Martin de Porres, Religious

Martin was the illegitimate son of a Spanish knight and a freed Panamanian slave. Born and raised in Lima, Peru, he was part of the poorest and lowest level of society. As a young man, Martin applied to the Dominicans to be a "lay-helper" because he didn't himself feel worthy to be a religious brother. He often spent his nights in prayer, while his days were filled with caring for the sick and the poor. He founded an orphanage and looked after the slaves brought from Africa. After nine years, his example of prayer and penance, charity and humility, led his religious community to ask Martin to make a full religious profession.

All of us are children of God and all of us deserve justice in our dealings with others. Martin cared not whether those he helped were slaves or free men, rich or poor. If they needed his help, he was available to them. We should do no less.