COMMUNITY
St. Martin de Porres’ Guild is an association devoted to the Saint to whom their guild was named after; San Martin de Porres. It was founded in Santo Domingo Church on November 3, 1974 by Fr. Rafael Quejada, OP, in his capacity as the Prior of Santo Domingo Convent and Vicar of the Dominican Province of the Philippines. Fr. Quejada appointed Fr. Carlos I. Acain, OP as Acting Director and Promoter, on November 5, 1974. In 1975, the Guild was listed in the Philippine Dominican Directory as an association under the care of the Filipino Dominicans. On its foundation, St. Martin’s Guild primarily aimed to coordinate the numerous Filipino devotees of St. Martin at his National Shrine at Santo Domingo Church, QC.
In the year 1994, the St. Martin de Porres Guild Choir was organized. The choir is composed of the youth members of the devotees of Saint Martin De Porres. Every Tuesday, the Saint Martin De Porres Guild Choir sings during the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. As an active organization of the Santo Domingo Convent, the Saint Martin de Porres Guild Choir sings every Sunday during the celebration of the 7:00AM Holy Eucharist.
The members of the Saint Martin De Porres Guild strive and encourage others to live a life exemplified by Saint Martin De Porres as “The Paragon of humility, patron of Social Justice, Compassionate to the Sorrowful, and of the Sick and Suffering”. Its mission is Follow the exemplar life of St. Martin de Porres. And it envisions the Propagation of the Devotion to St. Martin de Porres.
CREED
The Guild primarily venerates St. Martin de Porres. Their core beliefs are inspired by the life of St. Matrin de Porres. Thus to understand these beliefs it would be of great profit to look into the life of the Saint.
Some three hundred years ago in the early days of Lima, there lived in a boisterous and booming city, a Negro Lay Brother of the Order of Preachers. He placed himself at the foot of the brotherhood, the lowliest in the Dominican convent of the Holy Rosary and it was only through the insistence of his religious superiors that he dared assume the habit. In that city of strange figures, this humble black brother was the strangest, unsurprised in all Peru as an herbalist, his dark hands posed the gift of healing, he laboured among slaves, Indians and the poor, yet the wealth and exalted sought ministrations.
Let us briefly look at the interesting things about Lima. Lima is the capital of Peru. The history of Lima began with its foundation by Francisco Pizarro on January 18, 1535. In 1532, a group of Spanish conquistadors led by Francisco Pizarro defeated the Inca ruler Atahualpa and soon took over his Empire. As Pizarro had been named governor of the lands he conquered by the Spanish Crown. Lima was a combination of black slaves and catholic Spanish, and Indians (Incas and the like). As conquerors the Spanish destroyed the Inca culture, and melted anything of worth and sent it back to Spain as bards, or ingots. Lima was a port city – most of the manual labour was done by African or Incas. It also meant there was a lot of people coming and going, commotion and activity. Spain was not just interested on just colonize, but also to baptise, so many religious orders flooded the city. There were many half castes or mulattoes, a mix of white and African. Creoles, free Americans blacks and half castes, Mesitizos part Indian part white, Chinos, part Indian and part African. From these mixed groups came skilled workers and the common labour force. Most of these mixed groups whilst a bit better off than the native Indians or Negroes, were still very poor. The Spanish were the rich ones. For black people and the Indians of this time, they were treated like slaves, or with contempt and held little rights, or privileges. They were definitely discriminated against. And it was this environment that St Martin was born into.
Lima also became an important religious center. A Roman Catholic diocese was established in 1541 and converted to an archdiocese five years later. The oldest university on the continent Santo Marcos 1551, was run by Dominicans. The first bishop was a Dominican. There are three Dominican Saints in Lima, namely Rose of Lima, first Roman Catholic saint born in the Americas in 1586 , St John Macias 1585 died 1645, and St Martin himself 1579. Thus, it can be said that Lima is quite a Dominican centered city already. The Dominicans have certainly left their stamp on it.
