Homily by Pope John XXIII
From a homily of Pope John XXIII at the Canonization of Saint Martin de Porres (1579 – 1639)
“Martin the charitable”
Narrated by Frank Dugan, Huntington Beach, California
The example of Martin’s life is ample evidence that we can strive for holiness and salvation as Christ Jesus has shown us: first, by loving God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind; and second, by loving your neighbor as yourself.
When Martin had come to realize that Christ Jesus suffered for us and that he carried our sins on his body to the cross, he would meditate with remarkable ardor and affection about Christ on the cross. Whenever he would contemplate Christ’s terrible torture he would be reduced to tears. He had an exceptional love for the great sacrament of the Eucharist and often spent long hours in prayer before the blessed sacrament. His desire was to receive the sacrament in communion as often as he could.
Saint Martin, always obedient and inspired by his divine teacher, dealt with his brothers with that profound love which comes from pure faith and humility of spirit. He loved men because he honestly looked on them as God’s children and as his own brothers and sisters. Such was his humility that he loved them even more than himself and considered them to be better and more righteous than he was.
He did not blame others for their shortcomings. Certain that he deserved more severe punishment for his sins than others did, he would overlook their worst offenses. He was tireless in his efforts to reform the criminal, and he would sit up with the sick to bring them comfort. For the poor he would provide food, clothing and medicine.
He did all he could to care for poor farm-hands, blacks and mulattoes who were looked down upon as slaves, the dregs of society in their time. Common people responded by calling him “Martin the charitable.”
The virtuous example and even the conversation of this saintly man exerted a powerful influence in drawing men to religion. It is remarkable how even today his influence can still move us toward the things of heaven. Sad to say, not all of us understand these spiritual values as well as we should, nor do we give them a proper place in our lives. Many of us, in fact, strongly attracted by sin, may look upon these values as of little moment, even something of a nuisance, or we ignore them altogether. It is deeply rewarding for men striving for salvation to follow in Christ’s footsteps and to obey God’s commandments. If only everyone could learn this lesson from the example that Martin gave us.
Source: The Liturgy of the Hours – Office of Readings
Saint Martin de Porres (1579 – 1639) was born in Lima, Peru, in 1579, the son of a Spanish father and a black Panamanian woman. As a youth, Martin apprenticed in medicine under a barber where he learned the healing arts. He later joined the Dominican Order as a brother and used his healing skills to care for the sick. He was instrumental in founding an orphanage, took care of slaves brought from Africa and managed the daily alms of the priory with practicality as well as generosity.
Martin became widely known for his depth of spirituality, humble service, healing powers, and love of all God’s creatures. He had a profound devotion to the Holy Eucharist and was reported to have the gift of bilocation, being seen in more than one place at a time.
As Martin’s fame spread, people came from far and near to ask for his prayers, healing, and spiritual counsel. He treated every person with dignity and respect, regardless of their state in life. He died in 1639 at the age of 60 and was canonized in 1962 by Pope John XXIII.