Saint Martín de Porres

Did you know that the only saint, of African origin, in the Western Hemisphere to date, is Saint Martín de Porres of Lima, Peru?

He was born in 1579, as the unwanted son of a Spanish knight and a freed African slave woman. Saint Martín showed signs of the virtues of modesty, humility, and charity for the poor, early in his life. As a Dominican Brother, Saint Martín founded an orphanage and a hospital. He also ministered to hundreds of unhappy people from Africa, who were forced into slavery in the new western world. Saint Martín is recognized in the Church as both the Patron saint of Peru and of the poor. His feast day is celebrated today.

Saint Martín de Porres, pray for us.