons: 1– my now-​husband is an alum, so it had a personal meaning to us. 2– really when you look at this church and compare it to the other Catholic churches in the city… well you just can’t compare them anymore. It’s a stunningly beautiful church.
St. Ignatius offers 3 ceremony times per day (11:30, 2:00 and 5:00), but will only do two weddings a day. Of course, the 2:00 time goes fastest, so if you’re interested, get in touch with them ASAP! We did 11:30 because 2:00 was already taken, and us ladies had to get up MIGHTY early to get ready, and we had a few hours gap between our ceremony and reception (great for pictures but frustrating for guests not in pictures… although there’s no shortage of things to do in the city).
The staff who handles weddings are kind of disjointed — we thought we would be dealing with the Sister (who we never ended up even meeting), then all the sudden about two months before the day, we got an email from someone who was our «day of coordinator» with no real transition or explanation that this would be happening. We had also told the Sister repeatedly that we lived outside the city and not in the same state through most of our engagement, specifically regarding the preparation for marriage that you must do to marry in a Catholic Church. It took her until we specifically asked about a retreat program that a friend of ours worked with in a different city that she sent us a list of the approved preparation courses… and at the top of that list was one that was online, meaning we didn’t have to travel ANYWHERE and could do it from two different locations if we needed to. It would have relieved a lot of stress the months before to have known that, and this was a PDF list that they clearly had on-​hand. Overall I’m glad we had our wedding here, but I would have been a lot less worried about how that was going to work from the beginning if the staff had been more organized. They do weddings here all the time — you’d think there would be a routine set of communications for them.

This church is VERY anointed ! I live in Los Angeles,& when I go up to see my friend, we always go in there. I receive true words of knowledge from the Holy Spirit every time! thank you Jesus! You must go there to be blessed.

I’m no catholic, but If I was then this would be one of the churches I would consider my wedding at.
Came here back in September for a family wedding, and I must say, this was a pretty beautiful church.
The architect outside and inside is pretty impressive. The wedding was of course, long. But hey, I’m used to that.
The staff seemed pretty helpful and welcoming.
I can only imagine what this place looks like when it is completely decked out for someones wedding.

Yes, a beautiful church — and a remarkable parish. We discovered the 0930 Mass and felt both very impressed and welcomed. The Jesuits are terrific — we love the social justice component and the post mass Coffee Hour. While the 0930 mass is a family mass — it is packed with ‘everyone’ …We met the Pastor — Fr Greg — very cordial and welcoming. We are home. For those attending solely at Christmas and Easter — you will love it.

This is such a beautiful church! My sisters and I have graduated from this church and every time we step in, I am immediately blown away and appreciate it more and more! The vast amount of space, beautiful detail in their architecture, and prime location is truly one of the reasons why I love this church so much. Definitely a place you should visit if you’re ever in the area!

Whack! 1hr 20min drive from san jose for a graduation. And 20 min bathroom wait in their 1 «unisex» bathroom.
Are u kidding me? My 1100 sq foot house has 2 bathrooms.
Whack!

My sister was married at St. Ignatious Church, and this church remains one of my favorites.
This church is lovely outside, but the interior of the church is so very very beautiful. St. Ignatius reminds me of the churches we’ve visited in Italy. The architecture needs to be seen in person in order to truly appreciate it. Everything from the stained glass windows to the dome to the massive columns to the altars and everything in between is truly impressive.
I wish that I had the gift to describe the church in more detail. Visit for yourself.

yuppp

I met with Margaret Walden, Reservations Coordinator, during our meeting, she began stereotyping! She said, «Now you MUST be there ON TIME! NOT IRISH TIME, NOT PHILIPPINE TIME, NOT MEXICAN TIME, BUT ON TIME!!! I KNOW HOW «THOSE» MOMS AND AUNTS CAN COME LATE! Wow, what happened to the good honest catholics, instead I was greeted by a prejudiced person.

For Catholics: This is a terrific place for Sunday mass. I really liked the 8am mass on Sunday during my two month stay in San Francisco. The Jesuit fathers are the best. I think I heard four different Jesuits over a two month period. Fantastic homilies. Switched on, thoughtful, explicated the Gospel and Old Testament readings. Very thoughtful and thought provoking. Thank you for your calling. This is the best of the Catholic Church. Everyone would be a Catholic if they were inclined towards the faith and attended this Church regularly.
I also liked that the votive candles were kept up. Thank you. Many churches one cannot find candles or lighting sticks. Thank you.
For Catholics and everyone else: The Church is just gorgeous on the inside. Exquisitely maintained and painted. Absolutely beautiful. It is in a league with churches in Rome (Vatican City). And much cleaner than my favorite cathedrals in Paris.
There is tremendous art on the walls. The votive sanctuaries are quite beautiful and moving. There is a small art museum. This is a tourist stop for anyone. I really got a lift everytime I entered St. Ignatius. Awe inspiring.
This is a treasure for USF students, San Francisco residents, and all visitors to San Francisco.

Very beautiful on the outside and inside. It’s decorated for Christmas and it is absolutely lovely.

This church holds a very special place in my life. Many milestones have been witnessed by these sacred walls.
There are tours available and you are always welcome to come in when the doors are open to light a candle and enjoy the solitude.
Mass is wonderful — the sermon is always relevant and timely. Evening mass for the students is also enjoyable.

