Saint Martin de Porres

Born: 1579 in Peru

Died: 1639

Patron saint of mixed race and public health workers.

Was illegitimate son of Spanish man and a freed slave, he was ridiculed for being of mixed race.

Under Peruvian law, no person of African or Native American ancestry could join a religious order, so instead he volunteered to do menial tasks.

Eventually was allowed to join the Dominicans, showing great ability and patience caring for the sick.

Said, “Everything…could be a prayer, if it were offered to God.”