“Everything, even sweeping, scraping vegetables, weeding a garden and waiting on the sick could be a prayer, if offered up to God.”
In this episode, Tom Shrewsbury discusses the inspiring life and legacy of Saint Martin de Porres, a figure he has long admired. He shares his personal connection to Saint Martin, having been introduced to him by his mother during his childhood. Saint Martin de Porres, born in Lima, Peru in 1579 to a freed slave and a Spanish nobleman, faced immense hardships due to his mixed heritage. Overcoming poverty and societal challenges, he found his calling in the Dominican Order where he dedicated his life to serving the sick, the poor, and the marginalized. Known for his miraculous abilities, such as bilocation and healing, Martin displayed profound humility and devotion throughout his life. Tom emphasizes the universality of Saint Martin’s message of compassion, social justice, and unwavering faith, making him a beacon of hope and a role model for all, particularly in today’s troubled times.
Chapter 1: Recollections of Childhood Devotion – Tom recounts his early memories of his mother’s devotion to Saint Martin de Porres, enhancing his lifelong intrigue about the saint. [00:00:01]
Chapter 2: The Origins of Martin de Porres – Delves into the troubled early life of Saint Martin de Porres, born to a former slave and a Spanish nobleman in Lima, Peru. [00:01:25]
Chapter 3: Early Challenges and Spiritual Growth – Explores the hurdles of Martin’s early life, with particular attention to his mother’s influence on his deepening faith amidst poverty. [00:02:36]
Chapter 4: Martin’s Path to Healing Others – Describes Martin’s apprenticeship as a barber surgeon, where he developed a complementary relationship between his medical skills and his prayer life. [00:05:04]
Chapter 5: Joining the Dominican Order – Chronicles Martin’s humble beginnings and rise within the Dominican convent, emphasizing his deep humility and dedication. [00:06:41]
Chapter 6: Service to the Ill and the Poor – Highlights Martin’s relentless service, both as director of the infirmary and through his personal ministries to Lima’s poor. [00:08:24]
Chapter 7: Miraculous Acts and Charitable Works – Discusses the many miracles performed by Martin, from healing the sick to his compassionate interactions with animals. [00:10:14]
Chapter 8: Building an Orphanage – Focuses on Martin’s efforts to address the needs of the most vulnerable by founding an orphanage for the children of Lima. [00:13:13]
Chapter 9: The Legend of the Rats – Shares an unusual story of Martin communicating with and compassionately handling a rat infestation at the convent. [00:14:16]
Chapter 10: Global Impact and Bilocations – Explores the phenomenon of bilocation associated with Martin, demonstrating his spiritual presence beyond the physical confines of Lima. [00:16:55]
Chapter 11: The Final Years and Passing – Reflects on Martin’s last years, marked by continued service, his suffering, and a peaceful death imbued with sanctity. [00:19:38]
Chapter 12: Path to Canonization and Ongoing Miracles – Narrates the process of Martin’s beatification and canonization, punctuated by continuing miracles attributed to him. [00:23:31]
Chapter 13: Saint Martin de Porres’ Legacy – Concludes with reflections on Martin’s enduring example of faith, humility, and commitment to the marginalized. [00:25:42]
St. Martin de Porres was a 17th-century Peruvian Dominican lay brother who dedicated his life to serving the poor, sick, and marginalized. Born in 1579 in Lima, Peru, to a Spanish father and a freed African slave mother, St. Martin faced discrimination and poverty from a young age. He joined the Dominican Order as a lay brother, where he worked as a barber, nurse, and healer. Known for his humility, compassion, and miraculous abilities, St. Martin cared for the sick, fed the hungry, and helped those in need without discrimination. He founded an orphanage and shelter for abandoned children and animals, as well as a hospital that provided free medical care to the poor. St. Martin de Porres is remembered for his devotion to charity, prayer, and service to others, and was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church in 1962. He is now honored as the patron saint of social justice, racial harmony, and those seeking healing.
Tom Shrewsbury (1930-2012) was born in Springfield, MO. He spent several years in the professional theatre where he worked with such celebrities as Vincent Price, Lucille Ball, and Carol Burnett.
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