Saint Martin de Porres, the patron saint of barbers and racial harmony, is one of the most influential South American saints to ever live (Catholic.org). Martin is well known for his journey into the monastery and for his life as a medical lay brother. Martin was born on December 9, 1579 in Lima, Peru (Flinn). One of the most recognizable features of St. Martin is his mixed race. Martin’s father was a noble Spanish man and his mother was a free black woman (Catholic.org). This caused Martin to have to endure constant discrimination throughout his life even from the church. Although his father was a Spanish noble, Martin grew up in poverty, since his father abandoned his family when Martin was very young (Easterling). Yet, St. Martin De Porres…show more content… For example, before him Africans were not allowed to become brothers in South America. He also became one of the first canonized African and mixed race person (Catholic.org). Through his compassion we can learn how to care for the poor and sick from him. In addition, he teaches us to always do what we are called to do by God even if at first people do not allow us to do so. Martin had very significant contributions to society and the church, such as building a school, an orphanage, and a hospital (Factsonfile). Martin will continue to be remembered for his significant service to God. There is so much to learn and follow from St. Martin De Porres. Even though he was not allowed into the monastery at first, he continued to look for ways to serve God and was eventually accepted. He was very good at caring for the sick with his compassion and kindness. All people who have the vocation to join a religious order should follow Martin’s example, and normal people should too. In conclusion, Saint Martin De Porres was a very influential saint who was excellent at caring for the poor, and made many contributions to society and the church, but most of all, was a great servant of
