On 18 March 2015 Mary Aikenhead was declared Venerable by Pope Francis. Friend of the Poor explores the life and charisma of Mary and reveals how this nineteenth century womans extraordinary faith in God and her total dedication to service of the poor has placed her firmly on the path towards Sainthood. This book reflects on the influences which shaped Marys character and inspired her unconditional response to the call of God in her life. This call involved turning her back on a life of comfort and privilege in order to give herself totally to a life of service to those suffering from poverty, illiteracy and illness --