St. Martin de Porres Prayer Racial Harmony

This Christian tabletop sign has a St. Martin de Porres prayer titled Lift up our Hearts. Martin (1579 - 1639) was born in Peru, the illegitimate son of a Spanish nobleman and an emancipated slave of African descent. Because he was a person of African ancestry, he was not allowed to enter a religious order. However, at age 24, he became a Dominican lay brother. Despite racism from some, he earned a reputation for holiness, patience and humility. He was canonised in 1962 by Pope John XXIII, making him the first Saint of African descent in the Americas. He is the Patron Saint of Racial Harmony.