Saint Martin de Porres —
Patron Saint of Racial Harmony, Social Justice

"St. Martin de Porres was born at Lima, Peru, in 1579. His father was a Spanish gentleman and his mother a black freed slave from Panama. He grew up in poverty, spending part of his youth with a surgeon-barber from whom he learned some medicine and care of the sick.

At age eleven he became a servant in the Dominican priory, where he was promoted to almoner. He begged more than $2,000 a week from the rich to support the poor and sick of Lima. When he was placed in charge of the Dominican's infirmary; he became known for his tender care of the sick and for his spectacular cures. His superiors dropped the stipulation that 'no black person may be received to the holy habit or profession of our order' and at fifteen Martin took vows as a Dominican brother. St. Martin established an orphanage and children's hospital for the poor children of the slums. He set up a shelter for the stray cats and dogs and nursed them back to health. He lived in self-imposed austerity, never ate meat, fasted continuously, and spent much time in prayer and meditation. He was venerated from the day of his death. Many miraculous cures, including raising the dead, were attributed to Brother Martin."

Prayer to St. Martin de Porres
“To you Saint Martin de Porres we prayerfully lift up our hearts filled with serene confidence and devotion. Mindful of your unbounded and helpful charity to all levels of society and also of your meekness and humility of heart, we offer our petitions to you. Pour out upon our families the precious gifts of your solicitous and generous intercession; show to the people of every race and every color the paths of unity and of justice; implore from our Father in heaven the coming of his kingdom, so that through mutual benevolence in God men may increase the fruits of grace and merit the rewards of eternal life. Amen.”