Weekend Mass schedule/horario de las misas;
Saturday/ sábado
4pm (bilingüe/bilingual)
Sunday/domingo
7am (bilingüe/bilingual)
10am (español/Spanish)
1pm (English/ingles)
Wednesday/miércoles
7pm hora Santa/Holy hour
Pastor Joaquín Rojas MNM
Viccar Fernando Quezada Covarrubias MNM
The story of our church;
Martin de Porres, born in Lima, Peru on December 9, 1579, died on November 3, 1639 almost
60 years old. 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" or CICM. Father James Meuree became the first Pastor, assisted by Roger H. 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: 1989-2017. 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. After Father Gilbert's retirement in June 2017, the Archdiocese of San Antonio under the guidance of Archbishop Gustavo, handed the responsibility of the care of San Martin De Porres to another order called,"Misioneros de la Natividad de Maria" translated as "Missionaries of the Nativity of Mary" (MNM)
Father Joaquin M.N.M. is our new Pastor; he was placed in charge of not only San Martin de Porres, but St. Gabriel's and Our Lady of Good Counsel as well. He was assisted by two Viccars; Father Mauricio and Father Antonio, both of which are also under the order of M.N.M. After a few years of service the two Viccars were moved to their own parishes, and Father Joaquin was given a new assistant Viccar, Father Fernando Quezada Covarrubias M.N.M. Joe Menchaca was ordained a permanent Deacon in late 1979. Up to the early 2010s, Our "Arch Deacon" Joe Menchaca, was accompanied by Two more Deacons and one acolyte; Deacons Tony Patlan and Benito Resendiz, and Acolyte Lupe Reginio. We are happy to update that our New "Archdeacon" (as we lovingly call our most active deacon) Benito Resendiz, has returned to full active duty and is helping Father Joaquin at our other two sister churches, San Gabriel, and Our Lady of Good Counsel. There are two candidates from San Martin that are studying to become deacons, Eddie Noriega and Ruben (Taz) Garcia. The "Old Church" building 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. In 1999, plans were made and started in remodeling the 1971 church building. By 2003, the 1971 church building and the small breakfast hall were renovated to the building we see today. More plans are being made to renovate our building once again! We are looking forward to this change! On the occasion of San Martin de Porres' 50th Anniversary, We kicked 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. after the year of darkness and uncertainty (2020) that made what could have some big celebrations almost nonexistent and subdued, San Martin de Porres Church is close to returning back to normal! we welcome you back home, with precautions of course, but also with open arms. Welcome to San Martin de Porres Catholic church in San Antonio, TX!