St Martin was born on December 9, 1579. His baptismal certificate read “father unknown”, and he was baptised in the church of St. Sebastian. Once a slave she obtained her freedom and became a cabaret entertainer in the capital of Panama.
His father was Don Juan de Porres a knight of Alcantara, fell in love with her, and to stop romance, going back to the puritinas in Spain, he sent her to Lima in Peru, and visited her every few months.His father Juan had come to Latin America to find fortune, and he married a negro woman. He at first did not acknowledge Martin and Anna, mainly because she was from a lower cast. And he was unhappy that Martin, had inherited his mother’s characteristics. Perhaps as a conqueror it was a slight on his reputation to have a wife and son and daughter who were of the conquered race. There is no doubt he endured suffering and sorrow in his infancy.
There are two accounts of this. One is that his father returned when Martin was about 8 years old and took responsibility for getting his children into a better life. He arranged to have Martin and his sister get two years of schooling in Ecuador. Before leaving for Panama to govern there, he left Joan and Martin, with a relative James de Miranda, who before his own departure left Anna, enough money to complete his education to learn a trade.
He had a weakness for the poor, and would often donate his money as alms, rather than buying food at the market for his family to eat when his mother sent him on errands. At the age of 12, Martin had to make his first important decision. That of a trade. Barbers in that time also did letting blood treating wounds and fractures, and even prescribing medicine. One of the first incidents was a few men carrying an Indian who was badly beaten. When they found out that Martin was only an apprentice they were dismayed, but when they saw martin work on the man, they were reassured, and because of this and many similar occasions, Martin began to come to fame, and eventually, they preferred his work, to that of his professor.
St. Martin entered the Holy Rosary Monastery in Lima, a Dominican Community. The Dominicans had rules and was reluctant to let him in at first, because of the ongoing debate about Africans humanity and soul, as well as the specific matter of Martin’s illegitimacy. And these were both strong reasons at the time not to admit him to the order, especially since martin was humble and only wanted to be the lowest of them.
He was eventually accepted for professions on June 2, 1603, nine years after being a lay helper, and he was 24 at the time. Religious profession did not change his life, only his occupation, Cutting hair for the 300 friars, with each friar needing a haircut every 15 days, and many old and sick priests needing taking care of. He carried out all these duties in his 45 years at the convent.
Pioneer social worker. At young age he already was concerned with the poor, and even though his family too was poor, he was quick to give what little his mother had given him to buy food to others even less fortunate than he was. Charity was even more important than obedience; he would bring people back to his cell in the convent to treat them until the sick people could leave, and against the prior, and superior.
He would constantly mortify himself, the Father Prior asked, in holy obedience, whether or not every night he subjected himself to discipline three times. The friars who had to cloth Martin’s body, knew of his penances, when they were astonished to see the iron chain around his waist, the number of scars and open wounds on the body. He also wore the hair shirt, and never eating meat, and the final three days of holy week he fasted completely.
It is said that as a child he had extraordinary wisdom, and even as a friar, when ordered not to bring people back, confronted his prior by saying, I consider the virtue of charity greater than obedience.
He accepted punishments, insult, scolding and beatings, unjustly, and always accepted it with good grace, never complained, and remained quiet and suffered with resignation and quite often, racist comments. Never made excuses for things. In fact he rejoiced in these misfortunes and humiliations, he never wanted to be seen as a saint, and hid his penances, his good works, and never took any credit for things.
He was always obedient , to the point of instantly appearing when commanded too, and healing people when commanded to, and answering questions in holy obedience against his will, sleeping on a real bed against his will etc.
He would pray long hours at night because during the day he was working and had little or no time for prayer. As a lay brother, he would not be reciting the office, but prayed the rosary instead.
