saint martin of tours bishop

• Saint of the Day

Saint Martin of Tours

• November 11
• Franciscan Media

Image:  Statue of Saint Martin of Tours on the dome of the Basilica of Saint Martin of Tours | photo by ZohaStel

Saint of the day for november 11, (c. 316 – november 8, 397).

Saint Martin of Tours’ Story

A conscientious objector who wanted to be a monk; a monk who was maneuvered into being a bishop; a bishop who fought paganism as well as pleaded for mercy to heretics—such was Martin of Tours, one of the most popular of saints and one of the first not to be a martyr.

Born of pagan parents in what is now Hungary, and raised in Italy, this son of a veteran was forced at the age of 15 to serve in the army. Martin became a Christian catechumen and was baptized when he was 18. It was said that he lived more like a monk than a soldier. At 23, he refused a war bonus and told his commander: “I have served you as a soldier; now let me serve Christ. Give the bounty to those who are going to fight. But I am a soldier of Christ and it is not lawful for me to fight.” After great difficulties, he was discharged and went to be a disciple of Hilary of Poitiers.

He was ordained an exorcist and worked with great zeal against the Arians. Martin became a monk, living first at Milan and later on a small island. When Hilary was restored to his see following his exile, Martin returned to France and established what may have been the first French monastery near Poitiers. He lived there for 10 years, forming his disciples and preaching throughout the countryside.

The people of Tours demanded that he become their bishop. Martin was drawn to that city by a ruse—the need of a sick person—and was brought to the church, where he reluctantly allowed himself to be consecrated bishop. Some of the consecrating bishops thought his rumpled appearance and unkempt hair indicated that he was not dignified enough for the office.

Along with Saint Ambrose, Martin rejected Bishop Ithacius’s principle of putting heretics to death—as well as the intrusion of the emperor into such matters. He prevailed upon the emperor to spare the life of the heretic Priscillian. For his efforts, Martin was accused of the same heresy, and Priscillian was executed after all. Martin then pleaded for a cessation of the persecution of Priscillian’s followers in Spain. He still felt he could cooperate with Ithacius in other areas, but afterwards his conscience troubled him about this decision.

As death approached, Martin’s followers begged him not to leave them. He prayed, “Lord, if your people still need me, I do not refuse the work. Your will be done.”

Martin’s worry about cooperation with evil reminds us that almost nothing is either all black or all white. The saints are not creatures of another world: They face the same perplexing decisions that we do. Any decision of conscience always involves some risk. If we choose to go north, we may never know what would have happened had we gone east, west, or south. A hyper-cautious withdrawal from all perplexing situations is not the virtue of prudence; it is in fact, a bad decision, for “not to decide is to decide.”

Saint Martin of Tours is a Patron Saint of:

Horses Soldiers South Africa

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Saint Martin of Tours

November 11: Saint Martin of Tours, Bishop—Memorial

316 or 336–397 Patron Saint of beggars, cavalry, equestrians, geese, horses, innkeepers, Pontifical Swiss Guards, quartermasters, reformed alcoholics, soldiers, tailors, and winemakers Invoked against alcoholism and poverty Pre-Congregation canonization Liturgical Color: White Version: Full – Short

Quote: Accordingly, at a certain period, when he had nothing except his arms and his simple military dress, in the middle of winter, a winter which had shown itself more severe than ordinary, so that the extreme cold was proving fatal to many, he happened to meet at the gate of the city of Amiens a poor man destitute of clothing. He was entreating those that passed by to have compassion upon him, but all passed the wretched man without notice, when Martin, that man full of God, recognized that a being to whom others showed no pity, was, in that respect, left to him. Yet, what should he do? He had nothing except the cloak in which he was clad, for he had already parted with the rest of his garments for similar purposes. Taking, therefore, his sword with which he was girt, he divided his cloak into two equal parts, and gave one part to the poor man, while he again clothed himself with the remainder. ~From the Life of Saint Martin, by Sulpicius Severus

Reflection: Saint Martin of Tours has been one of the most revered and loved saints in European history for two primary reasons: he lived a life of heroic sanctity, and someone wrote it all down. Sulpicius Severus is believed to have been a wealthy man who converted to Christianity through the ministry of Bishop Martin. He then became a priest, interviewed Bishop Martin before he died, and wrote a book about Martin’s incredible life. The book was copied over and over again and became one of the standard texts for religious and laity alike for many centuries. Numerous churches and monasteries bear Martin’s name as a result of his popularity.

