Posted November 12, 2021

Sponsored by the archdiocesan Office for Black Catholics, the 59th annual St. Martin de Porres Mass Nov. 9 at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul celebrated a long tradition of faith, while laying the foundation for a new generation of believers.

Read our feature story on the St. Martin de Porres Mass.

(All photos by Sarah Webb unless otherwise noted.)

  • Knights of Peter Claver form an honor guard during the recessional procession of the 59th annual St. Martin de Porres Mass Nov. 7 at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul.

  • Faithful sing at the Nov. 7 St. Martin de Porres, led by the Philadelphia Catholic Gospel Mass choir under the direction of composer Tonya Taylor Dorsey.

  • Composer and director Tonya Taylor Dorsey leads the Philadelphia Catholic Gospel Mass Choir during the 59th annual St. Martin de Porres Mass Nov. 7 at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul.

  • Archbishop Nelson Pérez administers the sacrament of Confirmation during the 59th annual St. Martin de Porres Mass, Nov. 7.

  • Some 25 teens received the sacrament of Confirmation from Archbishop Nelson Pérez during the 59th annual St. Martin de Porres Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul.

  • Archbishop Nelson Pérez administers the sacrament of confirmation for a teen during the 59th annual St. Martin de Porres Mass Nov. 7 at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul in Philadelphia. (Photo by Sarah Webb)

  • Archbishop Nelson Pérez poses for pictures with teens confirmed during the Nov. 7, 2021 St. Martin de Porres Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul. (Sarah Webb)

  • Angela Okeke of St. Cyprian Parish in Philadelphia said she is ready to “grow in her dream with Christ,” having been confirmed Nov. 7 during the annual St. Martin de Porres at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul. (Gina Christian)