SAINT MARTIN DE PORRES (1639 A.D.)

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 . . .

LESSON 1 Cor 4:9-14

9 For I think that God hath set forth us apostles, the last, as it were men appointed to death: we are made a spectacle to the world, and to angels, and to men.

10 We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ; we are weak, but you are strong; you are honorable, but we without honor.

11 Even unto this hour we both hunger and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no fixed abode;

12 And we labor, working with our own hands: we are reviled, and we bless; we are persecuted, and we suffer it.

13 We are blasphemed, and we entreat; we are made as the refuse of this world, the offscouring of all even until now.

14 I write not these things to confound you; but I admonish you as my dearest children in Christ Jesus our Lord.

GRADUAL Ps 36:30-31

The mouth of the just man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justly. V. The law of God is in his heart, and his steps do not falter.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Ps. 111:1 Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in his commandments. Alleluia!

GOSPEL Luke 12:32-34
At that time, Jesus said to His disciples:  "Fear not, little flock, for it hath pleased your Father to give you a kingdom.

Sell what you possess and give alms. Make to yourselves bags which grow not old, a treasure in heaven which faileth not: where no thief approacheth, nor moth corrupteth.

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

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 . . .