Prayer to Saint Martin de Porres: his story and the recommended prayer to ask him for miracles

A review of his life recalls the Dominican friar from Lima who served the poor and sick without distinction, to whom tradition attributes healings and whose devotion includes a prayer (and even a novena) to request his intercession.

Every November 3rd, the Church celebrates Saint Martin de Porres, a 16th-century friar known as "the saint of the broom," a symbol of humility, simplicity, and dedication; his fame for miracles made him one of the most popular devotions in America.

Because of his history, he is recognized as the patron saint of social justice and peace, and protector of the poor, the sick, as well as specific professions: barbers, street sweepers, pharmacists and nurses, among others.

Born in Lima on December 9, 1579, the son of the Spaniard Juan de Porras and Ana Velázquez (born in Panama), he showed sensitivity to the suffering of others from a young age. He learned barbering, a trade that at the time encompassed basic knowledge of medicine and herbalism.

At the age of 15, he asked to join the Dominican Order; because he was born out of wedlock, he was admitted as a lay brother. He served as a nurse and became famous for treating everyone equally, regardless of origin or status.

Tradition attributes to him healings that witnesses considered inexplicable (at the touch of his hands or even with his mere presence), although he insisted that everything came from the will of God.

She forged a friendship with Saint John Macias and collaborated with Saint Rose of Lima; she also promoted charitable works for the most needy and obtained support from Viceroy Luis Jerónimo Fernández de Cabrera y Bobadilla. In the convent, she undertook simple tasks—porter, cleaning, and prayer—as part of her daily service.

He died on November 3, 1639. He was canonized on May 6, 1962, by John XXIII, who proclaimed him patron saint of social justice. In sacred art, he is often depicted with a broom, an emblem of his helpful spirit.

The devotion proposes to seek her intercession with a prayer that asks for help in needs, forgiveness and grace to imitate her charity and service; there is also a novena that guides nine days of supplication.

Each anniversary renews the call to live the faith in deeds: remembering Saint Martin is to return to the dignity of the least among us and to a holiness made of concrete gestures, in which many faithful find comfort and encouragement to persevere.

Jaider Felipe Vargas Morales

DIGITAL REACH EDITORIAL TEAM