COURSE PLAN. SAINT MARTIN de PORRES

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1 COURSE PLAN SAINT MARTIN de PORRES COURSE PLAN METHODOLOGY: Saint Martin de Porres: The Story of the Little Doctor of Lima, Peru by Mary Fabyan Windeatt is represented by the abbreviation. Each weekly assignment is summarized in the first lines of the week s daily course plan. The specific daily assignments are outlined in the following lines indicated by the 1, 2, 3 and 4 abbreviations. We suggest assigning the weekly written assignment at the beginning of the week, to be completed by the following Monday. This will allow the student to think about the assignment while reading. The chapter study questions, chapter vocabulary and glossary are located in the Elementary Literature Study Question booklets available for purchase from. Answers should be given in complete written or oral sentences. This book is one of a series of biographies by Mary Fabyan Windeatt. It describes the seemingly ordinary yet amazing life of Martin de Porres, known for his healing gifts and love for all of God s creation. Children will be especially attracted to Martin s love for animals, and the touching stories of his special interactions with them. Characters: Martin A young boy whose father was a wealthy white man and whose mother was a poor black woman. Martin grew up to be a great saint. Jane Martin s little sister. Anna Velasquez The mother of Martin and Jane. She suffered greatly when the children s father left them, and she became bitter. Don Juan de Porres Martin and Jane s father. God touched his heart, and he began to support his family once again. Don Diego de Miranda The uncle of Don Juan de Porres, who took care of Martin and Jane. Marcelo de Rivero A doctor in Lima, whom Martin served as an apprentice for when he returned from a visit with his great-uncle. Father Prior The Dominican in charge of the community which Martin becames a member of. Brother Michael The Dominican sacristan who told Martin of Father Prior s order to poison the rats and mice that were nibbling on the altar cloths. Martin found another solution. Brother John Masias A friend of Martin s who was a lay Brother in a different Dominican convent in Lima. La Rosita St. Rose of Lima, who Martin frequently consulted. Don Felician de Vega, Archbishop of Mexico who Martin had cured when he was visiting Peru Father Cyprian de Medina nephew of Archbishop de Vega and a Dominican priest in the same convent as Martin Doña Catherine A wealthy lady whose arm Martin healed, shortly after his own death. SSM1

2 COURSE PLAN WEEK 1 Book Weekly Breakdown Goals and Notes for the Week Chapter 1-7 Review the vocabulary words with the student prior to reading. If any are unfamiliar, have the student look up the vocabulary words in the glossary. You may want to have the student write each one in a sentence. Study questions may be completed as the student reads or at the end of the week when reading has been completed. Notes Please note that throughout this book, African American people are called Negroes. This was not used as a derogatory term but it was what all people of African descent were called at the point in history in which Saint Martin de Porres lived. Student Daily Assignments Parent Daily Guidelines 1 2 Chapter 1-2 Chapter 3-4 Have the student read Chapter 1-2 and answer Study Questions. Chapter 1. A Boy and a Beggar. Abandoned by his prestigious father Don Juan de Porres, a white Spaniard, young Martin de Porres, lived a life of poverty with his mother Anna, a black woman, and his sister, Jane. Black people were treated very badly at this time. They were not educated and were only able to get poor paying jobs. Although his circumstances were difficult, Martin demonstrated resignation to the will of God and a deep concern for those who were less fortunate than they were. Even knowing his mother would be angry with him, he gave grocery money to a poor beggar woman. Chapter 2. Martin and Jane. The children s father, Don Juan de Porres returned home to claim them, responding to the grace of God, who showed him how wrong it is to ignore his own family. He helped Anna, and he took the children to Ecuador to live with his uncle Don Diego de Miranda where they would become educated. In those days only the children of the wealthy were taught to read and write. The children flourished and repaid their uncle with affection and obedience. Have the student read Chapter 3-4 and answer Study Questions. Chapter 3. The Little Doctor. Martin s father got a new position and thought it best for Martin to go back to Lima to be with his mother. He asked Martin what he would like to be. He said he wanted to be a doctor to help people. Martin returned to Lima, to the great joy of his mother, and Jane stayed with their uncle. His father arranged for Martin to be an assistant to his friend, Dr. Marcelo de Rivera. The SSM2

