He couldn't even hurt a mouse

By Tony Staley
Compass Editor

	St. Martin de Porres When: Dec. 9, 1579 - Nov. 3, 1639 Where: Peru What: Dominican brother who helped anyone in need Feast: Nov. 3 Patron: Of interracial relations, social justice, public education and people of mixed race

Most of us have been wronged in some way. But what matters is whether we let these hurts ruin our lives or if we can overcome them, then learn and grow.

St. Martin de Porres certainly had cause for feeling bitter. He was born in Lima, Peru, to John de Porres, a Spanish knight, and Anna, a freed woman from Panama, who was either black or Native American.

Because Martin's features and dark complexion were like those of his mother, his father would have nothing to do with him. He refused to claim Martin as his son until Martin was eight. He later abandoned the family after Martin's sister was born.

When Martin was 12, his mother apprenticed him to a barber-surgeon, who taught him how to cut hair and to provide basic medical care. A few years later, Martin decided he had a calling to be a Dominican lay helper, because he did not think he was worthy to be a religious brother. After nine years of watching Martin live a life of prayer, penance, charity and humility, the Dominicans asked him to make full profession.

He continued caring for the sick and anyone in need regardless of their color, race or economic status. He helped found an orphanage and cared for slaves from Africa. Martin helped many poor girls by raising thousands of dollars for their dowries, so they could marry or enter religious life. After working all day in the priory's kitchen, laundry or infirmary, he would pray and do penance at night.

Nor did he limit himself to caring for people. He kept stray dogs and cats at his sister's house and refused to trap mice and rats who raided the kitchen because, he said, they were underfed. Once he was ordered to put out poison for the mice and rats. He did, but warned them not to eat it and then fed them daily.

Martin also was known for his spiritual gifts, including healing, and he was the spiritual director for members of his community. He often meditated on Christ's sufferings and on gratitude for redemption. It's also said that he could be in two places at once and that while he prayed he would be lifted into the air and that light would fill the room.

He was a good friend of St. Rose of Lima. Following his death, Martin, who had felt unworthy for most of his life, was carried to his grave by bishops and noblemen. He was beatified in 1837 and declared a saint by Pope John XXIII on May 6, 1962.

As the patron of social justice, Martin challenges us to consider whose wounds we are more interested in ministering to - our own or those of Christ as evidenced in other people.