San Martin de Porres Catholic Church 5.02

Martin de Porres, born in Lima, Peru on December 9, 1579, died on November 3, 1639 almost 60 years old. At the age of 16 he became a Dominican lay brother. Dedicating himself to the most humble services he was called: "Fray Escoba" ("Brother Broom"). Pope John 23rd declared him a Saint on May 6, 1962.

About that same time (early 1960s), an area of 60 city blocks, separated from O.L of Good Counsel and St. Gabriel Parishes became a "Mission" under the pastoral care of Father John Brughmans, pastor of Good Counsel. An old Army chapel became our Church and when looking for a Patron-Saint, Martin de Porres-- who was very popular at that time-- was chosen. Our Parish became one of the first in the United States placed under protection of the "new" saint.

After 4 "experimental" years, St. Martin de Porres became a Parish in its own right (May 13, 1964) and was placed under the care of the Missionaries of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, better known as "Missionhurst Fathers". Father James Meuree became the first Pastor, assisted by Roger H. Newton. They were succeeded by the following priests, all CICM's: Luis Segers: 1969-1973; Baldwin Verhelst: 1973-1983; Peter Kelkermans: 1983-1984; Frank Holscher 1984-1989; and Gilbert Obin: 1989-current.

Assistant Pastors were John van Coppenolle, Louis Segers (before becoming pastor). William Missinne, William Cuppens, Albert Strome, Joe Giordano (now Provincial of Missionhurst CICM) and Pat Creeden.

Mr. Joe Menchaca was ordained a permanent Deacon in late 1979. Today, Our "Arch Deacon" Joe Menchaca, is accompanied by Two more Deacons and one acolyte; Deacons Tony Patlan and Benito Resendiz, and Acolyte Lupe Reginio.

The "Old Church' was replaced by the present building in 1971 (Fr. Segers and Missinne). The classrooms (CCD-center) replaced the remaining barracks and the old San Joaquin CCD-Center in 1974 (Fr. Baldwin Verheist).

From the beginning we had religious sisters working in our area: The MCDP-Sisters of St. Andrew's Convent followed by the Cordi-Marian Sisters, Missionhurst (ICM) Sisters and finally Sister Joan as DRE (1987-88).

On the occasion of our 25th anniversary we built the St. Martin de Porres Devotional Chapel and then after our Salon San Martin was built and opened in 1999. from 2000-2003, the San Martin building church and its small breakfast hall was renovated and made bigger and more modern.

On the occasion of San Martin de Porres' 50th Anniversary, We will be kicking off a year long celebration filled with various special secular events such as raffles, festivals, & dances; and, special spiritual events such as Mass Wedding ceremony, Silver Rose ceremony, retreats for teens & adults, and many other beautiful events.