Martin de Porres: A Saint for Our Time

Martin de Porres: A Saint for Our Time is a biography of this 16th-century Dominican lay brother and one of our few black saints. Born in Peru, he was of mixed ancestry; his mother was a freed African slave and his father was a Spanish nobleman. Originally rejected by his father because of his black skin, Martin suffered much abuse throughout his life because of his heritage.

Working as a servant in the Dominican order, Martin demonstrated great humility, charity and gentleness, even in the face of prejudice. The author recounts here many stories told about him, some of which describe his miraculous powers of healing, his devotion to the sick and poor and his love of animals.

An unusual and captivating biography, this book deserves a wide audience.

Highlights:

--first young adult biography of St. Martin. --chapters end with a reflection and prayer to St. Martin in English, Spanish and Vietnamese. --focuses timely attention on this patron of social and interracial justice.