MEMORIAL: NOVEMBER 3
St. Martin was born in the 16th century in Lima, Peru. He was the illegitimate son of a Spanish man and a freed slave of unknown descent (either African or native to the Americas). As Martin was growing up, his father deserted the family. In his teens, Martin learned to be a barber and accrued some medical knowledge. He entered the Dominican order, but not without resistance. Because of his mixed race, he was originally only allowed to perform servile tasks for the Order. Consequently, he spent all of his time with the poor and sick. From this life, he was given the Wisdom of simplicity. He is said to have done many miracles including physical healings, bi-location, and levitation. He died of illness at the age of 60 and is the patron saint of men and women of mixed race and barbers.
