Book Reviews and More: Saint Martin de Porres Humble Healer - Elizabeth Marie DeDomenico

Saint Martin de Porres:
Humble Healer
Encounter the Saints Series
Elizabeth Marie DeDomenico
Wayne Alfano (Illustrator)
Pauline Books and Media
ISBN 9780819870919

This is the 10th book in the amazing Encounter the Saints Series from Pauline Books and Media that I have read. It is an amazing series and this was an incredible read. I have known the name Martin de Porres for years. But honestly could not tell you anything specific about his life, or why he was a saint, at least prior to reading this book. The author Elizabeth Marie DeDomenico, FSP has written this and two other books, one other in this series. Her writing is very good.

When I started reading this book I could hardly put it down. And even though it is written for a younger audience it can easily be enjoyed by readers of all ages. The example of Saint Martin's love, generosity and service can motivate us all. His simple faith had profound impact on so many lives, in his own time and continuing through to today.

The stories of his generosity, his passion, and of his bilocation will show that this man who lived what appeared to be a simple and humble life was truly close to God. And through that closeness lived to serve. The stories from his life will challenge readers to live to server, and find ways to serve more.

This book contains 5 drawings by Wayne Alfano, they appear to be in the pen and ink style. These images span from Matin being a young man and giving away his families food to the poor until he is much older and still serving God. These illustrations have a lot of detail and are a wonderful edition to the story.

The prayer at the end of this book I have been praying for a few weeks now:

"Saint Martin, during your lifetime you showed great love and concern for everyone. You reached out to people of all social classes and races-old and young, black and white, rich and poor. Your example of selfless care for the sick is an inspiration to people in our own times. You even cared for the animals because they, too, are created by God. Even though you received many special heavenly gifts from God, you always remained humble and kind.Help me to respect all of God's creation and to love all people just as you did. I want to promote peace and harmony in my family,school, and town. May the love of Jesus that burned so greatly in your heart heal the wounds of hatred and division that exist in our world today. Ask God to give me the grace to help those who are suffering or are in need. I want to see Jesus in those who are less fortunate than I am.Pray for me, Saint Martin. Amen."

I loved this book and think this is an incredible series. My only surprise is that only about a third of the books have eBook editions, and of those some are limited to kindle and some epub. These are wonderful books and I highly recommend this book and the whole series.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2017 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books about Saint Martin dePorres:

Martin de Porres - Glynn MacNiven-Johnston - CTS Great Saints

Saint Martin de Porres: Humble Healer by Elizabeth Marie DeDomenico - Encounter The Saints

16 Black Saints and Advocates for Racial Justice - Edited by Mary Leonora Wilson, FSP

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