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.
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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 Sisters of Saint Joseph staff and lead our school, maintaining their presence for over 100 years in North Philadelphia.
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-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. We’ve come this far by Faith and we continue to trust in the Lord!