St. Martin of Tours Church, 5450 Roosevelt Blvd., on Saturday held a 100th anniversary Mass celebrated by Archbishop Nelson Perez.
The current pastor, the Rev. Efren Esmilla, welcomed back two former pastors, Monsignor Thomas Murray and Monsignor Francis Beach.
Also on hand were two former teachers, Sister Kathleen Monica and Sister Catherine Glackin, both Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
James Amato, a St. Martin’s graduate and the archdiocese’s secretary for Catholic Human Services, attended the Mass.
Presenting citations were state Sen. Tina Tartaglione, City Councilman Mike Driscoll and state Reps. Pat Gallagher, Anthony Bellmon and Joe Hohenstein. Tartaglione, Driscoll and Gallagher are all St. Martin of Tours graduates.
In his homily, Perez – who lived in the St. Martin’s rectory for two years – marveled at the size of the upper church, which is bigger than the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. Perez said the parish should be grateful for its past and present and hopeful for the future. He encouraged everyone to read Joy of the Gospel, by Pope Francis.
Prior to the Mass, Perez toured and blessed the new Charity and Solidarity Center, in the former convent.
A reception with food, cake and drinks followed in the gym.
The celebration will continue on Sunday, Nov. 12. There will be a unity Mass at 11 a.m., followed by a gala at 2 p.m. at Brookside Manor, 50 Bustleton Pike in Feasterville. Tickets cost $50. Call the rectory at 215-535-2987. ••