When he was working, his daily routine, would be to attend mass before daybreak, often serving as an acolyte. While working, he only took enough to pay for his room and boarding, and if he got surplus, they were soon given to the poor. His mother no longer needed his help since his father John de Porres, had finally acknowledged his family and was paying for them.
At his boarding house, (which was closer to the Church of San Lazaro) he would ask the caretaker for discarded candle stubs in the evening, where he would use them to light a crucifix, during his prayer.
Besides his daily duties, his ministry mainly consisted of tending to the sick, either physically, with his skills as a barber, or through his touch. He was quick to help the brothers, and even though he would claim it was only through stitches, or his labour, many believed it was his touch which healed them. Sometimes however it was plain common sense, which advice he gave out, that greatly helped people.
St. Martin helped novices in their studies in many ways, even though he could not preach, as he was not a priest, he did this through example. He made sure that the novices had plenty of time to study, by helping them in menial tasks, such as doing their laundry, making sure they had supplies etc. He interceded for one of the novices being picked on because he was fat, and short. He also had the ability to keep the novices in their vocations, searching for those who had left, and convincing them and returning them to the convent.
Many beggars would wait by the monastery door, to receive a meal. St. Martin after ensuring that the priests, brothers, novices, and the sick in the infirmary had eaten, would gather the left overs to distribute to people outside. No matter how large the crowd, somehow there was always enough to feed all who came. After this Martin would tell them of God and Jesus’ love for the poor, and love for each of them, so that not only were the people physically nourished, they were spiritually as well.
He would visit the imprison, to bring food, and also to talk to the prisoners, he also interceded for one prisoner whom as to be executed, who was pardoned, and also helped him start a new life, finding him a job, and giving him a small amount of money.
Martin never seemed to lack money. Although he himself practised the strictest poverty, he always had money for those in need, such as the prisoner, etc. Martin was also the almoner, the one responsible for the money people brought in for alms or masses to be said, when food, funds, or clothing were needed for special projects, he would approach the rich and ask for donations, often he could collect $2000 in a day, which is a large amount even today. Back then it would have been huge.
Upon seeing all the children who walked around the streets, and thought they would turn to crime, if left uncared for. He approached many to create an orphanage but no one was willing or able to finance the project. So he alone went around begging for funds for the project. Once a few people had contributed, it emboldened others who were unwilling to donate at first to also contribute. So the orphanage of the Holy Cross was created. But a building for shelter is not enough, Martin wanted the children to be educated.
It is said that he had the ability of bilocation, or appearing in other parts of the world, whilst never leaving Lima. Martin always wanted to be martyred or be a missionary, but his superiors would not let him. He was able to solve a problem between his sister and her husband, without leaving the convent, the out of season arrange, brought to a friar who was ill, unusual healing techniques, he claims to have seen it done in France, visiting Christian in Algeria who were prisoners of the Muslims, whom he brought food and money, and comfort.
Care of mice, to keep them out of harm’s way, and stop them destroying the convent and church. Care for birds, such as the chickens whom he would pat and talk to. He cared for dogs, and cats which were sick or injured, until the friars would not allow it, then he begged his sister to help him care for her. He would travel 1.5 miles to her to give whatever help was necessary and to heal the dogs and cats. He also brought back to life animals, such as a donkey, and the friars dog of 18 years. And asking a bull to leave the monastery where it was causing havoc and fear. He always talked to animals gently, as he would talk to a human.
There are some miracles attributed to St. Martin. He never left Lima, yet people saw him in the novitiate house, in China, in Africa, Philippines, France, Mexico and Algeria. He walked through walls doors that are locked or closed. The many people he healed as he worked in the infirmary. Lady Catherine Gonzales, cripple for fifteen years, was healed as she touched the coffin. Elizabeth Orthez was healed when she kissed his picture and prayer. Elizabeth Dastorga was freed of fevers declared incurable when a tunic of St. Martin was passed over here. Deigo de Cevallos, afflicted with laryngitis, and dysentery and point of death, healed with a relic on his throat. He healed Father Cypriano, the little fat short boy being teased, after he had had fallen ill on a trip from Rome to Lima. Bro. Antonio who cared for St. Martin, caught the same fever that Martin had, and was healed.
