Martin was born on Decemeber 9, 1579, in Peru. Though his father did not care for him very much, through the love of his mother she taught him to pray and never sin. At an early age he was sent to learn a barber's trade as well as learning about medicine. A few short years later his father told him to leave and not to come back. Martin felt sorry for his father but happy for himself because he could now do what God wanted of him. He helped the sick and the wounded, keeping little money for himself and giving the rest to the poor. He fasted, prayed and did penance. After several years he joined the Dominicans. As he worked in the infirmary his heart was with God and Our Lady. God worked many miracles through Martin.

Level 1 books in the Footsteps of the Saints series are about 32 pages each and are written as read-alouds for your beginning readers at about a second grade reading level. The print size is large to make it easier to read for young readers, and there are many wonderful illustrations to give a visual for your younger children who are listening.
Br. Ernest, C.S.C