Catholic calendar marks the 464th anniversary of Martín de Porres' birth
The Dominican lay brother from Lima is honored today as a model of charitable service in the 17th century.
By Andrew Bennett ·
The Catholic liturgical calendar for Tuesday, November 3, 2026, centers on the life of Martín de Porres, who was born on December 9, 1579. The date marks the 464th anniversary of his arrival in Lima, Peru, where he lived until his death in 1639.
De Porres was the son of a Spanish hidalgo and a mulata woman. This mixed heritage placed him in a marginalized position within the social hierarchy of 17th-century Lima. He trained as a barber and surgeon, roles that allowed him to practice medicine in a community that often restricted opportunities for people of his background.
His professional work focused on the poor. He provided medical care to those in need without charging fees. This practice of free service became a defining feature of his daily life and his reputation in the city.
He joined the Dominican convent of the Rosario, where he lived in conditions of extreme poverty. He dedicated his time to caring for the sick and sharing his limited resources with others. His approach to spiritual life emphasized humility and a direct relationship with the Eucharist.
The source material describes his ability to reconcile individuals and his focus on alleviating human suffering. It notes that he was known for acts of healing and a specific spiritual gift called bilocation. These traits contributed to his standing within the local religious community.
Pope John XXIII canonized Martín de Porres in 1962. This act made him a saint in the universal Catholic Church. The canonization process recognized his long history of charitable acts and his devotion to Christian teachings.
The article includes a specific prayer associated with the day. The text asks for protection and guidance, requesting that the saint help the believer avoid sin. It concludes with a request for peace at the time of death.
The list of saints for the day includes several other names. These include Silvia, Huberto, Engracia, Armengol, Domnino, Pirmino, Gaudioso, Valentín, Hilario, Germán, Teófilo, Cirilo, Mariano, Cesáreo, Vidal, Winefrida, Ida, and Roberto Mayer.
The content was generated using artificial intelligence and supervised by the Univision team. It is part of a series that provides daily religious information to a Spanish-speaking audience.
