Posted March 18, 2021

In a spirit of eucharistic unity through diversity, St. John Chrysostom Parish in Wallingford, Delaware County welcomed five parishioners of St. Martin de Porres Parish in North Philadelphia on Sunday morning, March 14 led by their pastor, Father Stephen Thorne, who celebrated Mass for the combined congregation. The Philadelphia guests are members of a unique partnership of the two archdiocesan parishes, the Joint Catholic Ministry on Racial Healing. It consists of five members of each parish and their pastors, Father Thorne and Father Edward Hallinan of St. John’s, both of whom are friends. A similar parish exchange took place in January as Father Hallinan celebrated Mass at St. Martin’s and brought his parishioners there. Read more about the work of the ministry here. (Photos by Matthew Gambino)

  • The entrance procession approaches the altar at St. John Chrysostom Church.

  • Father Stephen Thorne, pastor of St. Martin de Porres Parish, speaks to the congregation at St. John’s.

  • A stained glass window of St. Martin de Porres is thought to be the only one of its kind picturing a Black Catholic saint in the churches of the Philadelphia Archdiocese.

  • In his homily, Father Thorne spoke of the unity that Catholics — black and white and people of all backgrounds — share through the gift of Christ in the eucharist.

  • Deacon John Bowie, left, assists Father Thorne at the altar.

  • Father Edward Hallinan (left), pastor of St. John’s, introduces to the congregation James Andrews, who in addition to serving as the director of the archdiocesan Office for Black Catholics, is also a St. Martin’s parishioner.

  • Deacon Melvin Burton (left), also a St. Martin’s parishioner, assists as Deacon of the Word during the Mass.

  • Father Thone greets parishioners as they head home after Mass.

  • Members of the two parishes’ Joint Catholic Ministry on Racial Healing pose for a photo together after Mass.