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

Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez, will serve as the principal celebrant and homilist at the 59th Annual Saint Martin de Porres Mass. This liturgy marks the beginning of Black Catholic History Month.

Priests from the Black Catholic Apostolate will concelebrate.

Sunday, November 6, 2022
2:30 p.m. Musical Prelude
3:00 p.m. (Mass)
Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul 
18th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway 
Philadelphia, PA 19103 

During Mass, Archbishop Peréz will also confer the Sacrament of Confirmation on several young people from parishes in the Black Catholic community. In addition, he will recognize the 40th Anniversary of the first Black Catholic Deacons who were ordained for service in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia by Cardinal John Krol on November 7, 1982. 

The Philadelphia Catholic Gospel Mass Choir, under the direction of Tonya Taylor-Dorsey, will provide liturgical music.

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

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Editor’s Note: For more information on the Annual Saint Martin de Porres Mass, please contact Reverend Stephen Thorne: [email protected]

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