St. Martin de Porres, O.P. (1579-1639)
Feast Day - November 3rd
November 3 Martin's ignoble birth and mixed race excluded him from much of society in Lima, Peru, including full membership in religious orders. Nonetheless, after three years' apprenticeship to a barber Martin entered a Dominican priory as a donado, living with the community in exchange for menial service. Though considering it too great an honor, in 1603 he acceded to demands that he profess vows as a lay brother. Exhibiting skill and sanctity in cleaning, kitchen, and laundry duties, Martin eventually received charge of the house's almsgiving and infirmary. His begging provided daily necessities to the city's poor, while his fundraising secured dowries and founded and orphanage. He ministered to the sick without distinction between rich and poor, Spaniard and slave, and many miraculous cures were attributed to his aid. These and many other marvelous gifts were grounded in a life of penance and prayer, especially devotion to our Lord in the Eucharist. Patron of people of mixed race, barbers, public health workers
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