Word to the Wise
Wednesday, November 3, 2010 - St. Martin De Porres, OP - Patron of those who work for social justice, and of the Southern Dominican Province, USA
[Philippians 2:12-18 and Luke 14:25-33]Do everything without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent children of God...... (Philippians) Everyone of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple. (Luke)
I may have mentioned it here before, but the memory is worth repeating. When I was a boy, growing up in the racially segregated South, I had occasion to attend Mass at the Catholic parish in my hometown that served the Creole and Black Catholics of our area. It should not be surprising that there was a statue of (then) Blessed Martin De Porres in the church. What WAS surprising was to see one on a couple of occasions in a NON-Catholic church serving Black Christians. Martin's example transcended the possible concern that a Protestant church might have about Catholics and "their statues!" He was and is today a powerful symbol of the impartial and loving care of all persons great and small that every Christian should show. This was demonstrated in his ministry at the front door of the priory in Lima, Peru, where he lived and served as doorkeeper. His room was a closet beneath a stairwell. His primary symbol is a broom (and occasionally some mice!). He greeted everyone and served everyone who came to that door! Because Martin was the son of a Spanish soldier and a former slave woman, he was not permitted to study for priesthood but was clothed in the habit of a non-ordained Dominican "Cooperator Brother." He was trained as a barber/surgeon (the two were joined as trades in that time). He is best known, however, for his social ministry at the door of the priory where he fed and clothed the poor. He was famous in his own time for this. For us Dominicans, he is St. Francis and Mother Teresa of Calcutta combined in one person! After Our Lady of Guadalupe, he is the most popular saint among Hispanics here in Texas and in Mexico! Martin's uncomplaining acceptance of a menial ministry, having little of his own, makes him a powerful example and challenge to us Dominican friars of the Southern Dominican Province, USA, who have chosen him as our patron. I hope he can serve in the same way for all my Beloved Congregation! AMEN
config
view
logs
4096.0 KB
78 ms
4
