NovenasNovena to St. Martin de Porres
Patron of Social Justice and the Poor
Novena to the humble Dominican lay brother, patron of peace, social justice, and the poor. He intercedes for the sick and those in need.
Complete prayer texts. No account needed.
1/ 9
For imitation of Martin's childhood devotion
Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening Prayer
Most humble Martin de Porres, your burning charity embraced not only the poor and needy but even the animals of the field. For your splendid example of charity, we honor you and invoke your help.
From your place in heaven, hear the requests of your needy brethren, so that, by imitating your virtues, we may live contentedly in that state in which God has placed us.
Reflection
St. Martin de Porres was born in 1579 in Lima, Peru, the illegitimate son of a Spanish nobleman and a freed slave of African and Native American descent. Despite his family's poverty and the discrimination he faced, the young Martin was eager for God from his earliest years.
Prayer
Dear Lord, we thank You for giving us St. Martin de Porres as an example of holiness. Help us to imitate his childhood devotion despite poverty. May we too seek God eagerly in all circumstances and not let suffering deter us from loving You. Amen.
Closing Prayer
St. Martin de Porres, you knew what it means to be poor and despised, yet you never let that diminish your love for God or your service to others. Help us to see Christ in the poor and to serve them with joy.
St. Martin de Porres, pray for us!
Our Father
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory Be
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
2/ 9
For virtuous work and service
Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening Prayer
Most humble Martin de Porres, your burning charity embraced not only the poor and needy but even the animals of the field. For your splendid example of charity, we honor you and invoke your help.
From your place in heaven, hear the requests of your needy brethren, so that, by imitating your virtues, we may live contentedly in that state in which God has placed us.
Reflection
From a young age, Martin learned the trades of barbering and surgery. He used these skills to serve others, especially the poor and sick. When he entered the Dominican monastery, he continued to serve through humble work, seeing Christ in every task.
Prayer
St. Martin, you showed us that all work can be holy when done for the love of God. Help us to find opportunities for virtuous work and service. May we perform our daily tasks with the same love and dedication that you showed in your humble duties. Amen.
Closing Prayer
St. Martin de Porres, you knew what it means to be poor and despised, yet you never let that diminish your love for God or your service to others. Help us to see Christ in the poor and to serve them with joy.
St. Martin de Porres, pray for us!
Our Father
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory Be
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
3/ 9
For answering God's call despite obstacles
Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening Prayer
Most humble Martin de Porres, your burning charity embraced not only the poor and needy but even the animals of the field. For your splendid example of charity, we honor you and invoke your help.
From your place in heaven, hear the requests of your needy brethren, so that, by imitating your virtues, we may live contentedly in that state in which God has placed us.
Reflection
Due to his mixed race, Martin was initially barred from becoming a full member of the Dominican Order. Undeterred, he entered as a servant, the lowest position. Eventually, recognizing his holiness, the Dominicans allowed him to take vows as a lay brother.
Prayer
St. Martin, you answered God's call despite the obstacle of discrimination. Help us to respond to our vocations even when others try to block our path. Give us your perseverance and humility to serve God in whatever capacity He allows. Amen.
Closing Prayer
St. Martin de Porres, you knew what it means to be poor and despised, yet you never let that diminish your love for God or your service to others. Help us to see Christ in the poor and to serve them with joy.
St. Martin de Porres, pray for us!
Our Father
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory Be
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
4/ 9
For strength to remain faithful despite injustice
Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening Prayer
Most humble Martin de Porres, your burning charity embraced not only the poor and needy but even the animals of the field. For your splendid example of charity, we honor you and invoke your help.
From your place in heaven, hear the requests of your needy brethren, so that, by imitating your virtues, we may live contentedly in that state in which God has placed us.
Reflection
Even within the monastery, Martin faced mockery and discrimination because of his race. Some brothers treated him with contempt. Yet Martin never responded with bitterness but maintained his virtue and charity toward all, even calling himself a 'poor mulatto.'
Prayer
St. Martin, you remained faithful to God despite the injustice you suffered. Give us the strength to remain faithful even when we face prejudice or mistreatment. Help us to respond to hatred with love, as you did, and to see our persecutors as brothers and sisters in Christ. Amen.
Closing Prayer
St. Martin de Porres, you knew what it means to be poor and despised, yet you never let that diminish your love for God or your service to others. Help us to see Christ in the poor and to serve them with joy.
St. Martin de Porres, pray for us!
Our Father
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory Be
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
5/ 9
For growing faith and wholehearted service
Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening Prayer
Most humble Martin de Porres, your burning charity embraced not only the poor and needy but even the animals of the field. For your splendid example of charity, we honor you and invoke your help.
From your place in heaven, hear the requests of your needy brethren, so that, by imitating your virtues, we may live contentedly in that state in which God has placed us.
Reflection
Martin's deep faith enabled him to perform miraculous healings in the monastery infirmary. He was also reported to have experienced bilocation and levitation. These supernatural gifts flowed from his intimate union with God through prayer.