Martin was born in Sabaria in Pannonia, within the Roman Empire, modern-day Szombathely, Hungary. Some early records state he was born in 316, others in 336. When Martin was young, his family moved to Ticinum, modern-day Pavia, northern Italy. He was born in the Roman Empire during an important period of change. In 313, Emperor Constantine issued the Edict of Milan, legalizing Christianity. Constantine then became a Christian himself, and it became known that he favored Christians over those who remained pagans. As a result, many people began converting, some for political and economic reasons.

Martin’s father was a soldier who advanced to the rank of military tribune. As a child, Martin became interested in Christianity, but his parents clung to Roman paganism, dismissing the newly legalized Christianity. Martin, however, was not satisfied with his parents’ choice. So, at the age of ten, he went to the local Catholic Church and asked to become a Christian. He was enrolled as a catechumen and began the lengthy process of preparing for Baptism, which would not take place until ten years later. When he was twelve years old, he asked his parents to permit him to become a hermit, but they refused. At the age of fifteen, in compliance with a state law requiring sons of military officers to enlist in the Roman military, Martin became a soldier. Despite being surrounded by many who lived immoral lives, Martin remained true to his faith and lived quite virtuously. His language was always respectful, he treated others with exceptional kindness, he often gave most of his money and belongings to the poor, he humbled himself by serving those who were supposed to serve him, and he continued his preparation for Baptism.

One day, while riding his horse through a town in the middle of winter, Martin came upon a poor man who was poorly dressed and shivering. The man begged people for help, but they ignored him. Martin knew he had to assist, but he had already given his money and other clothing away to the needy. All he had left was the military cloak he wore on his own back, so he dismounted his horse, took out his sword, cut the cloak in two, and gave half to the poor man. His fellow soldiers later laughed at his small funny-looking cloak. That night, Martin had a dream in which Jesus appeared to him wearing the half-cloak and said to a multitude of angels who surrounded them, “Martin, still only a catechumen, has clothed me.” When he awoke, he knew what he needed to do. He sought baptism, which he received at the age of twenty.

Martin remained in the military for two more years at the request of a friend. One day, the commanding officer was passing out bonuses to the soldiers as they prepared for battle the next day. When Martin was called forward, he stated, “I have been your soldier until now. Let me serve God henceforth. Give your bonus to someone who’ll fight for you. I am Christ’s soldier, and it’s not right for me to engage in battle.” Martin was accused of being a coward because they were going into battle the following day. To that accusation he replied, “If you believe I’m acting out of fear, I’ll stand unarmed in front of the enemy lines tomorrow. Shielded only by my faith in Jesus and the sign of the cross, I’ll face them without armor.” Martin was then thrown into prison to wait for the battle, which never happened because the opposing side sought peace. Martin was soon after released from the military.

Having heard of the renowned bishop and future Saint Hilary of Poitiers, Martin traveled to Poitiers in present-day France and stayed with the bishop for some time, learning from him the orthodox faith. He was also ordained a deacon and made an exorcist by Bishop Hilary. After Bishop Hilary was forced into exile for combating Arianism in the imperial court, and after Deacon Martin had a dream about converting his pagan parents, he decided to return to his hometown. On the way, he was attacked by robbers, but upon being asked who he was, he told one of the robbers that he was a Christian. Deacon Martin then shared the Gospel with the man, who repented, let Martin go, and later converted. When Deacon Martin arrived home, he converted his mother to the Christian faith but could not move his father. Others in his hometown also converted.

After encountering the wrath of some Arian priests whom he opposed, and even the Arian Archbishop of Milan, Deacon Martin and a priest spent time living as hermits on the Island of Gallinara. There they lived on herbs and wild roots. One day Martin ate a poisonous root by mistake, but through fervent prayer, God healed him.

Upon hearing that Bishop Hilary’s exile from Poitiers had ended, Deacon Martin moved to a town near the holy bishop and established a monastery. From there, he began preaching throughout the region and performing many miracles. He restored an unbaptized catechumen to life. When the catechumen returned to life, he stated that it was due to Martin’s prayers. On another occasion, Martin brought a slave back to life who had hung himself. 

