Feast Day – November 11th
Patron Saint of Soldiers, Beggars, Tailors, Winemakers, Innkeepers, Geese, Horses, Conscientious Objectors, and France
St. Martin of Tours was born in Savaria, Pannonia (present day Hungary) to pagan parents during the early 300’s. Just before his birth Christianity had been legalized, persecution had ended, and the Gospel began to spread like wildfire. As a young teen to join the Roman military and served at Gaul, Milan, and Treves.
It is believed that during his time in the military he encountered beggars who were without clothing. He took his sword, split his cloak in half, and gave it to the beggar. That night, he had a vision of Christ and he said to him, “Martin, a mere catechumen has clothed me.” In the years following, he told his superiors that he could no longer serve due to his Christians beliefs.
After his military service was over, he traveled to Tours to study under St. Hilary of Poitiers until his time of temporary exile. After that he ventured to Italy, converted a highwayman, confronted the Devil, and had a vision that compelled him t return to Pannonia and his mother. After his return he led his mother to faith in Jesus, but sadly not his father.
After his mother’s conversion, he combated the Arian leaders and they became incredibly violent towards him. This caused him to flee back to Tours where St. Hilary had also returned to. Thanks to a small grant from him, St. Martin started a small monastery inhabited by Benedictine monks. It was founded in 361, destroyed during the French Revolution, and rebuilt in 1853. This abbey still stands today!
In 371, the people of Tours needed a new bishop and decided upon Martin. He apparently tried to hide from them but a flock of geese gave him away! During his time as bishop he established a group of parishes and another monastery. In the following years, heresy broke out and he could not stand it. He left for Gaul where he died in 397.
Ways to Celebrate
Charity: Donate winter clothing, blankets, or jackets to a local shelter or giving tree. Do random acts of kindness for loved ones or someone in need.
Pray: Say a prayer for veterans, both for his feast day and Veterans’ Day.
Food: Find a goose recipe. Create a “St. Martin Bag’s” for others
Read: “Martin and the Red Cloak” by Veronika Laughlin.
Lantern: Create a paper or glass lantern to light up the dark winter night.
