Saint Martin de Porres

Saint Martin de Porres Velazquez was born in Lima, Peru in 1579.  He was the illegitimate son of a Spanish nobleman and a freed slave from Panama who was of African descent.  Because of his mixed race, he was often scorned and excluded; when he wished to join the Dominicans, he was only allowed to be a volunteer in the order.  After almost 10 years of devoted service, the Dominican prior allowed him to take vows as a lay brother over the objections of several members.  Saint Martin became a skilled healer and was well known for his compassionate care of the sick.  His feast day is on November 3rd. 

Prayer to St. Martin de Porres

St. Martin, we live in a world

that sorely needs you as a model. 

Guide us in the ways of tolerance and healing. 

St. Martin, you endured the torments of so many

Because of your mixed racial and cultural heritage. 

Guide us in the ways of tolerance and acceptance,

Open to welcoming all without questioning 

Or challenging their identity.  

St. Martin, you displayed patience and respect

While waiting many years

For full acceptance in your order.

Guide us to be patient and respectful

As we work for the acceptance and inclusion 

Of all God's children into our communities.  

St. Martin, you became a caring and compassionate healer

Treating the rich and poor, the powerful and the powerless

With the same concern and compassion. 

Guide us to become a nation and a world community 

That offers every human person quality health care. 

St. Martin, we live in a world

That sorely needs you as a model.

Guide us in the ways of tolerance and healing.  

Amen

~ written by Jane Deren, Ph.D.

Resource created by Educating for Justice.