St. Martin de Porres

 

Feast Day: November 3rd

 

Died in 1639

Canonized in 1962

Martin de Porres, even as a child, gave his heart and time to the poor. When de Porres was 12, he worked for a barber-surgeon where he learned how to cut hair and learned the art of medicine. After becoming very skilled in medicine, de Porres applied to be a lay helper with the Dominicans. He did not feel like he was worthy enough to be a religious brother. After years of nursing the sick, working in the kitchens, distributing money to the poor and prayer, de Porres grew to be a Dominican lay brother. 

De Porres is known for his love and care for all people. No matter the race, wealth, or how bad a situation, De Porres would always help, even welcoming the sick into his own home. Later in life, de Porres opened up an orphanage for children and slaves. De Porres was great friends with St. Rose of Lima, the matriarch of the Lima House. 

Patron Saint of Barbers, Public Health Workers, Innkeepers and those seeking racial harmony