3 COURSE PLAN Chapter 5-6 Chapter 7 Written Assignment doctor was amazed at how quickly Martin learned everything. Chapter 4. Candles in the Dark. The young man acquired a well-deserved reputation for holiness. His landlady, wondering what he did with all the candles she provided at his request, finds him praying late into the night. Martin had been discerning what God s call was for his life. He decided to join the Dominicans, but not as a lay brother or priest but only as a servant doing odd jobs. Have the student read Chapter 5-6 and answer Study Questions. Chapter 5. A New Job. Martin was assigned his new duties, including cutting the hair of the community members. The Prior gave him the rules for haircuts, but when Brother James got his haircut, he did not want it that way. Martin, in his insistence on following the rule, made the Brother angry. Martin knew it was better to be obedient and please God rather than man. In the meantime, Martin s special concern for the sick comes to the forefront once again. The Prior told Martin to give special care to Father Peter because he was in terrible pain and was about to lose his leg. Martin made him a very nice salad, and Father Peter, who was grouchy, ate it and immediately felt better. Chapter 6. Life at Santo Domingo. Father Peter was miraculously cured and gave the credit to Martin, who gave the credit to God. Martin had many duties and offered everything to God. Brother Michael was angry with Martin because rats and mice were destroying the altar cloths and told Martin that Father Prior said he had to get rid of them. Martin was responsible because he left food scraps for cats and dogs and it attracted the rats and mice. Brother told Martin to poison them. Martin did not want to do it because he loved all of God s creatures; he felt it was his fault for not having fed them. He talked to a rat and explained that he would leave food in the barn for the rodents to keep them from ruining the altar cloths. Have the student read Chapter 7 and answer Study Questions. Chapter 7. Vacation in the Country. Martin s plan for the rodents worked; they all left the convent and went to the barn. Brother Michael, the sacristan, was amazed at this. Meanwhile, Martin offered to be sold as a slave, to ease the community s debt load. Father Prior sends him off for a vacation in the country instead. There, Martin befriends the local children, explaining to them what a Dominican Tertiary is and instructing them in the love of God. Have the student complete the written assignment in a minimum of 1 paragraph, due Monday. Written Assignment: Choose only one. 1) What does little Martin do with the coins his mother gives him, and why? What SSM3

4 COURSE PLAN Assignments Vocabulary Assignment Study Questions Written Assignment Other: was he supposed to do, and how does he think his mother will feel about his decision? 2) When Martin is instructed to poison the rats and mice, does he do this? Why or why not? How does Martin s approach work out? Week 1 Grade Book Include (A) Points Earned (B) Possible Points A/B x100 =% (C) Week 1 Average Add up column C & divide by number of included assignments = % SSM4

5 COURSE PLAN WEEK 2 Book Weekly Breakdown Goals and Notes for the Week Chapter 8-13 Review the vocabulary words with the student prior to reading. If any are unfamiliar, have the student look up the vocabulary words in the glossary. You may want to have the student write each one in a sentence. Study questions may be completed as the student reads or at the end of the week when reading has been completed. Notes Student Daily Assignments Parent Daily Guidelines 1 2 Chapter 8-9 Chapter Have the student read Chapter 8-9 and answer Study Questions. Chapter 8. The New Lay Brother. Father Prior informed Martin that he was going to make him a lay Brother of the Order. Martin did not think he was worthy of it, but in obedience to the Prior, he accepted. He continued with his regular duties while taking care of a variety of animals as well. After meals, Martin took the leftover food to back door of the convent where poor people were waiting for food. He blessed the food and was able to serve many more people than possible with what he had, and he was able to feed the animals with what was left over, obviously a miracle. Chapter 9. Martin and His Friends. Martin went to visit his friend, Brother John Masias, who was in a different Dominican convent, which took in boys who were orphans. Both of the men were concerned about homeless poor young women of Lima who had no place to go and no dowry. When Martin left Brother John, he was stopped by a boy named Anthony who wanted Martin to take him to La Rosita, who later became St. Rose of Lima, to pray for his sick mother whom the doctor said was dying. Martin assured Anthony that his mother would live. Martin and Little Rose had been friends for some time. She had been praying for Anthony s mother who was one of the poor women that Rose had allowed to stay at her parent s house. She asked Martin to pray, also, because she was aware of the many cures that had come about because of the prayers of Martin. Have the student read Chapter and answer Study Questions. Chapter 10. A Busy Day. Anthony s mother recovered. Martin was gone to visit his sister for the day, and Brother Thomas became sick and died. When Martin returned, SSM5

