St. Martin de Porres

November 3

1579-1639

Patron of Racial Harmony and the Poor, Hairdressers. Of Hispanic and African ancestry, Martin was apprenticed to a barber. He was known for his healing ailities and became a Dominican tertiary. desiring to serve God in a state of childlike simplicity. Attuned to natiure and the elements he could converse with dogs and other animals. He is sometimes pictured with a dog at his feet and or with a broom because his task was to sweep the floors of the monastery. Because of his fidelity to the faith and his piety he is also depicted with the Holy Spirit near by.