While we are under the patronage of the great saint of Ireland, Patrick, our parish began under the protection of Saint Andrew in 1855, with a tiny church on what is now Sparks Street.  It wasn’t until almost ten years later (1864) that the current site was purchased on land then used for duck hunting! 

Construction began in 1869 but the cornerstone wasn’t blessed until 1872 (among those present was the Prime Minister of the day, Sir John A. MacDonald) and the first Mass celebrated in 1873, with the dedication taking place on March 14, 1875.  Work continued (including the side altars and installation of the church organ) well into the beginning of the 20th century. 

Beautiful as it is, Saint Patrick Basilica is primarily a place of worship and prayer.  Over its history, literally thousands of Masses have been offered; tens of thousands of sacraments celebrated, and hundreds of thousands of people have walked through its doors.  Today, almost one hundred and seventy years since its founding, the faithful come from all over the national capital region – and beyond – to participate in any of the six Sunday Masses, sixteen weekday Masses, seventeen periods of Confession that are available each week; not to mention the opportunity for private prayer during the eleven hours each day (nine on Sunday) that the Basilica is open. 

In the beginning, Saint Patrick's had pastoral care of all English-speaking Catholics in Ottawa and across the river in Hull (now Gatineau). Gradually, as the Catholic population increased, new parishes were established and the territory of Saint Patrick's was reduced. Today, it is a downtown parish in a neighbourhood that is both commercial as well as residential.

On March 17, 1995, Saint Patrick’s was elevated to the status of Minor Basilica.