Short Summary: Martin de Porres had several testimonies of his bilocation, including instances where he ministered to prisoners and cared for a sick friend while remaining in Peru.
Details
Location: Lima, Peru
Year: 1630
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Through the example of Your servant, Martin de Porres, we are reminded of the power of humble service and selfless love. Grant us the grace to serve others with the same compassion and humility that he showed, especially to the poor, the sick, and the forgotten. Help us to use the gifts You have given us for the good of those around us, knowing that in serving others, we serve You. May we follow Martin’s example of trusting in Your grace to work through us, and may we seek to always offer comfort and aid to those in need. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Verse: As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace. -1 Pt 4:10
Full Story
Martin de Porres, the first Black saint of the Americas, spent his entire adult life at a Dominican monastery in Peru. Known for his deep humility, charitable work, and for being the instrument of various miracles, he was also reported to have bilocated—appearing in different places while physically remaining in Peru. One well-known testimony comes from Francisco de Vega Montoya, who was imprisoned on the Barbary Coast of northern Africa. Montoya claimed under oath that he saw Martin de Porres ministering to prisoners, offering them support and encouragement. After gaining his freedom, Montoya traveled to Peru to thank Martin in person, only to be met with a humble request from the saint to remain silent on the matter. Montoya eventually realized that Martin had never physically left his monastery, reinforcing the claim of bilocation. Another story involved a friend asking Martin to pray for his upcoming business trip to Mexico. During the trip, the man fell gravely ill and, after praying for help, was astonished to see Martin appear at his bedside. Martin quietly cared for him before leaving. Once the man recovered, he sought out Martin in Mexico, only to discover that the saint had been in Peru the entire time. These miraculous accounts, along with many others, contributed to Martin's reputation for holiness. His bilocations were not just extraordinary events—they were seen as expressions of his compassion, where distance could not prevent him from offering help to those in need.
Related Miracles
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Related Miracle 1
Related Miracle 2
Related Miracle 3