The parish originated as a Domestic chaplaincy to the Meynell family. In 1860, the parish received its own free-standing church, a building designed by Architect George Goldie. St Romuald, abbot and monastic founder, was born in Ravenna, a favourite resort of the Meynells.
The current parish priest, Rev Patrick Hartnett, is the son of Irish international footballer Jimmy Hartnett.