Saint of the Week - St. Martin de Porres

Following Jesus | St. Martin de Porres | Lima, Peru | 1579-1639 | Feast Day, November 3

As was referred to in an earlier time, Saint Martin de Porres was born a “half-breed” of indigenous and Spanish descent to unmarried parents. He was raised extremely poor and trained at the age of 12 as a barber and basic medic. His medical training made him an asset when he applied to join the Dominican order.

St. Martin treated people of all backgrounds, colors and creeds. He founded an orphanage and cared for slaves brought over from Africa. His humility and generosity made him a powerful fundraiser at the service of the poor. He is known today as a patron of race relations, social advocacy and even hairstylists.

Christian Virtue or Action to Practice: Poverty of Spirit

St. Martin de Porres’ humble and disadvantaged beginnings made him the perfect instrument for God’s grace. He had nothing to make himself valuable to the world and that allowed God to pour out his Spirit into Martin. As the scripture this weekend tells us God doesn’t make junk – God creates us in love and with purpose.

Remembering that it takes all kinds, all backgrounds, all brokenness and all gifts to build his kingdom, we are all called to reflect on our own beatitude virtue of Poverty of Spirit and how we open our hearts to allow God to pour out his goodness into us.