Saint Martin de Porres – One of the Greatest Saints in History – #1
painting of the saint in the Dominican priory in London - Image Source
Introduction
In one of his most famous images, he is represented with a broom, symbolizing his humility and dedication to his work.
He was born in Lima, Peru, so he is also known as Saint Martin of Lima.
During his time, he suffered a lot of discrimination because of the color of his skin. On the other hand, it is also true that he was immensely loved by thousands of people who had their souls touched by this man's charity.
A simple man who became everyone's servant. Those who had the privilege of enjoying his presence were blessed.
Knowledgeable about natural remedies and leading a life of vibrant spirituality, Martinho helped heal the pain of the body and soul of a population increasingly needing love.
A human being of profound simplicity who knew how to attract everything and everyone to God.
Among many extraordinary charisms, such as ecstasies and prophecies, he had the gift of bi-location. He was seen in Africa, Japan, and China, comforting exhausted or persecuted missionaries without leaving Lima.
Image Source
He turned his attention to all creatures, including animals. He continued with unchanged simplicity to perform the services reserved for lay brothers, even when theologians and great civil authorities turned to him for advice.
Infancy
Born in Panama and having won the heart of her aristocratic employer, the noble Spanish lord Juan de Porres. From this relationship, Martinho was born a boy destined to live the rest of his life in the most profound misery. His story could end here, and it would be just another one of those realities with a tragic ending everyone already knows.
His chronicle would be summarized in the miserable life of a single woman suffering the fate of having had a bastard child. For example, on the day he was registered, he was only given his mother's name. On that paper of the baptismal certificate, instead of the father's name, it was stated that he was the son of a father: Ignored. <.div>
Sculpture from the cloister walk of Santo Domingo church in Quezon City, Philippines.Image Source
He was a different child; he had an intelligent look and was always in a good mood. There was no wrong time with young Martinho. Even his father, who had for many years disowned the child because of his skin color, realized his son's virtues and knew, in the depths of his heart, that as a Christian, he must urgently repair this severe sin.
Lord Juan de Porres, then becoming governor of Panama, finally officially recognized his mixed-race son and began to provide financial help so that he and his mother could survive with dignity in Lima.
Ana, Martinho's mother, was gifted with great intelligence and spoke Spanish very well. She educated her son, both in the first letters and mainly in the ways of God.
On many occasions, she noticed that the boy possessed a special grace. Around the age of 8, Martinho became interested in working as a barber and began his career as an apprentice in a barbershop near his home. He found it very easy to learn the trade.
Don't miss the following chapters in the life of this great saint soon!
to be continued...
Bibliography; Martin de Porres: A Saint of the Americas by Brian J. Pierce
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