The Memorial of Saint Martin de Porres is November 3rd. Saint Martin, though abandoned by his father and abused by his mother, was a devoted and caring Catholic. Early in his life he developed a love for both the Holy Rosary and the Blessed Sacrament. To the harshness with which the world treated him, he responded with kindness, especially to the lowliest creatures. He was once seen leading several hundred mice out of the priory into the garden where he promised to feed them daily if they behaved. He cared for mistreated orphans, Africans and Indians. Saint Martin understood the value of hospitality, and so we have an image of this Dominican brother in our church, reminding us all to treat each visitor with the greatest possible kindness.
Litany of Saint Martin de Porres
Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ hear us. Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of heaven, Have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit, Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, Have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, Pray for us.
St. Martin de Porres, Pray for us.
Ever in the presence of God, Pray for us.
Faithful servant of Christ, Pray for us.
Lover of the Holy Eucharist, Pray for us.
Devoted to our Blessed Mother, Pray for us.
Spiritual patron of Americas, Pray for us.
Honored son of St. Dominic, Pray for us.
Lover of the Most Holy Rosary, Pray for us.
Apostle of mercy, Pray for us.
Protector of the tempted and repentant, Pray for us.
Helper of souls in doubt and darkness, Pray for us.
Compassionate to the sorrowful and afflicted, Pray for us.
Consoler of the discouraged and unfortunate, Pray for us.
Peacemaker in all discords, Pray for us.
Touched by all suffering, Pray for us.
Comforter of the sick and dying, Pray for us.
Worker of miraculous cures, Pray for us.
Guardian of the homeless child, Pray for us.
Humbly hiding God-given powers, Pray for us.
Devoted to holy poverty, Pray for us.
Model of obedience, Pray for us.
Lover of heroic penance, Pray for us.
Strong in self-denial, Pray for us.
Performing menial tasks with holy ardor, Pray for us.
Gifted with prophecy, Pray for us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us.
Pray for us, St. Martin, That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray, O God, who did make St. Martin, your confessor, to enter the heavenly Kingdom, grant through his merits and intercession that we may so follow the example of his humility on earth as to deserve to be exalted with him in Heaven. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.