Saint Martin de Porres

<p>Martin de Porres was a Dominican laybrother from Lima, Peru, who lived from 1579 to 1639. He entered the Dominican friary at 15 and served in many capacities, including barber, infirmarian, and farm-labourer, and soon became well-known for his care of the sick and the poor, and of animals. His advice was sought by people in high places and he was well-loved and greatly respected by the populace. Today he is a patron saint of barbers, innkeepers, public education, public health, racial harmony, and social justice.©2011 <em>Living with Christ, </em>Novalis - Bayard Press Canada Inc., <strong>http://www.livingwithchrist.ca/</strong&gt;. Reprinted with permission.</p>