Today, the Church celebrates St. Martin de Porres, a humble lay brother of the Dominican Order known for his charity, deep humility, and miraculous love for all of God’s creation.
His life reminds us that holiness is found in serving others with simplicity, compassion, and joy — especially the poor and the sick.
Prayer of the Day
Prayer to St. Martin de Porres
O Glorious St. Martin de Porres,
who, filled with heavenly love, served the poor, the sick, and the abandoned,
look kindly upon us in our needs.
Teach us to imitate your humility and charity,
so that we may love all without distinction
and bring peace and healing where there is pain.St. Martin, gentle protector of the needy,
intercede for us before the throne of God,
that we may obtain the grace to live as true disciples of Christ.Amen
Mass Reading of the Day
First Reading: Philippians 2:12–18
“Work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for God is at work in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14
“The Lord is my light and my salvation.”
Gospel: Luke 14:1–6
Jesus heals a man on the Sabbath, teaching that compassion outweighs rigid observance — a lesson of mercy over law.
Saint of the Day: St. Martin de Porres
Feast Day: November 3
Born: December 9, 1579 – Lima, Peru
Died: November 3, 1639
St. Martin de Porres was born to a Spanish nobleman and a freed African woman. Because of his mixed race, Martin faced discrimination and was denied entry as a full member of the Dominican Order at first. Yet, he persevered in humility and love, becoming a Dominican lay brother known for his healing miracles and devotion to the poor.
He founded an orphanage, cared for the sick, and showed compassion even to animals. Martin lived a life of deep prayer and service, often seen levitating during prayer and appearing in two places at once. He is known as the Patron Saint of Racial Harmony and Social Justice.
10 Facts About St. Martin de Porres
- He was the first Black saint of the Americas.
- Known as “Martin the Charitable” for his works of mercy.
- Worked as a barber, surgeon, and healer before joining the Dominicans.
- Practiced extreme humility—he often called himself “a poor slave.”
- Founded an orphanage and animal shelter in Lima.
- Was gifted with miraculous abilities, including bilocation and levitation.
- Slept only a few hours a night, devoting most of his time to prayer.
- Treated all people equally regardless of race or status.
- His body was found incorrupt after death.
- Canonized by Pope John XXIII in 1962.
