San Martin de Porres Parish marks 25th anniversary

San Martin de Porres Parish celebrated its Silver Anniversary on December 15, 2004, with an anniversary Mass and reception, culminating a year-long anniversary celebration that began on the weekend of December 20 and 21, 2003, when parishioners received statues of San Martin de Porres along with a biography of the lay Dominican brother from Peru . Other 2004 activities to commemorate the parish's silver anniversary included a float in the WBCA parade, a Sunrise Mass, the Summer Mission, and the annual Parish Picnic.

The “little red church” on the former Laredo Air Force Base marks this anniversary milestone with a theme of “Celebrating 25 Years of Faith, Love, and Service.”

“We are fortunate to be under the special patronage of San Martin, who faced fierce adversities in his life,” said Msgr. Alex Villarreal, pastor of San Martin de Porres. “Despite trials that could have dominated his life, San Martin maintained a cheerful attitude and continued to work diligently as a lay brother in Lima .

“He was an inspiration to many for his ability to work so well with people, especially the less fortunate. He was a great believer in God's providential care and he radiated this to others. San Martin's optimism was perhaps his greatest legacy. As Christians, we are challenged to this type of optimism. San Martin has so much to teach us about being a Christian in today's world,” said Msgr. Villarreal.

“San Martin faced discrimination, rejection, trials, misunderstanding, and yet he continued to believe in the power of God's love. He was a humble, hard-working individual who worked quietly and diligently for the kingdom of God . His story is a story many can relate to,” said Msgr. Villarreal.

The Mission of San Martin de Porres was established in 1975 by Msgr. Tom McGettrick, who is currently the pastor of San Martin de Porres on Padre Island in the Diocese of Corpus Christi. Msgr. Villarreal asked Msgr. McGettrick why he chose San Martin as the namesake for the little church.

“Msgr. McGettrick proposed the name to Bishop Thomas Drury, Bishop of Corpus Christi at that time. Bishop Drury was hoping to name the new mission in Laredo St. Anne Seton. Mother Seton had just been canonized a saint that year and Bishop Drury was hoping to have a church in the diocese named in her honor,” said Msgr. Villarreal.

“Msgr. McGettrick spoke passionately of the life of San Martin de Porres, a more familiar saint and someone people could relate to. Convinced, Bishop Drury chose to name the new mission San Martin de Porres,” said Msgr. Villarreal. He added that the year-long observance of the parish anniversary reflects a deep sense of pride and gratitude for the blessings of the parish and its parishioners.