Saint Martin de Porres was born in Lima, Peru, in 1579, the son of Juan de Porres, a Spanish nobleman, and Ana Velasquez, a freed woman of African descent from Panama. Because of his mixed heritage, Martin belonged to a lower social class. Despite this, his father ensured he received proper training by apprenticing him to a skilled barber.

At that time, barbers also practiced basic medicine, and Martin soon became known for his gentle compassion and remarkable skill in caring for both people and animals. He later joined the Dominican Order as a lay brother, living in the monastery as a Third Order Dominican. Although he had a deep desire to serve as a missionary, he never had the chance to fulfill that dream.

Martin was deeply devoted to prayer and lived a life of humility and penance. He was said to experience mystical ecstasies, even levitating in front of the altar, and he practiced great self-discipline through fasting and mortification. His wisdom and holiness drew many people who sought his counsel and intercession.

He passed away in 1639. Although the process for his canonization began soon after his death, it was delayed for more than 300 years due to various setbacks, including natural disasters and shipwrecks that destroyed important documents. Saint Martin de Porres was finally canonized in 1962.