Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia, will celebrate the 42nd annual Mass in thanksgiving for the canonization of Saint Martin de Porres, the Saint of Universal Brotherhood. The homilist will be the Most Reverend Edward K. Braxton, Bishop of Lake Charles, Louisiana.

Thursday, November 4, 2004
7:30 p.m.
Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul
18th Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA

Martin de Porres was born in Peru in the 16th century to a Spanish nobleman and a black woman of Panama who was a freed slave. He became a Dominican brother and devoted his life to caring for the poor and the sick. Pope John XXIII canonized Martin de Porres in 1962, making him the first saint of color in the western hemisphere.

Music will be provided by the Martin de Porres Community Mass Choir under the direction of Mr. Darin Williams. Mrs. Alice Parker, retired Coordinator of the Archdiocesan Black Culture Through Music Program for nearly twenty years and the Martin de Porres Community Choir will be recognized.

People of all faiths are invited to attend this Mass of Unity and Brotherhood coordinated by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Office for Black Catholics.

For more information, please call 215-587-3634.

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Contact
Donna Farrell
Broadcast and Media Specialist
215-587-3747