St. Martin de Porres was one of those saints blessed with the ability to obtain miracles from God during his life. In this way, he interceded not only for his fellow man, but for other creatures as well.

On one occasion, his monastery was invaded by mice, taking food from the kitchen, and even going after the clothing and linens in the storerooms. The situation got so bad that St. Martin was told to go and buy some poison to spread around, getting rid of the pests for good.

Martin humbly objected. The goal was to get rid of the hungry little creatures. It might not be necessary to kill them. He proposed instead to place bits of food in the barn and stable, and thus lure the mice away from the monastery. This alternative was agreed to - but on the condition that, if Martin’s plan failed, the poison must be used. Too much of their food and cloth were being lost.

The saint approached a hole in the wall, through which many mice entered the ground floor. There was a little gray mouse in the tiny entrance. It didn’t scamper away as the holy monk came close. Instead, it stayed and listened as Martin spoke. The mouse was instructed to tell the others that they must not cause any more trouble, but should leave the monastery and come to the barn and stable, where Martin would feed them.

After the saint relayed these instructions, the little rodent scurried back in the hole. In just a few moments, scurrying noises were heard all throughout the monastery. The friars watched in amazement as a large number of mice and rats were all moving together - and all leaving the building. As the last of them left, Martin made a small Sign of the Cross toward it.

From then on, as promised, the little animals were fed by Martin, and the monastery’s food and linen stores were left alone.