ABOUT
Saint Martin de Porres
Our History
History of Saint Martin de Porres Catholic Church
Saint Martin de Porres Parish was founded on July 1, 1993 as the result of a consolidation of the Parishes of Most Precious Blood of Our Lord, Saint Columba and Saint Elizabeth. Encompassing most of North Philadelphia, Saint Martin de Porres Parish is entrusted with the sacramental records of the Faith Communities of Corpus Christi, Most Precious Blood of Our Lord, Saint Mary of the Eternal, Saint Columba, Saint Elizabeth, and all those who received Sacraments at Saint Martin de Porres since 1993. Currently, our neighbors are Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Kensington, Our Lady of Hope in Logan, Saint Bridget in East Falls, Saint Francis Xavier in Fairmount and Saint Malachy in Yorktown. Also, Mercy Vocational High School is in our geographic territory.
In this vast area of the City of Philadelphia we are the presence of the Catholic Church. Inspired by our patron saint, Saint Martin de Porres, who was known for his love for the Catholic Church and social justice, we strive to do the same. We are blessed to offer a vibrant Mass every Sunday, as well as, the other Sacraments of the Catholic Church. We are blessed to collaborate with Saint Martin de Porres Catholic School, an Independent Mission School, which is financially solvent and educates over 450 students.
We are blessed to have the spirit of Saint Katharine Drexel in our midst in the ministry of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament. We are blessed to have the Laity serve those in need – offering food, clothing and most especially hope. We are blessed to have priests, deacons and seminarians who have served us so faithfully, especially Father James Farrant, founding Pastor (1993-1996); Father Daniel Sullivan, Administrator (1996-1997); Father Edward Hallinan (1997-2011); Father Stephen Thorne (2011-2022), Fr. Addisalem T. Mekonnen (2022-2024), Fr. Wilfred Emeh, Parochial Administrator (2025-present).
However, our greatest blessing is the Community of Faith – the people who make up our Church. With God’s grace, the best days of Saint Martin de Porres Catholic Church are still ahead of us. We plan to continue to be faithful to our mission and be a beacon of hope in this community. We plan to continue to reach out to those in need. We plan to find new ways to evangelize, spreading the Catholic Faith in North Philadelphia. Return, Renew, Rebuild…God’s House Is Open…Come & Feel His Love!
Our Patron Saint
The Patron of Racial Harmony
St. Martin de Porres was born in Lima, Peru in 1579, shortly after the city was founded. His father, Juan de Porres, was a Spanish soldier and nobleman born in Burgos, Spain. He came to the “new world” as Governor of Panama. Martin’s mother, Anna Velázquez was a black freedwoman from Panama. There was no question of marriage because Anna’s skin was black.
Apprenticed as a barber-doctor at age 12, he entered the Dominican Order a few years later as a lay brother. In 1603 Martin made his vows as a full-fledged Dominican Brother, with the vocation of prayer and work.
Advancing quickly to the highest level of spirituality (it is believed by 20 years of age); he passed the remainder of his life in complete dedication to his order and to the cause of the poor and sick of Lima.
St. Martin de Porres is famous for his miracles, which include multiplying food to help feed the monks and the poor. Many miracles of healing were attributed to his intercession. St. Martin did extreme penance and spent long hours in prayer. The life of St. Martin de Porres is explanation enough why he is so powerful with God and such a certain helper in time of need.
He died in November 1639, a few days short of his sixtieth birthday. The highest dignitaries, both civil and religious, were his pallbearers. Everyone wanted to honor this holy man. The whole city of Lima mourned its benefactor and friend.
The appeal of St. Martin de Porres is universal. Called an apostle of charity; patron of social justice; father of the sick and the poor; wonder worker of Peru; and helper in hopeless cases, he is powerful intercessor to those in need.
In 1962, His Holiness, Pope John XXIII presented him to the world as the Saint of Universal Brotherhood. Holy Mother Church celebrates the feast of St. Martin de Porres on November 3. He is the first person of color to be canonized in the Western Hemisphere.
Our Ministries
The Ministries of Saint martin de Porres Catholic Church
Saint Martin de Porres offers many different programs and organizations to minister, as well as opportunities for you to serve others. These programs and organizations provide parishioners the opportunity to manifest their Christian values; taking into consideration their individual skills and talents, and put those values into action. Please take some time to browse through the different programs and organizations that make up Saint Martin de Porres.
Bio of Our Parochial Administrator
Father Wilfred Epie Emeh
