JUAN MASSIAS, Blessed. — A Dominican, born in Ribera (Plasencia) on 2 March 1585, died in Lima on 17 September 1645. Driven by the desire to feel more of a stranger on earth, he set out for Peru (1620) and there, two years later, donned the habit of the lay brothers at the Convent of St Mary Magdalene in Lima (23 January 1622). For the rest of his life he carried out the office of porter in that same convent.
An example of every virtue, he edified all who knew him. A friend of the poor, he gladly conversed with them and sought every means to relieve their sufferings. Endowed with the gift of discernment of spirits and of rare prudence, he was an enlightened counsellor. A lover of penance, he ardently desired martyrdom. He performed miracles both in life and after death. He was in close friendship with Blessed Martín de Porres. His cult was approved by Gregory XVI (22 October 1837). Feast on 18 September.