In 371, Martin was chosen by the consent of the people as the Bishop of Tours. Though he initially opposed it and tried to hide, he was tricked and led to the cathedral where his ordination awaited. Once ordained the Bishop of Tours, Bishop Martin moved outside the city and established hermitages with other clerics where he led a life of prayer. For the next twenty-six years, he lived both an eremitical life and also engaged in an active ministry. He traveled throughout Gaul (France), preaching, converting many, performing miracles, and casting out demons. He opposed heresies, worked with other orthodox bishops—such as the future Saint Ambrose of Milan—destroyed pagan temples, and gained the respect of all. His opponents feared him, and his supporters praised God every time they witnessed his ministry in action.

Though Saint Martin of Tours lived a life of heroic virtue and deep prayer, his life and veneration reveal the importance of sharing the stories of the saints with others. After his death, his life has continued to inspire many. As we honor Saint Martin, ponder any ways that God might want to use you as He used Sulpicius Severus, Saint Martin’s biographer. Though you might not be called to write a book about a saint you know, consider ways in which you can share the Gospel by learning more about the saints and sharing their stories with others.

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St. Martin, Bishop of Tours

There are few people whose life story can be summed up in a single indelible act. Saint Martin belongs in this special category. The story of Martin giving up half of his cloak is emblematic of his life. Martin was born around the year 316, in Pannonia, now Hungary, on the peripheries of the late Roman Empire. The son of a military tribune, he grew up in Pavia, Italy, after his father was given land in that city. Although his parents were pagan, Martin was interested in Christianity, and already at age twelve showed an interest in becoming an ascetic and retiring to the desert. But an imperial edict arrived, commanding him to take up the sword and putting an end, so it seemed, to his dream of a life of solitude and prayer. Forced to enlist, Martin became a soldier and was stationed in the territory of Gaul.

Giving half to Christ

Sometime around the year 335, Martin, now an Imperial guard, was making his rounds on horseback, when he came across a half-naked beggar. Taking compassion on the poor man, Martin took his military cloak, cut it in two, and gave half to the beggar. The following night, Jesus Himself appeared to Martin in a dream, wearing the cloak. Addressing the angels who accompanied him, the Lord said, “Behold, here is Martin, an unbaptized Roman soldier: He has clothed me.” The dream left a grave impression on the young soldier, and Martin was baptised the following Easter. He continued to serve in the army for twenty more years, in an environment totally removed from his youthful dreams.

From monk to bishop

As soon as possible, Martin left the army, and travelled to Poitiers to meet Hilary, the bishop, who was a firm adversary of the Arian heresy. On account of his strong stance, Hilary was exiled by the emperor Constantius II (who supported the Arians). Upon hearing the news of Hilary’s exile, Martin, who in the meantime had gone to visit his family in Pannonia, retired to a hermitage near Milan. When Hilary returned from exile, Martin went to France to find him and obtained the bishop’s permission to found a monastery near the city of Tours. Having erected small huts for himself and his companions, Martin, the former soldier who had clothed the poor Christ, himself became poor, as he had always desired. Dedicated to prayer and the preaching of the Gospel, Martin travelled through France, where many came to know him. His popularity led the people to choose him to be Bishop of Tours in 371. Martin ultimately agreed to be consecrated, but maintained an ascetic lifestyle. He refused to live like a prince while the people suffered; and the poor, the sick, and prisoners continued to find shelter under his mantle. He lived near the city walls in the monastery of Marmoutier, said to be the oldest in France. Dozens of monks, including many of noble birth, lived with him and shared his austerities.

A true knight

In 397, Bishop Martin, now almost 80 years old, travelled to Candate (now Candes-Saint-Martin) to heal a local schism. On account of his virtue and strong personality, he was able to restore peace; but before he was able to return home, he fell ill with a violent fever. He asked to be laid out on the bare earth, and breathed his last before a great crowd.

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Saint Martin of Tours

Feast day: november 11.

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St. Martin of Tours, a 4th century soldier in the Roman military, holds a significant place in Christian history. Living during a time when Christianity had become legalized in the Roman Empire, Martin’s life and actions exemplify the transformative power of faith. His feast day, celebrated on November 11, provides an opportunity to delve into his life’s story and the lasting impact he has had.

Born in the Roman province of Pannonia around 316 AD, Martin was raised in Italy as the son of a Roman army officer. Despite his pagan upbringing, he felt a strong pull towards Christianity from an early age. However, it was during his time in the military that Martin experienced a life-changing encounter that set him on a path of deep spiritual transformation.

Martin’s story is one of selflessness and compassion. He is best known for the “Cloak Incident,” where he encountered a beggar in need during a bitterly cold winter. Martin, moved by the man’s suffering, cut his own cloak in half and shared it with the beggar. This act of kindness became a turning point in his life, leading him to dedicate himself to the service of God and others.

