De Porres Center
St. Martin De Porres, O.P. Center for Health and Human Dignity
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. Lecture
Held each year near the Feast of St. Martin De Porres, the Center’s annual lecture 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.
Tuesday, November 3, 2026 | 4:30–6:00 p.m. | Mondor Center, LL06
The School of Nursing and Health Sciences invites you to this year’s celebration of the St. Martin de Porres, O.P. Center for Health and Human Dignity. The program will feature remarks by Brother Ignatius Perkins, O.P., Ph.D., RN ’25Hon., and a keynote lecture by Linda A’Vant-Deishinni, Executive Director of the St. Martin de Porres Center and Coordinator for Black Catholic Ministry for the Diocese of Providence.
The Minister of Hope and Healing Awards will be presented to Mrs. Madeleine Mondor, in absentia, and the St. Martin de Porres Center, Diocese of Providence. A reception will follow at 5:30 p.m.
RSVP by October 30 to iperkins@providence.edu.
Watch the video from last year’s inaugural event below.
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
