SAINT MARTIN DE PORRES

Confessor

WITHIN THE OCTAVE

DOUBLE / WHITE

Martin de Porres (1579-1639) was born in Peru of a Spanish Knight and a Negro woman from Panama. Martin inherited the features and dark complexion of his mother, and for that reason his noble father eventually turned the boy out of his house. After a turn as surgeon's apprentice, the young man joined the Dominicans as a laybrother and was put in charge of the infirmary of a friary in Lima. Soon he was caring for the sick of the city and the slaves brought to Peru from Africa -- not to mention the animals with which he is often pictured. Martin had the gift of miracles; and although he had no formal training, he was often consulted on theological questions by great churchmen of his day. St. Rose of Lima and Bl. John Massias were among his close friends. He is unofficially called the patron of social justice.

Mass of a CONFESSOR OF THE FAITH, except

COLLECT

O God, the rewarder of the humble, You raised up the blessed Confessor Martin to the kingdom of heaven. May his merits and prayers help us to imitate his humility on earth that we may be exalted with him in heaven. Through our Lord . . .

SECRET

O Lord, graciously accept the host that we present to You to be consecrated in honor of the blessed Confessor Martin. Grant that it may confer upon us the effects of Your salvation through the intercession of this Saint. Through our Lord . . .

POSTCOMMUNION

We have been nourished by the Food of Heaven, O Lord our God. May the intercession of Your blessed Confessor Martin help us to be obedient always to Your commandments. Through our Lord . . .