St. Martin de Porres (1579-1639, Feast Day November 3) was born in Lima, Peru, as the illegitimate son of a Spanish nobleman and a freed slave. His father abandoned his family when St. Martin was two years old. Under Peruvian law, St. Martin could not formally join a religious order due to his race. Therefore, began volunteering with the Dominican order at just 15, helping to care for the sick. When Martin was 24, he became a lay brother. He prayed constantly and gave up eating meat. He is known for his kindness, charity, and care for the sick, and is said to have performed several miraculous cures for the sick.

Questions for Reflection:

• St. Martin de Porres worked tirelessly to care for the sick. How can we help and greet those affected by an illness with kindness and compassion?
• St. Martin de Porres is the patron saint of social justice, and devoted his life to causes he cared about, such as helping those in need. What causes are you passionate about? How can God guide you to work for these causes?