As we explore the life and legacy of St. Martin of Tours, we will uncover the remarkable journey that took him from military service to the priesthood and eventually to the bishopric. Along the way, we will also discover the miracles attributed to him and the connection between St. Martin of Tours and Armistice Day. Join us as we delve into the inspiring story of this revered saint.

Early Life and Military Service

Born in the Roman province of Pannonia around 316 AD, Martin was the son of a Roman army officer and was raised in Italy. Despite his pagan upbringing, Martin felt a pull towards Christianity from an early age. His journey to sainthood interestingly began in the military. As a young soldier in the Roman army, Martin experienced a life-changing encounter that set him on a path to deep spiritual transformation.

During his time in the military, Martin witnessed the harsh realities of war and the suffering it caused. This exposure to violence and the struggles of others deeply affected him and sparked a desire for something greater than the life of a soldier. He began to question the purpose of his existence and sought solace in his faith.

It was during one particular campaign that Martin’s life took a significant turn. While stationed near the city of Amiens, Martin encountered a beggar who was half-naked and freezing in the bitter cold. Moved with compassion, Martin could not ignore the man’s suffering. In a selfless act of kindness, he cut his military cloak in half and shared it with the beggar, providing him with warmth and comfort.

The Cloak Incident: A Turning Point

Little did he know that this simple act of kindness would have a profound effect on his life. That night, Martin had a dream in which he saw Jesus wearing the half-cloak he had given away. Jesus said to him, “Martin, who is still but a catechumen, clothed me with this robe.”

This vision was a turning point for Martin. It solidified his commitment to Christianity and led him to be baptized at the age of 18. From that moment on, Martin refused to engage in any further fighting, declaring, “I am the soldier of Christ: it is not lawful for me to fight.” His refusal to continue fighting earned him accusations of cowardice, but Martin remained steadfast in his beliefs.

In a remarkable turn of events, Martin offered to go into battle unarmed as a demonstration of his commitment to non-violence. Surprisingly, the other side agreed to a truce before the battle began, and Martin was released from his military service.

The Cloak Incident was a pivotal moment in Martin’s life, marking his conversion to Christianity and setting him on a path of spiritual awakening and service to others. It serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of compassion and the profound impact one act of kindness can have.

Path to the Priesthood and Bishopric

After leaving the army, Martin embarked on a new journey of faith. He became a disciple of St. Hilary of Poitiers, a prominent figure in the Church and a staunch defender against Arianism, a heretical belief that denied the divinity of Christ. Under Hilary’s guidance, Martin’s understanding of the Christian faith deepened, and he became increasingly committed to serving God and others.

Inspired by his newfound devotion, Martin established a monastic community in Ligugé, which is considered the first known monastery in Gaul. This community became a haven for those seeking a life of prayer, contemplation, and service. Martin’s reputation for holiness and his ascetic lifestyle attracted many followers, and the monastery flourished under his leadership.

In 371, Martin’s life took another unexpected turn. Despite his reluctance, he was ordained as the Bishop of Tours. This appointment marked a significant milestone in his spiritual journey and a testament to his unwavering commitment to the Church. As bishop, Martin continued to live a life of simplicity and humility, often choosing to reside among the poor and in isolation.

Martin’s path to the priesthood and bishopric exemplifies his unwavering dedication to God and his willingness to serve others. His journey from soldier to monk to bishop showcases his deep faith and the transformative power of his spiritual awakening. Martin’s life serves as an inspiration to all, reminding us of the importance of following our calling and living a life of selflessness and devotion.

Miracles were a significant aspect of St. Martin of Tours’ life, showcasing his deep faith and the power of God working through him. One of the most notable miracles attributed to Martin was the raising of a catechumen from the dead. This miraculous event occurred when Martin encountered a grieving mother whose son had passed away. Moved by compassion, Martin prayed fervently for the young man’s life to be restored. Miraculously, the young man came back to life, a testament to Martin’s unwavering faith and the divine intervention he experienced.

In addition to raising the dead, Martin was also known for his ability to cure the sick. Countless individuals sought his intercession and experienced healing through his prayers. Martin’s commitment to serving the poor and his strong stance against heresy made him a revered figure in the Christian community. His miracles served as a testament to his holiness and the power of God working through him.

These miracles not only brought physical healing but also inspired faith and hope in those who witnessed or heard about them. They served as a reminder of God’s presence and the transformative power of faith. Martin’s miracles continue to inspire believers today, reminding us of the extraordinary ways in which God can work through ordinary individuals who are dedicated to serving Him and others.