Prayer
St. Martin, your faith was so great that God worked miracles through you. Help us to grow in faith and to dedicate ourselves wholeheartedly to God's service. May our faith, like yours, bear fruit in love and service to others. Amen.
Closing Prayer
St. Martin de Porres, you knew what it means to be poor and despised, yet you never let that diminish your love for God or your service to others. Help us to see Christ in the poor and to serve them with joy.
St. Martin de Porres, pray for us!
Our Father
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory Be
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
6/ 9
For deeper Eucharistic devotion
Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening Prayer
Most humble Martin de Porres, your burning charity embraced not only the poor and needy but even the animals of the field. For your splendid example of charity, we honor you and invoke your help.
From your place in heaven, hear the requests of your needy brethren, so that, by imitating your virtues, we may live contentedly in that state in which God has placed us.
Reflection
Martin had a profound devotion to the Eucharist. Once, while he was praying before the Blessed Sacrament, a fire broke out nearby. So absorbed was he in prayer that he did not notice until the flames were extinguished. The Eucharist was the source of his strength.
Prayer
St. Martin, you found your strength in the Eucharist. Help us to appreciate more deeply the gift of Christ's Body and Blood. May we approach the Eucharist with the same reverence and love that you showed, and may it transform us as it transformed you. Amen.
Closing Prayer
St. Martin de Porres, you knew what it means to be poor and despised, yet you never let that diminish your love for God or your service to others. Help us to see Christ in the poor and to serve them with joy.
St. Martin de Porres, pray for us!
Our Father
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory Be
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
7/ 9
For compassionate care of the sick
Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening Prayer
Most humble Martin de Porres, your burning charity embraced not only the poor and needy but even the animals of the field. For your splendid example of charity, we honor you and invoke your help.
From your place in heaven, hear the requests of your needy brethren, so that, by imitating your virtues, we may live contentedly in that state in which God has placed us.
Reflection
Martin was assigned to the infirmary because of his recognized virtue and medical skills. There he provided compassionate care to the sick brothers, treating their physical ailments while also attending to their spiritual needs. He saw Christ in each patient.
Prayer
St. Martin, patron of the sick, help us to care for those who are ill with the same compassion you showed. Give us grace to see Christ in the suffering and to serve them with patience and love. Intercede for all who are sick in body or spirit. Amen.
Closing Prayer
St. Martin de Porres, you knew what it means to be poor and despised, yet you never let that diminish your love for God or your service to others. Help us to see Christ in the poor and to serve them with joy.
St. Martin de Porres, pray for us!
Our Father
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory Be
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
8/ 9
For charitable motivation and awareness
Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening Prayer
Most humble Martin de Porres, your burning charity embraced not only the poor and needy but even the animals of the field. For your splendid example of charity, we honor you and invoke your help.
From your place in heaven, hear the requests of your needy brethren, so that, by imitating your virtues, we may live contentedly in that state in which God has placed us.
Reflection
Martin's charity was legendary. He fed hundreds of people, distributed large amounts of money to the poor, and established a home for orphans and abandoned children. His own experience of poverty made him sensitive to the needs of others.
Prayer
St. Martin, your charity knew no bounds. You gave everything to help the poor and vulnerable. Inspire us to be more generous with our resources and time. Help us to see the needs around us and to respond with practical love. Amen.
Closing Prayer
St. Martin de Porres, you knew what it means to be poor and despised, yet you never let that diminish your love for God or your service to others. Help us to see Christ in the poor and to serve them with joy.
St. Martin de Porres, pray for us!
Our Father
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory Be
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
9/ 9
For faithful service to the end
Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening Prayer
Most humble Martin de Porres, your burning charity embraced not only the poor and needy but even the animals of the field. For your splendid example of charity, we honor you and invoke your help.
From your place in heaven, hear the requests of your needy brethren, so that, by imitating your virtues, we may live contentedly in that state in which God has placed us.
Reflection
Martin served faithfully in the Dominican monastery for nearly fifty years until his death in 1639. Despite the obstacles he faced, he never wavered in his commitment to religious life. He died surrounded by his brother Dominicans who had come to revere him as a saint.
Prayer
St. Martin de Porres, you persevered in faithful service until the end of your life. Help us to be faithful in our vocations and to serve God with perseverance. May we, like you, be found faithful when we are called from this life.
St. Martin de Porres, friend of the poor and outcast, pray for us. Amen.
Closing Prayer
St. Martin de Porres, you knew what it means to be poor and despised, yet you never let that diminish your love for God or your service to others. Help us to see Christ in the poor and to serve them with joy.
St. Martin de Porres, pray for us!
Our Father
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory Be
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
About this novena
Novena to the humble Dominican lay brother, patron of peace, social justice, and the poor. He intercedes for the sick and those in need.
Feast of St. Martin de Porres (November 3)
Traditional start: October 25
You can begin a novena at any time. Traditional dates are a guide, not a requirement.
