Saint Martin de Porres

Life story

Martin was born on 9 December 1579 in Lima, Peru. His father, Juan de Porres, was a Spanish nobleman; his mother, Ana Velázquez, was a freed woman of African descent from Panama. His father did not at first acknowledge him, but later arranged for his training. Martin learned the trade of barber and the medical practice of that time. He grew up with his mother and a younger sister in humble circumstances.

He asked to join the Dominican convent of the Rosary in Lima as a helper (donado), since people of mixed race were then not easily accepted into the order. He made his profession as a lay brother in 1603. He ran the convent's infirmary and cared for sick people of every background, from friars to enslaved people and the poor of the streets. According to contemporary accounts, he also showed concern for animals. According to his fellow friars, he did the humblest tasks of the house, such as sweeping and washing linen, with the same care as his medical work.

He also took part in founding a home for orphans and a school for poor children in Lima, and collected alms to feed the hungry. He became well known in the city for his kindness, and, according to accounts, even people of high rank sought his advice.

He died on 3 November 1639. He was beatified in 1837 and canonised by John XXIII on 6 May 1962. Today his tomb in the Dominican convent in Lima is still visited, and he is widely venerated across Latin America and beyond.

Works and witness

• Ran the infirmary of the Dominican convent in Lima.
• Cared for sick people of all backgrounds, including enslaved and poor people.
• Helped found a home for orphans and a school for poor children.
• Was canonised in 1962.

Saints from the same country

Saint Rose of Lima, Saint Francis Solano, Saint John Macias, Saint Turibius of Mogrovejo

References

• Martyrologium Romanum
• Dicastery for the Causes of Saints – biographical profile
• Processes for the beatification of Martin de Porres

Written by Anawim from documented history. Some details about ancient saints rest on tradition and are marked as such.