For a "poor mulatto," Martin's funeral was that of a high ranking official, rather than a humble Dominican Friar. The cortege consisted of religious and friends of the monastery, the Chapter of the Cathedral, superiors of monasteries, lay dignitaries, and military officials. Father Gaspar de Saldana, the Prior, officiated, and Martin's body was borne by four of his most intimate friends - the Viceroy, the Archbishop of Mexico, the Bishop of Cuzco, and John de Penafiel, Judge of the Royal Court. Many times, the habit needed to be replaced as people were tearing it and ripping it to keep as souvenirs and relics.
The king of Spain asked the Holy Father to introduce the cause in 1659, 20 years after Martin’s death. The king sent many letters, followed by similar request from the viceroy of Lima, Archbishop of Lima, the Dominicans, and members of various religious orders in Lima. The process of interviewing was started in 1660, where more than 75 depositions or testimonies were recorded. Because it was only 20 years, many people could still remember this information and to describe what they had experienced first hand. This collected information was sent to Rome in 1668, and returned to Lima in 1678, however the ship carrying the letters were lost at sea, but somehow recovered and sent to Lima. Now the apostolic process started, many testimonies and statements were heard, but this time there were 175 statements recorded. This process took 8 years. This time the papers were lost at sea when sent to Rome, but there were copies made, and these got sent to Rome. Pope Clement declared Martins virtues on February 27, 1763 and made him venerable. The first officially recognised miracle was given to Elvira Moriano of Lima, where an earthen jug had slipped from her hands and shattered, these pieces hit her eye, and not only blinded her but made her lose her eye. No doctors could help her, but her son a novice, at Santo Domingo, brought a relic of St. Martin, and put it on her eye, the pain stopped, and her sight had been completely restored. The boy fell out the 2nd story of a wealth women’s house, where his mother worked as a cleaner. The fall crushed his head, and caused internal injures. The doctor, had no hope of the boy surviving, but the spinah’s lady, had great faith in Martin de Porres, took picture of Martin, and put it on the boy’s head, he appeared to be resting, but got up soon afterwards and was completely healed. It was 70 years before these 2 miracles were accepted by the Congregation of Rites, and allowed Pope Gregory XVI to sign the decree approving of the beatification of Martin, marking him as a Blessed. Almost 3000 pilgrims attended in the church from Spain and 1000 from Peru, and 1500 from Ireland, as well as hundreds us, Chile, Ecuador, Brazil, South Africa Trinidad and the Philippines.
On May 6, 1962, three hundred and twenty-three years after Martin's death, Pope John XXIII canonized St. Martin de Porres in Rome. We may wonder why there is such a delay, but God works in His own way, not ours. Perhaps it was because the Second Vatican Council was underway, which would result in vast changes enabling a heightened understanding and appreciation for the spiritual life in the Catholic Church. Perhaps it was because the Civil Rights movement was making strides in the United States to bring about an awareness of the equality and contribution of Black Americans. Perhaps this why St. Martin de Porres was canonized, to serve as a Christian model to show that an illegitimate mulatto, relegated to a lowly position in the 16th and 17th century Peruvian society, transcended the prejudice and laboured in the fields of the Lord and changed the world around him.
CODE
The St. Martin de Porres’ Guild live under rules of conduct and behaviour. These rules present the way the members live-out their beliefs. The members of the Saint Martin De Porres Guild strive and encourage others to live a life exemplified by Saint Martin De Porres as “The Paragon of humility, patron of Social Justice, Compassionate to the Sorrowful, and of the Sick and Suffering”.
