Martin de Porres

St. Martin de Porres was a Dominican friar in 16th century Peru. Born in 1579 to a Spanish nobleman and a freed African slave, he faced discrimination but devoted his life to serving the poor and sick. As a lay brother, he established an orphanage and hospital, caring for people of all backgrounds. Known for his miracles and generosity, he was beatified in 1837 and canonized in 1962. St. Martin de Porres is the patron saint of mixed-race people, barbers, innkeepers, and public health workers.