Our Beloved Patron
St. Martin de Porres
Because of his dedication to the poor, Martin de Porres was known as Martin the Charitable.
St. Martin de Porres was born in 1579 in Lima, Peru. Having been abandoned for a significant period of time by his father, the loving care of his mother, and his experience of suffering engendered in him a deep compassion for those in need. Trained as a barber (a profession considered to be more like that of a surgeon in his day), Martin asked to join the Dominicans, as a simple lay brother, either because of the prejudice of the day or the humility of Martin. Quickly known for his tremendous charity, he became known as Martin the charitable. He had great ability to raise money, and to apply this money to meeting the long term needs of the poor. He founded a hospital, a children’s orphanage, planted an orchard for use of the poor (they could take one day’s supply of fruit), and a shelter for stray dogs and cats. It is said the dogs, cats mice and rats all got along, eating from the same dish because of Martin’s tender charity. It was clear to all who encountered Martin that he was a great man of holiness who was the instrument God used for many miracles. A contemporary of St. Rose of Lima and St. Juan Massias, his feast day is November 3.
Martin de Porres Quick Facts
Date of Birth: December 9, 1579
Died: November 3, 1639 of Fever
Patron Saint of: African-Americans, barbers, bi-racial people, diocese of Biloxi Mississippi, black people, hair stylists, hairdressers, hotel keepers, innkeepers, interracial justice, mixed race people, mulattos, Peru, poor people, public education, public health, public schools, race relations, racial harmony, social justice, state schools, and television.
Beatified: 1873
Canonized: May 16, 1962 by Blessed Pope John XXIII
Martin de Porres Biographies
Catholic Online
Dominican Order
St. Patrick’s Church
Columbia Encyclopedia
Street Level
Catholic Exchange
Catholic Information Network
A Martin de Porres Biography
Biography
African American Saints
St. Martin de Porres
Catholic Youth Network
Office of Black Catholic Ministry — Phoenix
Daily Prayers for the New Millennium
Litany in Honor of St. Martin de Porres
Prayer to St. Martin de Porres
My Catholic Tradition
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