.png)
Our Story
St. Matthew’s Parish, located in the heart of Southwark, London, is a vibrant and welcoming community that has served as a spiritual and cultural refuge for people of various nationalities, particularly the Latin American community. Since its early days, St. Matthew’s has been a place where faith, diversity, and service come together to reflect the love of Christ.
One of the most notable aspects of St. Matthew’s recent history has been its commitment to being a bilingual parish (English-Spanish). This model has enabled individuals from different cultural backgrounds not only to feel invited but also to become full members of the church, actively participating in decision-making and pastoral leadership.
In 2018, under the leadership of Father Hugo Adán, St. Matthew’s underwent a transformation into a truly inclusive parish. Spanish-language services were established, and initiatives like Agapé were strengthened. Agapé began as a food bank during the lockdown and has since expanded to provide legal assistance, English classes, and support for refugees.
Today, St. Matthew’s celebrates baptisms, weddings, and confirmations in both English and Spanish, while also empowering lay leaders and promoting social justice and evangelisation. The parish stands as a living testament to how faith and social action can go hand in hand, continuing to serve as a beacon of hope and service in London.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
