By CatholicPhilly Staff • Posted November 5, 2024

The 61st annual Mass in honor of St. Martin de Porres drew hundreds of Catholic faithful from across the Archdiocese of Philadelphia on Sunday night, Nov. 3 to the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. The annual liturgy celebrates the history, tradition, and contributions of Black Catholics in the archdiocese and throughout the Universal Church.

During Mass, Archbishop conferred the Sacrament of Confirmation on several young people from parishes in the Black Catholic community including St. Athanasius, St. Cyprian, St. Ignatius of Loyola, St. Raymond of Peñafort, and St. Vincent DePaul. Sponsored by the archdiocesan Office for Black Catholics, the Mass also marked the start of National Black Catholic History Month, observed throughout November in the United States. (Photos by Sarah Webb)

  • Faithful across the Archdiocese of Philadelphia gather for the 61st annual Mass in honor of St. Martin de Porres on Nov. 3 at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. The annual liturgy celebrates the history, tradition, and contributions of Black Catholics in the archdiocese and throughout the Universal Church. (Photo: Sarah Webb)