Story of Saint Martin de Porres | Stories of Saints for Kids | EP85

Summary

This video recounts the life of Saint Martin de Porres, born in 1519 in Lima, Peru, to a Spanish nobleman and a freed Panamanian woman. Despite facing racial discrimination and extreme poverty, Martin's spiritual devotion, humility, and charitable works became legendary. He joined a Dominican monastery as a lay helper, where his medical skills and acts of kindness earned him widespread admiration. Known for miraculous healings, generosity, and even communicating with animals, Saint Martin is celebrated as the patron saint of social justice. He was canonized in 1962, long after his death in 1639.

Takeaways

• 🎉 Saint Martin de Porres was born in Lima, Peru on December 9, 1519, to a Spanish nobleman and a freed daughter of slaves.
• 🌍 Martin inherited his mother's dark complexion, which led to his father abandoning the family when Martin was young.
• 🙏 Even as a child, Martin was known for his generosity, often giving away the family's limited resources to the less fortunate.
• 💇‍♂️ At age 12, Martin began an apprenticeship as a barber, a trade that involved medical tasks like wound care and bloodletting.
• 🛐 At age 15, Martin chose a religious life, joining a Dominican ministry, though racial restrictions prevented him from becoming a full member.
• 🩺 Martin's skills as a healer and surgeon became widely known, and he cared for both people and animals with compassion.
• 🐭 The legend of the rats highlights Martin's kindness, as he struck a deal with the rats to stop bothering the monastery in exchange for daily food.
• ✨ Martin is believed to have had miraculous abilities, including bilocation, passing through locked doors, and levitating during prayer.
• 🏫 Martin founded an orphanage and school for boys and girls, teaching them trades and homemaking skills, showing his dedication to social justice.
• 💐 After Martin's death in 1639, his body was found intact and exuding a pleasant fragrance, and miracles continued to be attributed to him.

Q & A

Where and when was Saint Martin de Porres born?

Saint Martin de Porres was born in Lima, Peru on December 9, 1519.

Who were Saint Martin de Porres' parents?

His father was Don Juan de Porres, a Spanish nobleman and adventurer, and his mother was Anna Velasquez, a freed daughter of slaves from Panama.

What was Martin's mother's occupation and how did it affect his upbringing?

Martin's mother worked in a laundry, and he was raised by her in extreme poverty.

At what age did Martin begin his apprenticeship with a barber?

Martin began an apprenticeship with a barber named Marcel de Rivero at the age of 12.

What was unique about the barber's work during the 16th century?

During the 16th century, a barber's work involved more than just cutting hair; it also included administering medicines, dressing wounds, and drawing blood.

Why was Martin not allowed to join the religious order at 15?

Racial restrictions during the time did not allow colored people to become members of religious orders.

What position was Martin offered instead of becoming a member of the religious order?

He was offered the position of lay helper, which he happily accepted.

What is the legend of the rats associated with Saint Martin de Porres?

The legend of the rats tells the story of Martin reprimanding rats for their bad habits, telling them about the poison, and making a deal with them to feed them in the garden if they would refrain from annoying the prior.

What is Saint Martin de Porres known for besides his healing abilities?

Saint Martin de Porres is known for his charity, humility, and obedience, which made him the patron saint of social justice.

What significant establishment did Martin create?

Martin 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.

When and how did Saint Martin de Porres die?

Saint Martin de Porres died on November 3rd, 1639, surrounded by his brothers and reciting the credo, with his life ending with the words 'at homo factus est'.

When was Saint Martin de Porres raised to the altar of the church?

Pope John XIII raised Martin de Porres to the altar of the church on May 5th, 1962.