Inspiring Christian Lives

Martin de Porres, 1579-1639

Lima, Peru, c. 1600.
Driven by the twin pursuit of wealth and fame? Interested in material success, respect, pride, your right to be and do exactly what you want, regardless of the consequences for others? Welcome to the world of seventeenth century Lima in Peru, the world of Martin de Porres. Martin was born in Lima in 1579, the son of a Spanish conqueror and a freed slave. As he grew, it became noticeable that Martin lived an intense, but gentle life of prayer and devotion. As such, he drifted towards the local church, where he began to help out with the friars. Because he was black, he was not allowed to join the order, being relegated to lowly tasks instead. Martin was patient with this and even in the face of abuse and contempt he showed genuine love for his enemies – a major challenge in any age. He was content to reject status in a society where status was everything. He also had remarkable gifts and talents as a healer. He was active in treating the sick and wounded people that he found on the streets, even though his rather crusty and grumpy religious ruler forbad this. Like St Francis, he also had a wonderful gift for dealing with animals and respecting them as God’s creatures. He excused the faults of others, forgave bitter injuries and comforted the sick. He did not look to be admired, to be loved, to be served, or to avenge injustices received: he simply became Christ for others and opened up those around him to the heavenly light . . . and this is about the boldest, most daring, most revolutionary way of living, of being fully human even in the face of adversity.