This liturgy celebrates the rich history, tradition, and contributions of Black Catholics in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and throughout the Universal Church

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia marks the beginning of Black Catholic History Month with its 58^th Annual Saint Martin de Porres Mass.
Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez will be the principal celebrant and homilist. Concelebrating with Archbishop Pérez will be numerous priests from the Black Catholic Apostolate. 

Sunday, November 7, 2021
1:45 p.m. (Musical Prelude)
Philadelphia Archdiocese Gospel Choir
1:50 p.m. (Procession)
2:00 p.m. (Mass)
Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul
18th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA 19103

The Knights and Ladies of Peter Claver, the largest and oldest historically Black Catholic fraternal lay order, will provide a ceremonial honor guard for the liturgy. Founded 112 years ago, the Knights and Ladies of Peter Claver celebrate their Founders Day on November 7^th. 

During the Mass, young people will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation from Archbishop Pérez. 35 confirmandi (candidates for the Sacrament of Confirmation) from Saint Cyprian Parish, Saint Vincent de Paul Parish, and Saint Raymond of Peñafort Parish will receive the Sacrament. 

All are welcome to join the Black Catholic community of the Archdiocese in praise and worship at this liturgical celebration.

Black Catholic History Month was inaugurated in 1990 by the Black Catholic Clergy Caucus. November was selected as it holds two significant dates for Catholics of African descent—the Feast Day of Saint Martin de Porres on November 3rd and the birthday of Saint Augustine of Hippo on November 13^th. 

Background on Saint Martin de Porres

Saint Martin de Porres was born in Lima, Peru, in 1579.  The illegitimate son of a black freewoman from Panama and a Spanish nobleman, he encountered poverty, discrimination, and hardship throughout his life. Undeterred, he dedicated himself to caring for the poor and sick. After much struggle, he was allowed to become a Dominican lay brother. Pope John XXIII canonized Martin de Porres in 1962, making him the first saint of African descent in the Americas.    

# # #

Editor’s Note: For more information on the 58^th Annual Saint Martin de Porres Mass, please call James Andrews, Director of the Office for Black Catholics, at 215-587-3541.

Contact:

Jhoselyn Martinez
Communications Specialist
215-587-3747 (office)