I attended services with family here at this beautiful church while in the Bay area.
For this former Catholic, this church seems a little excess, but for this practicing Christian now, simpler is better in religion.
But really, the interior and exterior architecture of this church is a sight to be seen if you are Catholic.
I did not know that this church was part of the SFU campus, but this is an open parish for the locals. I learned that the Jesuits run the university and this church.
FYI…according to Wikipedia, the Jesuits today form the largest single religious order of priests and brothers in the Catholic Church.
Anyways…parking was a challenge for Sunday services and I cannot imagine what it would be like during a holiday like Christmas, but for this former Catholic, they can appreciate and love this church!
Four Unilocal Stars!

Yesterday our son participated in a wonderous and heartfelt graduation ceremony to commemorate the University of San Francisco’s Class of 2010. The graduation ceremony, like the Commencement Mass that was held this past May 20, 2010, was held at the St. Ignatius Church on the campus of the University of San Francisco.
St. Ignatius Church is operated by the Jesuits of the California Province of the Society of Jesus. It is located on the campus of the University of San Francisco, a Jesuit run university. A much more detailed review on this church is written by my daughter, Noelle W. (2÷6÷2009) whereupon Noelle gives history and many useful details.
In the words of the founder of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) the «Suscipe» prayer by St. Ignatius of Loyola:
«Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding and my entire will, all that I have and call my own. You have given all to me. To you, Lord, I return it. Everything is yours; do with it what you will. Give me only your love and grace, that is enough for me.»
Sitting in the pews of St. Ignatius Church with our family witnessing the graduation ceremony made me recall so many incredible memories I have of varying events and Masses at this historic Jesuit church. I told my son how proud I am of his college graduation and how Jesuit education from high school (Bellarmine College Prep) through college (University of San Francisco) has formed him to be truly «a man for others» in the Jesuit tradition.
«ad majorem Dei gloriam» ~ for the greater glory of God ~
All are welcome to visit St. Ignatius Church regardless of whether you have a religion or not. Be mindful and respectful when you enter the church and feel free to ask anyone who works there questions you might have. Make sure you set enough time aside to tour the entire church and if so inclined, light a votive candle, make a donation and pray for peace…

I have photographed at many amazing churches, but this is definitely one of the most stunningly beautiful ones ever!
After being the photographer at two weddings here, last year, I am compelled to write about it. Quite literally, this place is awe-​inspiring. One other reviewer noted having a stiff neck, from gawking at all the incredible ornate details, that are everywhere, at Saint Ignatius Church, and I would agree. Your jaw just might drop open and stay there.
If you have your wedding here, there are certain time-​constraints, but no more than at any other large church. The church coordinator was also helpful to me, showing me the access to the balcony, and all the areas where photography is allowed. For a sampling of wedding photos at Saint Ignatius Church look here:

By far, one of the best churches I’ve seen. And this is a first for me to review this type of establishment. But for you that are curious, this is definitely a place that deserves more than one glance.
I’ve visited this place often before and have never had the chance to review it until now. Came here for a wedding rehearsal (AS A GROOMSMAN). And I couldn’t help but catch myself staring up at every single thing around me. And trust me, I know. My neck was getting real sore just doing so.
Everywhere you look is like something out of a painting. Stained glass windows. Arches. Pillars. The works. SIMPLY WONDROUS. Did I mention, it’s HUUUUGE??? Walking up and down the aisles is enough to say you’ve had your daily workout.
I don’t know how else to describe this church. Just to drop a few more words:
MAGNIFICENT… BEAUTIFUL… AMAZING… ENORMOUS…
…I can go on and on. Conveniently located at USF, you’ll never suspect that it’s connected to a school. I love it. What an awesome place to celebrate mass. Worth checking out indeed.

Little known fact:
I wore the plaid skirt. That’s right. Just because my best friend went to Catholic school, I followed along for the fun. Never mind that I was not Catholic nor were my unsuspecting parents aware of the process surrounding ignorant children such as myself. All that mattered, was the fact that it was a. private and b. not a public school.
So, because of my apparent love for architecture, it was not hard to bend my arm about stepping over the threshold of this religious establishment to be richly rewarded by a sure vision: beauty is indeed in the eyes of the unsuspecting beholder.
Stunning. Absolutely stunning are my words in describing the interior of this church.
I can’t say anything else because I slipped in for other reasons (a service was taking place) but given the fact that I do operate somewhat along the lines of the Ten Commandments, listening to the speaker was nostalgic and encouraging: days of listening to Father McDermott lead afternoon Mass. Or perhaps it was just an Anton Ego moment, when I was being swept back to those days of running around playing soccer on the field and consistently getting detention because of the tomboy antics I was causing by not conforming to the skirt and stepping up to fights with the boys.
Otherwise, I am thankful that I’ve always felt welcomed by the Catholic community and at the very least, know where to head when I need a little moment of religious reflection, quiet and solitude, whatever that may mean.

February 14, 2004.
The day finally came that no one ever thought they would see. Rene C scored a hottie and got married.
My wife and I had a family only wedding which included a total of 38 guests. Given that the church is gigantic this was pretty comical as our families filled up about a half a pew. But looking back I would not change a thing as the weather was perfect and we could not have chosen a better venue to exchange our wedding vows. There had been a stretch of rain storms leading up to our day and the forecast was for more rain, but this was not at all the case as we were able to take out door photos on Lone Mountain and in front of the church as well.
During the month of February I was battling the head cold of the century, but on this day the cold subsided and I was feeling 100 percent. Maybe it was Saint Ignatius himself who made sure I was not sneezing and wheezing as I stand at the alter.
Saint Ignatius is a throwback full of tradition. It sits perched up on a hill on a hill overlooking my alma mater. The spires of the church can be seen from virtually anywhere in the city and helps add to the already beautiful skyline of the City.