They venerate the Saint in various form, through some images of the saint. Such veneration is manifested in the number of images of the Saint in Santo Domingo Church. There are seven images of the Saint in the church complex, placed in various strategic places (viz. side altar, main altar, seminary lobby, outside the convent’s refectory, convent free clinic, fathers receiving area, and along the church corridor).
Curiously, among these images, the one located outside the refectory of the convent deserves some attention. This image is more than life size (Approximately 3 meters in height), accompanied by two other images of beggars.
This image was commissioned by a certain Mr. Zaragosa in the occasion of the canonization of the Saint. It is said that the image bear the facial feature of the donor. The images of the beggars, being protected by the Saint, hold a wooden walking stick and a broom stick. Curiously, these wooden items are replaced from time to time (by mr. Rolly Tayo, Head of Maintenance Dept. of the Convent). It is because devotees of the Saint collect portions of the wooden items and presumably used them as talisman.
The members of the Guild spearhead the Tuesday Mass dedicated to St. Martin. Masses before 1982-83 were celebrated every Thursday. They were moved to Tuesday to synchronize such schedule with the practice in Peru. Immediately after the Mass, there are Prayer for the Sick, Distribution of Bread, and Veneration of the relic of St. Martin.
In the 80s, the members of the guild would attend Monthly Talks/Lectures by Coristas (Dominican Brothers residing in Santo Domingo Convent), as part of their formation. Installation of members of the Guild are held during the Feast day of the Saint (November 3).
The guild also organize the distribution of third class relic on the Feast day of the Saint (November 3), prepared by the brothers. Fray Rolando Granada, one of the oldest cooperator brothers in the Province, relayed that when they were postulants (c. 1959), they were task to prepare relic cards to be distributed to the devotees.
As part of the social dimension of their devotion, some members of the Guild help in the maintenance and operations of the Santo Domingo Free Health Clinic. They render free consultations and services (e.g. medical and dental). They would also distribute goods and loots bags to indigent family during especial days (Feast day of the Saint, Christmas, etc.), around the Santo Domingo church environs.
CULT
The cult exercised by St. Martin de Porres’ Guild presents the manner by which the devotees of the saint express their veneration and acts of honouring the saint. It also showcases the way the devotees promagate the devotion to the saint. The cult takes various forms which are practiced in the Shrine of St. Martin every Tuesday 5:45 pm.
The guild spearheads the praying of a Perpetual Novena in honour of St. Martin. It is also the prayers used in the Triduum celebration prior to the Feast say of the saint. The novena is said before the mass. The inclusion of a litany in honor of the saint is a praise-worthy item, for it explicitly describes the virtues of the saint that the devotees wish to imitate.
During the mass, the guild serves as the choir.
After the mass, members of the guild and other devotees flock the steps of the altar for the Blessing of the sick. It is meant for the sick people who may be present during the mass, or to those sick people for whom those present are praying for healing. The invocation is lead by the priest-celebrant. After the text of prayer is read, the priest proceeds to the sprinkling of holy water to the people gathered. The people would then patiently wait for the distribution of bread and veneration of the relic of the saint.
The bread distributed among the devotees present, are blessed by the same priest who blessed the sick people. He silently blessed the bread, placed near the tabernacle/ altar. The bread then are distributed by members of guild in manner resembling that of communion distribution. Sick people and devotees line-up along the Shrine aisle and receive the blessed bread from the members of the guild. They take bread not only for themselves but also for their love ones who may be inflicted with sickness. They believe this bread can bring forth healing to those who are infirm who devotedly consume these bread.
The relic of the saint is venerated too as the people receive the blessed bread. The relic is a class A relic, meaning it is taken from the remains of the saint. The devotees kissed the relic of the saint, encased in a reliquary. The reliquary is held by the sacristan, who constantly wipe the reliquary as the devotees would kiss it with their lips.
As these activities unfold, the Guild’s choir, piously sings a hymn to the saint. The song serves as a fitting background as devotees honor the saint and seek his intercession for healing of any forms of sickness and poverty.
