St Martin de Porres Velazquez O.P. (1579-1639) was a Peruvian lay brother of the Dominican Order. He was noted for his work for the poor and the sick. He was placed in charge of the infirmary at the Dominican monastery in Lima where he lived. A hospital providing medical care for poor people continues to operate on the site to this day.
St Martin had gifts of prayerful ecstasy, levitation and a special rapport with animals. Miraculous cures were attributed to him. He was beatified in 1837 by Pope Gregory XVI and canonised in 1962 by Pope John XXIII. St Martin de Porres is the patron saint of public health workers and people seeking racial harmony. His feast day is celebrated on 3rd November.
Written by Paul Cavadino
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