Born in 1579 in Lima, Peru, Martin de Porres was the illegitimate son of a Spanish nobleman and a freed black slave. He grew up poor, learning medicine from a barber in his youth. At the age of 11, he became a servant in the Dominican priory. Martin was a Dominican tertiary for nine years before taking solemn vows as a lay brother. Later promoted to being in charge of the Dominican’s infirmary, he was known for his tender care of the sick, miraculous cures, and the orphanage and children’s hospital for poor children that he founded.
CHALLENGE
Cross Catholic Outreach is a ministry that brings the love of Christ to the poorest of the poor in over 30 countries around the world through corporal works of mercy. They partner with bishops, priests, religious, and lay workers to provide food, water, housing, education, orphan support, medical care, and disaster relief. Go to www.crosscatholic.org and give them a donation today.
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