Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez to Celebrate Annual Saint Martin De Porres Mass
This liturgy celebrates the rich history, traditions, and contributions of Black Catholics in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and throughout the Universal Church
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia will celebrate the beginning of Black Catholic History Month (November) and the 61st Annual Canonization of Saint Martin De Porres with a Mass of Thanksgiving. Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez will be the principal celebrant and homilist.
Sunday, November 5, 2023
2:30 p.m. (Choir Prelude)
3:00 p.m. (Mass)
Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul
18th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA 19103
During the Mass, recipients of the Monsignor John Mitchell Memorial Scholarship will be presented with certificates. The Mass will also feature special recognition of Reverend Charles Zlock (Saint Raymond of Peñafort Parish; Philadelphia) and Reverend Matthew Brody (Saint Richard Parish; Philadelphia). Both were recently commissioned as Missionaries following mandates for them to serve in that capacity issued by the Vatican.
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 13th.
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.
Background on Monsignor John Mitchell Memorial Scholarship Fund
This scholarship is named in honor of Reverend Monsignor John T. Mitchell, who served as a priest of the Archdiocese 1939-1981. During that time, he was the Pastor of Saint Ignatius of Loyola and Saint Francis de Sales Parishes in West Philadelphia and was well known for his faithful ministry to Black Catholics.
In memory of his service, the Monsignor Mitchell Scholarship Fund supports Black Catholic high school students in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia with academic ability and financial need.
Background on the Missionaries of Mercy
Missionaries of Mercy are priests – diocesan or religious – who have been commissioned by the Holy Father to give particular emphasis to the duty shared by all priests to “hear confessions and preach on behalf of and promote the Sacrament of Reconciliation.” They are to be an intentional, visible expression of the mercy of God, which is at the heart of the priesthood and all of Catholic life.
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Editor’s Note: For more information on the Annual Saint Martin de Porres Mass, please contact Kim Walker, Director of the Office for Black Catholics, at [email protected] or 215-587-3541.
Archdiocese of Philadelphia
ArchPhilly
ArchPhilly
Contact:
Ellen J. Gallagher
Communications Coordinator
215-587-3747 (office)