6 COURSE PLAN 3 Chapter he went into the room with Brother Thomas and prayed. While he was with Brother Thomas, the Dominicans talked among themselves about the many wonders Martin has performed. Many people had been cured, he was known to have bi-located, he had passed through locked doors, stopped a flood, and many other things. He came out of the room and announced that Brother Thomas was not really dead. He was alive. Chapter 11. Martin s Young Neighbors. Martin demonstrated an ability to read souls, foiling an attempt by a novice in the community to take a coin from his drawer. Brother Ferdinand and a new community member named John Vasquez talk together about other marvels concerning Martin. John had gone out with Martin and observed him giving away large amounts of money to the poor and wondered how he got the money. Brother Ferdinand said that many rich people in Lima gave Martin money for his charity. Have the student read Chapter and answer Study Questions. Chapter 12. Martin Takes a Rest. By this time, Martin de Porres had grown old. His reputation for good works was now far-reaching. Father Cyprian, the nephew of the Archbishop of Mexico, whom Martin had cured, told Martin that he would be making a trip to Mexico with the Archbishop. Martin answered that his next trip would be to Heaven. He predicted that he himself would die in four days time. His prediction came true. A novice who had been in Martin s room told everyone that the Blessed Mother and Saint Dominic were with him and helping him to be unafraid of death. The Prior and the rest of the community had gathered together to pray for him as he died. Chapter 13. Hero in Black and White. Hearing that the holy man had perished, crowds assembled. People everywhere important and ordinary, wealthy and poor came to say goodbye to this humble man who cured many, and showed the love of God to all. Father Cyprian was especially moved by the death ot the saint who had so influenced his priesthood. He knelt by the cold body praying. As he touched Martin s hand, the body turned warm and was no longer stiff. So many people snipped pieces of his habit knowing that he was a saint and they were relics. The habit had to be changed several times. Dona Catherine Gonzalez, a wealthy woman who had not been able to use one of her arms for many years, touched Martin s hand and asked for a miracle. She was healed immediately and all the pain was gone. Everyone knew Martin de Porres was a saint. SSM6

7 COURSE PLAN 4 Written Assignment Assignments Vocabulary Assignment Study Questions Written Assignment Other: Have the student complete the written assignment, due Monday. Students may answer the extra credit study questions. Written Assignment. Choose only one. 1) How does Martin treat the girl orphans, his niece Catherine, and the animals he encounters? 2) How does Martin s death take place? Mention at least three unusual things about it. Week 2 Grade Book Include (A) Points Earned (B) Possible Points A/B x100 =% (C) Week 2 Average Add up column C & divide by number of included assignments = % SSM7

8 COURSE PLAN WEEK 3 Book Weekly Breakdown Goals and Notes for the Week Written Assignment: Congratulations! You have finished Chapter 8-13 reading : The Story of the Little Doctor of Lima, Peru. Now you need to write a nice book report on the story. Notes Student Daily Assignments Parent Daily Guidelines Written Assignment Review Exam Other: Written Assignment Review Exam Assignments Written Assignment: Have the student work on book report. Review the paper to make sure everything written supports the thesis statement, and the entire paper has a gentle flow from one supported idea to the next. Check for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. Have the student rewrite the paper neatly if he is writing it in long hand. Study for the Exam. Review all your Study Questions, the vocabulary, and the characters. Exam. Week 3 Grade Book Include (A) Points Earned Exam. A/B x100 =% (C) Week 3 Average Add up column C & divide by number of included assignments = % SSM8

9 ASSIGNMENT ANSWER KEY WEEK 1: Written Assignment: Option 1) When Martin is instructed to poison the rats and mice, does he do this? Why or why not? How does Martin s approach work out? Martin doesn t poison them. He realizes that even the little rodents are God s creatures, too, and he wants them to be alive and happy. Martin instructs the small things to stay in the barn, and promises he will take care of them there. Martin keeps his part of the bargain, and the rats and mice do, too. Option 2) What does little Martin do with the coins his mother gives him, and why? What was he supposed to do, and how does he think his mother will feel about his decision? When Martin s mother sends him to market with three coins, she expects him to buy food for the family. Martin knows from experience she will not be pleased when he gives them to a poor old woman instead. He goes ahead and does this anyway, because he is already trying to please God and not men. WEEK 2: Written Assignment: Option 1) How does Martin treat the girl orphans, his niece Catherine, and the animals he encounters? For the local girls who were orphaned, he and his fellow religious find a way to provide dowries. This enables the girls to get married or to go into religious life themselves. For Catherine, Martin sends not one but six mantillas lace veils that Catherine wants, in order to be as well-dressed as her friends. Martin tends wounded animals, feeds hungry ones, and sees to it that they get along with one another. Option 2) How does Martin s death take place? Mention at least three unusual things about it. Martin is 60 years old when he begins having a lot of pain. He predicts the time of his own death, and is correct. Unusual things in addition to the prediction include: a vision of St. Dominic, St. Vincent Ferrer, and the Blessed Mother, Martin's body becoming warm again after death a fragrance like lilies in the air around him Little Francis not being afraid of Martin's dead body the cure of Dona Catherine's arm The fact that many dignitaries were present at his funeral could also be mentioned, even though this is not a supernatural thing. SSM9

