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Memphis, Tennessee: Saint Martin de Porres National Shrine and Institute

About Saint Martin de Porres:

St. Martin was born in Lima, Peru, in 1579, the son of a Spanish nobleman and a black Panamanian woman. Abandoned by their father at a young age, Martin lived with his mother and sister in poverty.

As a youth, Martin was apprenticed to a barber where he learned the healing arts. As a young man, Martin asked to join the Dominicans in Lima. For several years he served as a lay helper, doing such menial tasks as sweeping floors, cleaning the refectory and toilets. Martin also used his healing skills to care for the sick. Finally, Martin was persuaded to receive the habit as a brother.

Martin became widely known for his depth of spirituality, humble service, healing powers, and love of all God’s creatures. Martin was reported to have the gift of bilocation. As Martin’s fame spread, people came from far and near to ask for his prayers, healing, and spiritual counsel. He treated every person with dignity and respect, regardless of their state in life.

Martin died in 1639 at the age of 60. He was canonized in 1962 by Pope John XXIII, and has been declared the patron saint of social justice. Today, St. Martin is loved by people of many different races and ethnic groups.

We celebrate the Feast of St. Martin de Porres on November 3.

His tomb is in the Convent of Santo Domingo in Lima, Peru, along with Saint Rose of Lima.

About Saint Martin de Porres National Shrine & Institute:

The shrine is run under the auspices of the Dominicans, the order to which St. Martin de Porres belonged.

Mass is celebrated in the Shrine chapel Monday through Friday at noon, and in the sanctuary of St. Peter, Saturday at 5:00 and Sunday at 8:30 and 11:00. In addition, the Dominican community prays morning prayer in the Shrine on weekdays. At each Mass and prayer service, they remember the intentions of their patrons. They welcome your prayer requests.

Finding the Saint Martin de Porres National Shrine & Institute:

The Shrine is located at historic St. Peter Catholic Church in downtown Memphis, TN,  directly across the street from the Shelby County Courthouse, at the corner of B B King Blvd (formerly Third) and Adams.  Enter off of B B King Blvd.

Address:  190 Adams Ave Memphis TN 38103

Tel:  +1 901-578-2643

Click here for the official website of the Saint Martin de Porres Shrine in Memphis, TN

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