He regarded himself as the least of all men and unworthy of the habit he wore.  He never lost an opportunity of being humiliated and gladly received any personal insults or injuries and showed signs of gratitude to those who humbled him.  Nothing caused him so much affliction of the soul and mental anguish as hearing himself the object of praise.

Martin was born in Lima, Peru on December 9, 1579 and was an illegitimate son to a Spanish gentleman and a freed slave from Panama.  At a young age, his father abandoned him and he grew up in deep poverty.  He was placed with a barber/surgeon where he could learn to cut hair and medical arts.

He experienced a great deal of ridicule for his mixed-race.  When he was 15, he was accepted into the Dominican Convent of the Rosary in Lima and received as a servant boy, eventually moving up to the church officer for distributing money to deserving poor.  After 8 years, he was granted the privilege to take vows as a member of the Third Order of Saint Dominic but not all of the members were welcoming to him because of his race and he was mocked.

He grew to become a Dominican lay brother and was assigned to the infirmary where he would remain in charge until his death.  He became known for encompassing the virtues needed to carefully and patiently care for the sick, even in the most difficult situations.

He took care of everyone with unconditional care, regardless of race or wealth, and welcomed them into his own home.  He shared his miraculous and spiritual knowledge.  He founded an orphanage for abandoned children and slaves and is known for raising donations in a short amount of time.

During an epidemic, many of the friars became ill.  Although they were locked away and kept distant in the convent, on several occasions, Martin passed through the locked doors to care for them.

In 1639, when he was 60, he became very ill with agonizing pain which he experienced for almost a full year until passing on November 3, 1639.

He was widely known for his miracles in medicine and caring for the sick.  He delighted in performing the most menial of tasks, sweeping the floors, tending neglected places and setting things in order.

He is the patron saint of barbers, African-Americans, education, hairdressers, health service, innkeepers, racial harmony, the poor, and trade unionists.

His feast day is November 3.

For God’s Glory.