Martin de Porres
1579-1639 17th century Feast day: November 3
Loving without making distinctions, putting compassion before all.
Who was Martin de Porres?
The son of a Spanish nobleman and a freed woman of African descent, born in Lima, he knew the contempt reserved for those of mixed race. A Dominican brother and the convent's nurse, he cared without distinction for rich and poor, Spaniards and slaves, and even for animals. He was found at night among the city's abandoned.
In their own words
Compassion, brother, is worth more than cleanliness: with a little soap I can wash my sheets, but all my tears could not wash from my soul the harshness shown to one in need.
Everything can become prayer (sweeping, tending the sick) if it is offered to God.