De Porres Center

About the Center

Inspired by the life and healthcare ministry of St. Martin De Porres, O.P., a 16th-century Peruvian Dominican Brother, the Center serves as a hub for ethical inquiry and collaboration at Providence College and with the local, national and international organizations and communities. Established in 2024 as part of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences, the Center fosters formation, research, seminars, and partnerships among students, faculty, clinicians, and the global community.

By engaging with Dominican institutions and healthcare ministries worldwide, the Center advances faith-based, ethical approaches to health and human flourishing. Its work supports underserved communities and promotes the integration of Catholic social teaching into healthcare practice, education, and research.

Annual St. Martin De Porres, O.P. Seminar

Held each year near the Feast of St. Martin De Porres, the Center’s annual seminar brings together scholars, practitioners, and community members to explore ethical, holistic healthcare through a Catholic lens. The event fosters cross-campus collaboration and honors individuals advancing human dignity in health and healing.

On November 3, 2025—the feast day of St. Martin De Porres— students, faculty, staff, alumni, and members of the faith community gathered to celebrate the formal dedication of the St. Martin De Porres, O.P. Center for Health and Human Dignity. The event honored both the Center’s mission and the enduring legacy of Saint Martin, whose ministry of compassion and service was felt throughout the evening.

The program began with a blessing from Fr. Kenneth R. Sicard, O.P., Providence College President, for the Center and the new Martin De Porres Library and Reference Collection. Curated by Br. Ignatius Perkins, O.P., Director of the Center, the collection includes nearly 800 books, journals, periodicals, and Church documents reflecting the life and mission of Saint Martin.

The evening continued with a keynote lecture by Celia Cussen, Ph.D., professor of history at the University of Chile and the 2025–2026 Rev. Robert J. Randall Distinguished Professor in Christian Culture, who was also recognized with the inaugural Minister of Hope and Healing Award.

Additional Center-Supported Initiatives

Health Care Ethics Consultation Services

The Health Care Ethics Consultation services at the St. Martin De Porres Center support and promote ethical decision-making through education, consultation, research, and service. Guided by the Catholic-Dominican mission of Providence College and the School of Nursing and Health Sciences, these services are committed to protecting and defending human dignity, freedom, and human flourishing. Our services include:

Case review and recommendations: Analysis of ethical dilemmas with actionable, evidence-informed advice.
Policy development support: Assistance creating or reviewing ethics policies and protocols.
Education and training: Seminars, workshops, and forums for healthcare teams, students, and community members.
Holistic care guidance: Recommendations that consider emotional, physical, psychological, and spiritual dimensions of care.
Diversity and inclusion support: Ensuring ethical decisions reflect respect for all patients, including vulnerable populations.
Research and scholarship support: Consultation on ethical considerations in research projects and dissemination of findings.
Collaborative partnerships: Working with local, national, and international healthcare organizations to strengthen ethical practice.
Professional development opportunities: Hosting visiting scholars, lectures, and programs for students and healthcare professionals.

Siena Colloquium

The Siena Colloquium supports graduates of the BSN program—and the wider nursing and health care community—as they navigate the transition into professional practice. In alignment with the mission of the College, the School of Nursing and Health Sciences, the Department of Nursing, and the St. Martin De Porres Center for Health and Human Dignity, the Colloquium provides ongoing dialogue, resources, and mentorship. Participants can access guidance on ethical challenges in health care, including moral courage, end-of-life issues, workplace concerns, and moral distress. The Colloquium also offers support in evidence-based holistic care across diverse populations and settings.

In addition to consultations, seminars, research, and mentorship opportunities, the Colloquium fosters collaboration with health care colleagues, organizations, and policymakers to advance the well-being of patients, communities, and the profession. It encourages leadership and management development in multidisciplinary environments and helps graduates deliver ethical, inclusive, and high-quality nursing care. Periodic group meetings and individual consultations are available, and the Colloquium serves in an advisory capacity to the School of Nursing and Health Sciences and partnering departments.

_{^{Prayer to St. Martin De Porres}}

^{O humble Saint Martin De Porres, you are the patron of social justice.
You spent your whole life in Peru as a laborer and dedicated yourself to countless acts of caring for the sick, the unwanted, the unloved, and those who had no place to call home.
You were blessed with spiritual wisdom and a generous, loving heart that you freely shared with others.
You fed the hungry, and gave safe refuge to the oppressed and abused.
As a minister of mercy and compassion guide me to use my gifts to help others experience healing and hope and to affirm their human dignity, freedom, and promote human flourishing.
Amen.}

Those who wish to learn more about the St. Martin De Porres Center for Health & Human Dignity, O.P. are invited to contact Brother Ignatius Perkins for additional information about the Center’s mission, programs, and upcoming initiatives. His contact information is below.

Brother Ignatius Perkins, O.P., Ph.D., RN

Director, St. Martin De Porres Center for Health and Human Dignity
Mondor 205
401-865-2109
iperkins@providence.edu