This Sol Del Valle story has been translated for English readers.
Friar Martín de Porres was a Peruvian religious figure well known for his humility, charity and service to those most in need. Also called Saint Martín de Porres, or “the mulatto of charity,” his virtues were remarkable, especially his humility and deep commitment to serving the poor.
Friar Martín was said to possess supernatural gifts, such as miraculous healing, bilocation and levitation. But there is one particular event that stands out among all the miracles of his life…
He often visited the infirmary near his cell, where he lovingly cared for the sick and suffering. To get there more quickly, he would take a shortcut, a hidden, narrow staircase that few people knew about.
One night, he was making his way down that secret, dimly lit passage, his arms full of clean linens for the patients and a small lit brazier at his feet. That’s when everything changed. As he neared the bottom of the staircase, he was confronted with a sight so terrifying it could have frozen anyone’s blood.
A monstrous, misshapen figure blocked his way. Its white eyes glared at him with hatred and pure malice. There was no doubt, it was the devil himself.
Martín, curious and unafraid, approached and asked with the calm that only absolute faith can grant: “What are you doing here, wretch?”
The proud spirit replied in a smooth, honeyed voice: “I’m here because I feel like it… and because tonight, I win. I intend to take advantage of it.”
“Go back to the cavern you came from,” the saint ordered firmly.
The defiant demon stood his ground, refusing to move, his face twisted into a hateful grin. Friar Martín, knowing there was no point in arguing with evil and that duty called him onward, decided to act.
He gently set down the brazier and the linens, removed the leather belt from his habit and, with unwavering determination, struck the unclean spirit. Though the being had no physical body, the blows, driven by faith, landed with great force.
Realizing he could neither defeat the friar nor provoke him into anger, the infernal creature vanished without resistance.
Martín then took a burning ember, traced a cross on the wall, and knelt to thank God for the victory. Calmly, he continued on his way to the infirmary.
Thus, this saint taught us not to waste time with the devil or his useless tricks, but to wield the whip of faith and spirit to strike evil with authority.