St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church, 1119 W. Bancroft St. is holding a special mass to celebrate the 125th anniversary of their Catholic presence in the city of Toledo this Sunday, June 23 at 10:30 am.
The church will also be celebrating the anniversary of the church’s cornerstone being laid 100 years ago, which was originally named St. Ann’s Church as well as honoring the three parishes that came together to create St. Martin de Porres Parish; St. Benedict the Moor, St. Teresa of Avila and St. Ann.
Father David Bruning, chaplain, will preside the mass and Sister Virginia Welsh, Pastoral Lead will offer the reflection.
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The Heritage Alcove will be also be dedicated at the ceremony. Centered inside the alcove will be The Baptismal Font from St. Benedict the Moor Church. St Benedict the Moor Parish was founded in 1932 as a Mission for Black Catholics. The parish closed in 1965 and after many joined St. Ann’s in St. Teresa’s Parishes.
On the south side of the alcove, a statue of St. Teresa of Avila will stand, which was in the original church. St. Teresa of Avila Parish was founded in 1913 in response to St. Ann Parish’s rise of attendees. On the north side, a life-size statue of St. Ann and her daughter Mary will be placed. St. Ann Paris is the oldest of the three parishes, founded in 1899. Both St. Ann Parish and St. Teresa of Avila Parish were closed in 1990, and together with St. Benedict the Moor Parish, they formed St. Martin de Porres.
For more information on St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church and their 125 Year Celebration Mass, visit saintmartindeporres.com.
