St Martin de Porres

Saint Martin de Porres was born in Lima, Peru. In 1594, Martin became a Dominican lay brother in Lima and served in various menial roles. Saint Martin was a devout Catholic and would spend much of his time praying and fasting. Equally legendary was his love of animals. He would feed and heal all animals that came into his vicinity and they understood and obeyed him. St. Martin is often portrayed with mice because, according to one story, the monastery was tired of their rodent problems and decided to set traps. Martin was so distressed that he spoke to the mice and cut a deal with them that if they would leave the monastery, he would feed them at the back door of the kitchen. From that day forward, no mouse was seen in the monastery. Outside of the monastery he became known for his care of the poor and the sick. Martin fed, sheltered and doctored hundreds of families. He established the Orphanage and School of the Holy Cross, which took in boys and girls of all classes and taught them trades or homemaking skills.

As a result of his charitable actions, Saint Martin de Porres is the patron saint of social justice and his feast day is celebrated on November 3^rd.