Christian Men and Women

Saint Martin de Porres

Martin was born in Peru in 1579 and his father was a Spanish knight. Martin’s mother sent him to train to be a doctor. He used to help and care for the poor and he was made to feel very welcome by them.

Martin joined an order of monks called the Dominican Order in Lima, Peru. As Martin was a black man many people were very cruel to him and showed that they were predijust by their actions and insults. Martin persevered and eventually won people over with his kindness. He became very popular and people would travel many miles to pray with him and talk about their worries. Martin would also help people when they were sick.

Soon there was not enough room for all the visitors, especially those with illnesses. Martin turned many homes into hospitals and orphanages. To raise money so that this could continue Martin would beg for money and donations to care for children who had been abandoned. All the people of Lima grew to love Martin very much.

Martin had many virtues amongst these were Justice, Restraint (Temperance), Courage (Fortitude), Faith and Love (Charity).