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11 EXAM Grade: /100 Part I. Plot Elements. Plot refers to the events in a story, or what happens. Arrange the following plot elements from : The Story of the Little Doctor of Lima, Peru in the order in which they occurred. (3 points each) 1. Martin and Jane go to live with their great-uncle, Don Diego de Miranda. 2. Martin takes a vacation in the country, befriending the local children while he is there. 3. Anthony seeks out Martin because of his ill mother, and Martin takes Anthony to see La Rosita. 4. The rats and mice that have been destroying the community s property are saved from death by poisoning, because Martin thinks of another plan. 5. Martin gives a few coins to a poor woman, even though his mother wanted him to use the coins to buy supplies for the family. 6. Father Peter s leg is cured. 7. Martin takes care of a wounded man, in the absence of Dr. de Rivero. 8. Ventura de Luna, Martin s landlady, wonders what is happening to all the candles. 9. Brother Thomas is restored to life. 10. Don Juan de Porres listens to God and decides to come and take care of his children, Martin and Jane. Part II. Character. The characters are the people or other actors (including animals) in a story. Write the name of the character being described. (3 points each) 1. grows up, gets married, and becomes the mother of a girl named Catherine. 2. is not afraid to leave young Martin in charge of his many patients. 3. Even though Martin doesn t want to, insists that Martin become a Dominican Tertiary. 4. Martin frequently communicates with, a very holy woman from Lima who also became a saint. 5. blames her own children for the predicament the family is in, because of the color of their skin. 6. is very upset about what the rats and mice have done to the altar cloths, and agrees with Father Prior that they should be poisoned. 7. Even though is reluctant to take in the children at first, he grows very fond of Martin and Jane and is sad to see them go home to Lima again. 8. The limp arm of is healed through Martin s intercession, even though Martin himself has just died. SSM10

12 EXAM 9. When passes away, people from far and near know that, in him, they have known a saint. 10. is a wealthy white man, who considers himself (for a while) too important to be bothered about his dark-skinned son and daughter. Part III. Vocabulary. If the italicized vocabulary word is being used correctly in the sentence, write yes on the line. If not, write no. (2 points each) 1. Brother Martin, how are you doing in the kitchen? Have you finished pealing those potatoes yet? asked Brother Michael. 2. When people got sick, Martin sometimes used ointment on their wounds. 3. Father Peter was especially pleased to be presented with a salad that had capers in it. 4. Martin, you re an absolute wonder! God is truly working through you! Father Prior said scornfully. 5. Don Juan de Porres, Don Diego de Miranda, the Viceroy, and the other important people in Peru were all known as Dominicans. 6. When the poor old woman saw young Martin on his way to market, she begged of him an alms. 7. Martin did a good job working for Dr. de Rivero, during the time when the doctor was Martin s apprentice. 8. Martin and some of his friends saw to it that girl orphans in Lima were provided with dowries. 9. It looks like Brother Thomas is going to die, said Brother Michael gravely. 10. Throughout his life, Martin de Porres was known to be unselfish, greedy, and mindful of the poor. Part IV. Essay. While the life of Martin de Porres seems, in some ways, to be quite dull and ordinary, the wonders that surrounded this man mark him as a great saint. In what ways was Martin s life ordinary? (mention at least three) In what ways was Martin s life extraordinary? (mention at least three) Express your answer in the form of two paragraphs. (20 points) SSM11

13 EXAM ANSWER KEY Part I. Plot. The plot elements should be arranged as follows: 5, 10, 1, 7, 8, 6, 4, 2, 3, 9 Part II. Character. 1. Jane 2. Dr. de Rivero 3. Father Prior 4. La Rosita 5. Anna Velasquez 6. Brother Michael 7. Don Diego de Miranda 8. Doña Catherine 9. Martin 10. Don Juan de Porres Part III. Vocabulary 1. No 2. Yes 3. Yes 4. No 5. No 6. Yes 7. No 8. Yes 9. Yes 10. No Part IV. Essay. While the life of Martin de Porres seems, in some ways, to be quite dull and ordinary, the wonders that surround this man mark him as a great saint. In what ways was Martin s life ordinary? (mention at least three). In what ways was Martin s life extraordinary? (mention at least three) Express your answer in the form of two paragraphs. (20 points) Answers will vary. Ways in which Martin s life was ordinary include the fact that he swept floors, cut hair, worked in the kitchen, and didn t achieve any great academic honors. Ways in which it was extraordinary include the many miracles attributed to him, his power of bilocation, and the sweet perfume that was perceived at the time of his death. SSM12

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