Our parish has a wide range of service activities. These groups reach out beyond the Parish to the surrounding Indianapolis community and beyond.

St Martin de Porres

Because of his dedication to the poor, Martin de Porres was known as Martin the Charitable. 

St. Martin de Porres was born in 1579 in Lima, Peru. Having been abandoned for a significant period of time by his father, the loving care of his mother, and his experience of suffering engendered in him a deep compassion for those in need. Trained as a barber (a profession considered to be more like that of a surgeon in his day), Martin asked to join the Dominicans as a simple lay brother, either because of the prejudice of the day or his humility.

Quickly known for his tremendous charity, he became known as Martin the charitable. He had a great ability to raise money and apply this money to meet the long-term needs of the poor. He founded a hospital, a children's orphanage, planted an orchard for use of the poor (they could take one day's supply of fruit), and a shelter for stray dogs and cats. It is said the dogs, cats, mice, and rats all got along, eating from the same dish because of Martin's tender charity.

It was clear to all who encountered Martin that he was a great man of holiness, an instrument God used for many miracles. A contemporary of St. Rose of Lima and St. Juan Massias, his feast day is November 3.

Martin de Porres Quick Facts

Date of Birth: December 9, 1579

Died: November 3, 1639 of Fever

Patron Saint of: African-Americans, barbers, bi-racial people, diocese of Biloxi Mississippi, black people, hair stylists, hairdressers, hotel keepers, innkeepers, interracial justice, mixed race people, mulattos, Peru, poor people, public education, public health, public schools, race relations, racial harmony, social justice, state schools, and television.

Beatified: 1873

Canonized: May 16, 1962 by Blessed Pope John XXIII