© Aris Dervis 2003

St. Martin de Porres

Feast day November 3

How can you not love a saint who called himself "Brother Broom" because of his janitorial duties? This good-humored spirit created a dog and cat hospital, and set out food for the mice and rats in his friary. Born in Lima, Peru in 1579, he was originally trained as a hairdresser before joining the Dominicans. Although he is the patron of hairdressers, public health-workers, persons of mixed race, and Peruvian television, I think he is also the patron of fundraisers. He used his considerable skills as a barber and healer to raise money for orphanages, hospitals and clinics, as well as a dowry for his niece. He was observed to glow in the dark when he prayed, could fly, and healed with a handshake. He once suggested to his superiors that they sell him to make money. His devotees believe that whenever they see a mouse in an unexpected place, a financial windfall will follow. We show him here glowing with his broom and animal companions. Can you see the mouse?

He is available as an 8x10 framed image, T-shirt, candle and greeting card.