Posted November 2, 2018

Formed from vestiges of three older parishes (St. Elizabeth, St. Columba and Most Precious Blood), St. Martin de Porres Parish in North Philadelphia marked its 25th anniversary on Sunday, Oct. 28 with a jubilee Mass and dinner celebration.

The parish, a vibrant and self-sufficient faith community, proudly embraces its African-American heritage, while welcoming all.

(Read a related story on St. Martin de Porres Parish.)

(All photos by Sarah Webb.)

  • Proud of its African-American heritage, St. Martin de Porres Parish in North Philadelphia welcomes all.

  • The entrance procession at the parish’s 25th anniversary Mass on Oct. 28 was led by parish worship dancers.

  • Parishioner Robyn Gary offers praise to the Lord.

  • St. Martin de Porres parishioner Rita Felder has worshiped at the church at 24th and Lehigh Avenue in North Philadelphia for 47 years, even when it was previously known as St. Columba Church.

  • Bishop Timothy Senior receives the gifts at an Oct. 28 Mass marking the 25th anniversary of St. Martin de Porres Parish in North Philadelphia.

  • Members of the community, bringing up their parish contributions, are individually thanked by Father Stephen Thorne, pastor of St. Martin de Porres.

  • Former pastor Father Ed Hallinan distributes holy Communion.

  • Celebrating the 25th anniversary Mass for St. Martin de Porres Parish on Sunday, Oct. 28 is Bishop Timothy Senior, assisted by concelebrating priests (from left) Father Edward Hallinan, a former pastor; Msgr. Federico Britto, pastor of St. Cyprian Parish in West Philadelphia; Father Stephen Thorne, pastor of St. Martin; and Msgr. Daniel Sullivan, vicar for clergy for the Philadelphia Archdiocese.

  • A statue of St. Martin de Porres graces the church of his namesake at the predominantly Black Catholic parish in North Philadelphia. St. Martin de Porres Parish is celebrating its 25th anniversary. (Sarah Webb)