St. Martin de Porres

Martin was the illegitimate son of John de Porres, a Spanish knight and Anna a freed slave. He was born in 1579 in Lima, Peru. At age twelve Martin was apprenticed to a barber and at fifteen he entered the Dominican order as a lay brother. Here he was a barber, a wardrobe keeper, and infirmarian, while developing a deep prayer life and practicing rigorous penances. He ministered to the sick and poor of the city and ministered to the African slaves brought to Peru. He founded an orphanage and foundlings hospital. He also cared for sick animals and had an animal hospital at his half-sister’s house. His spiritual wisdom drew people to him. He helped resolve his sister’s marriage problems and almost miraculously collected a dowry for his niece in three days. He was a close friend of St. Rose of Lima and he counseled many priests and bishops. He had the gift of healing and of bilocation and was widely revered during is his life. Martin de Porres died November 3, 1639 in Lima. He was canonized in 1962 and he is the patron of interracial justice, barbers, and animals. His feast is November 3.