Celebrating the Feast of St. Martin de Porres with Kids

The Feast of St. Martin de Porres, celebrated on November 3rd, is a wonderful occasion to introduce children to the life and legacy of this remarkable saint. Known for his compassion, service, and connection with animals, St. Martin provides a great example of kindness and humility. Here are some fun and engaging ways to celebrate this feast day with your kids!

1. Our Printable Activities

Kick off your celebration with our St. Martin de Porres coloring page! This activity allows kids to express their creativity while learning about the saint’s life. For a hands-on experience, engage them in the Haircut Sensory Activity, where they can pretend to be barbers like St. Martin. Using yarn or play hair, kids can practice giving haircuts to dolls or stuffed animals.

2. Food Ideas

Food is an essential part of any celebration! Here are some fun ideas related to St. Martin’s story:

• Spaghetti or Angel Hair Pasta: Create a fun dish of spaghetti or angel hair pasta, representing St. Martin’s role as a barber. You can even tell the kids that they are making “hair” for the barbershop!
• Animal-Shaped Sandwiches: Make sandwiches in the shapes of different animals, reflecting St. Martin’s love for all creatures. Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes like cats, dogs, and birds.

3. Play Animal Hospital

Since St. Martin opened a hospital for sick animals, encourage kids to set up their own Animal Hospital at home. They can use their stuffed animals as patients, complete with check-ups and pretend treatments. This not only teaches them empathy but also provides a fun way to learn about caring for animals.

4. Play Barber

Bring out the play scissors and set up a Barber Shop play area. Kids can take turns giving pretend haircuts to each other or their dolls, mimicking St. Martin’s work as a barber. This activity can spark conversations about kindness and helping others, just as St. Martin did.

Conclusion

Celebrating the Feast of St. Martin de Porres is a meaningful way to teach children about compassion, service, and the importance of caring for both people and animals. Incorporating printable activities, delicious food ideas, and engaging play will help them appreciate the life and legacy of this beloved saint. Enjoy your celebration and the time spent together!