Saint Martin De Porres

Catholic Church

5112 W. Washington ~ Chicago, IL ~ 60644-2344 ~ (773) 287-0206

News

November 2, 2008

Sunday, November 2, 2008 St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church held its Feast Day and the 20th Anniversary of the Church that grew up out of five parishes in Westside Chicago: St. Thomas Aquinas, St.Mel-Holy Ghost, Resurrection of our Lord, Our Lady help of Christians, and St. Angela.

His Eminence Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I., was the main celebrant at the 10:00 AM Eucharistic Celebration with Bishop John Manz, the present Pastor and Associate and several priests who have previously served in the Parish.

Presently, St. Martin de Porres is a vibrant African-American Church community and its members profess their faith through evangelization of themselves and others, fostering full participation and demonstrating concern for the needs of all, and striving to bring faith, hope and love to the Westside community.

The celebration presented a great opportunity for St. Martin de Porres Parish to grow in faith through the power of Jesus by renewing its commitment to love God and one another. It is hoped that it helped greatly fostering a true family spirit among parishioners.

It was a privilege to have Francis Card. George, Bishop John Manz and several priests who honored us with their presence and brought God’s blessings to our Parish. It reminded us that we belong to the larger family of God which is the Archdiocese of Chicago and the universal Catholic Church.

After the solemn celebration in the Church, all were invited to a reception and delicious dinner in the School Lower Hall.

It was indeed a great Celebration in a very beautiful Church full of wonderful people gathered as a true family of God.

October 12, 2008

Father Peter Premarini as the second Comboni Missionary Pastor of SMDP

On Sunday, October 12, 2008, Bishop John Manz, delegate of Francis Card. George, solemnly installed at the 10:00 AM Eucharistic celebration Fr. Peter Premarini as the second Comboni Missionary Pastor of St. Martin de Porres. The Bishop showed appreciation for the commitment of the Comboni Missionaries and had encouraging words for the new Pastor. The Provincial, Fr. Louis Gasparini, was among the several priests who were present with more than 400 parishioners in attendance.

At the end of the celebration, Fr. Peter thanked Francis Card. George for accepting his service in the Archdiocese and Bishop John Manz for installing him as Pastor of the Parish.  He also thanked all those who contributed in making the event a real celebration and the wonderful people of St. Martin de Porres for their warm welcome. Then he share a personal reflection on the event:  “We all have our role models. As Christians, Jesus Christ is our first role model.  St. Peter Claver and St. Daniel Comboni have been for me an inspiration for their total dedication to the most oppressed and forgotten people of their time. St. Daniel Comboni once said to be ready to give his life one thousand times, if that would be possible, for his beloved African people. He is known as the modern apostle of Africa.  When at seven o’clock every morning I open the Church I am greeted by the beautiful statue of St. Martin de Porres reminding me of a life totally dedicated to the spiritual and material welfare of needy brothers and sisters. This is the kind of dedication I have been striving to have wherever the Lord has called me to serve, be in Uganda, in Cincinnati, Los Angeles, and now here at St. Martin de Porres. My vision and commitment is for a comprehensive Pastoral Plan which includes the spiritual and material welfare of the Parish. I am ready to work together with all of you, Parish Council, Staff and different Parish Organizations to make our Parish a true Family of God that reaches out and welcomes all. I am confident that I can rely on your generous cooperation. May the Lord through the intercession of our Patron Saint Martin de Porres, bless all of us.”