The Diocese of Allentown made a post to social media in honor of the feast day of St. Martin de Porres, who is the patron saint of African Americans, as well as race relations and social justice. 

Born to mixed-race unwed parents, Martin de Porres struggled during his life during a time when being born in his circumstances was highly frowned upon. 

“#FeastDay Lord, you have given to the world a glorious apostle of humility, St. Martin de Porres.  Guide us by his example and strengthen us through his intercessions in our efforts to conform our hearts to the humble Heart of Thy Crucified Son. St. Martin, pray for us!” the Diocese of Allentown posted to Facebook. 

Martin’s father was in denial about his son for the first 8 years of his life and later abandoned the family. Due to his absent father, Martin grew up in poverty but chose to put his own struggles aside and serve those in need. He died in 1639 and was canonized by Pope John XXIII. 

According to Catholic.org, Martin was not allowed to join a religious order in his life as the Peruvian Law prohibited descendents of African or Indian parents. But he did have the opportunity to work as a servant in the Dominican Convent of the Rosary in Lima at age 15. After serving for 8 years, he was allowed to take vows and enter as a member of the Third Order of Saint Dominic. The prior of the convent ignored the rules against Martin joining, allowing him to fulfill his lifelong calling.

No matter the race or social status of an individual, Martin was always charitable and gave freely to all in need. In the U.S. He has a school and a church named after him, in addition to a cemetery, located in McKeesport.