A Saint of the Americas (Martin de Porres)

Description

Martin de Porres – A Saint of the Americas

By Brian J. Pierce, O.P.

Martin de Porres is a saint for all people and all times. Born in Peru in 1597, he dies at age sixty. His life combined the apostolic zeal of Saint Dominic, the simple love for creation of Saint Francis, and the endless compassion for the poor and sick of Blessed Saint Teresa of Calcutta. In 1962, he became one of the few saints canonized by Pope John XXIII.

Saint Martin did not write any books or preach any sermons. His life was preaching. He initiated a new expression of the spiritual life: radical, simple, and holy. He had a gift of spontaneous joy and a capacity for turning the suffering and oppression of the poor into an encounter with God. For that, he is known today as the patron saint of social justice.

The author is well imbued with the spirit of Martin de Porres as a fellow Dominican, and as a student who lived in the area where Martin grew up and ministered in Peru. As he states in the introduction of this book “I have spent many hours snooping around and praying in many of Martin’s secret hideouts!”

Each chapter concludes with pertinent reflection questions that can be used for group discussion or personal reflection.

Come explore the life and spirituality of this poor friar from South America who now lives in the splendor of God’s kingdom.

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Published by Liguori