St. Martin de Porres was a Peruvian lay brother of the Dominican Order who was known for his compassion, humility, and devotion to the sick and poor. 

He was born on December 9 1579 in Lima, Peru to a Spanish grandee and a free Black woman.

He was born into poverty and faced discrimination due to his mixed race, but he overcame these challenges to become a beloved figure in Lima, Peru. He found his true calling within the Dominican community, where he devoted himself to caring for the sick and marginalized. In 1594, at the age of 15, began volunteering with the Dominicans at the monastery infirmary. 

He became a Dominican lay brother at the age of 24 in 1603. Later in 1613, he began working in the infirmary full-time, where he cared for the sick and dying. In 1614 Martin founded a school for the youth of Lima.

In January of 1639, when Martin was 60 years old, he became very ill with chills, fevers, and tremors causing him agonizing pain. He would experience almost a year full of illness until he passed away on November 3, 1639.

By the time he died, he was widely known and accepted. Talks of his miracles in medicine and caring for the sick were everywhere. After his death, the miracles received when he was invoked in such greatness that when he was exhumed 25 years later, his body exhaled a splendid fragrance and he was still intact.

St. Martin de Porres was beatified by Pope Gregory XVI on October 291837 and canonized by Pope John XXIII on May 6, 1962.

Despite facing prejudice and discrimination, he dedicated his life to serving others and is revered for his extraordinary abilities and unwavering faith. He was canonized by Pope John XXIII in 1962 and is considered a patron saint of mixed-race people, innkeepers, barbers, public health workers, and all those seeking racial harmony. His feast day is celebrated on November 3.

His extraordinary abilities, including healing powers and a deep connection with animals, further solidified his reputation as a holy figure.

Saint Martin de Porres' Legacy:

• Patron Saint: He is revered as the patron saint of mixed-race people, innkeepers, barbers, public health workers, and those who face discrimination.

• Feast Day: His feast day is celebrated on November 3rd, commemorating his dedication to serving God and humanity.

• Symbol of Unity and Compassion: St. Martin de Porres' life stands as a testament to the power of compassion and the ability to transcend societal divisions. His legacy continues to inspire individuals worldwide to embrace diversity and dedicate themselves to serving those in need.

  Source: Catholic.Org