Connection Between St. Martin of Tours and Armistice Day

St. Martin of Tours’ connection to Armistice Day is rooted in his love of peace and his role as the patron saint of soldiers. His feast day, which is celebrated on November 11th, became a traditional day to end conflicts. This date holds significant historical importance as it marks the end of World War I with the signing of the armistice on November 11, 1918.

Armistice Day was initially established to commemorate the cessation of hostilities on the Western Front, bringing an end to the devastating war. It was a day of remembrance and reflection, honoring the sacrifices made by soldiers and civilians alike. St. Martin’s feast day, coinciding with this momentous occasion, became intertwined with the commemoration of peace and the end of conflict.

Over time, Armistice Day evolved into Veteran’s Day in the United States, expanding its focus to honor all military veterans who have served their country. However, the connection between St. Martin of Tours and Armistice Day remains significant, as his legacy as a soldier-turned-saint and his dedication to promoting peace continue to inspire and resonate with those who commemorate this day.

By celebrating St. Martin’s feast day on November 11th, we not only honor his life and contributions but also pay tribute to the enduring pursuit of peace and the sacrifices made by those who have served in the military. It serves as a reminder of the importance of peace and the ongoing need to strive for harmony in our world.

His Canonization and Lasting Impact

St. Martin of Tours was one of the first saints to be recognized without being a martyr. He was canonized because of his holy life and his many acts of kindness. His story of sharing his cloak with a beggar became well known. After his death, people believed that Martin had done many miracles. His reputation for goodness spread quickly, and he became a saint.

St. Martin’s feast day is celebrated on November 11. This date became important because of his connection to peace. The signing of the armistice that ended World War I also took place on November 11. Because of this, St. Martin’s feast day is also linked to remembering peace and the end of conflict.

St. Martin is the patron saint of soldiers, the poor, beggars, and conscientious objectors. He once declared, “I am a soldier of Christ, it is not lawful for me to fight,” and refused to fight in battle after his conversion. His courage in standing by his beliefs makes him a patron for those who refuse to fight due to conscience. He is also the patron saint of France, where he served as bishop of Tours. Many churches and schools are named after him, and people around the world look to him as an example of service.

His legacy continues in the Church and beyond. Many people are inspired by his life of kindness and generosity. Even though he lived a long time ago, the way he cared for the poor and stood up for what was right still speaks to people today. His story reminds us that we can help others in simple ways.

St. Martin also showed great humility. Even after becoming a bishop, he chose to live simply. He did not seek power or wealth. Instead, he focused on serving others and living close to God. This example teaches us the importance of humility and putting others first.

The legacy of St. Martin of Tours is one of kindness, service, and humility. He shows us how to live a life that helps others and honors God. His example still inspires people to care for the poor, seek peace, and live with humility.

St. Martin of Tours: A Model of Compassion and Service

St. Martin of Tours shows us what it means to live with kindness and a spirit of service. Though he began his life as a soldier, he is best remembered for his generosity, especially the famous story of sharing his cloak with a freezing beggar. This simple act reminds us that small acts of kindness can have a big impact. Martin saw a need, and instead of ignoring it, he responded with compassion.

Martin’s life also shows us how faith can change the direction of our lives. After his encounter with the beggar, he had a vision of Christ wearing the cloak he shared. This moment changed him, leading him to leave the military and devote himself fully to God. It makes us think about how we can respond when we feel God calling us in a new direction. Are we open to letting faith guide our choices?

As a bishop, Martin remained humble, living among the poor and always putting others first. He was known for his care for those in need and for standing firm in his beliefs, even when it was difficult. His life challenges us to think about how we treat those around us, especially the poor and suffering. Are we willing to live simply and generously as he did?

St. Martin of Tours is a great example of someone who lived out his faith in real and practical ways. He didn’t wait for a perfect moment to do good—he acted whenever he saw a need. His life encourages us to live with compassion, to listen to God’s call, and to be generous in serving others.

Reflection Questions

• When have I seen someone in need and taken action like St. Martin?
• How can I respond more generously to God’s call in my life?
• What small acts of kindness can I do this week to help those around me?

Daily Mass Readings for the Memorial of Saint Martin of Tours, Bishop

In addition to the suggested readings below, the readings may also be taken from the weekday readings, the Common of Pastors , or the Common of Holy Men and Women (for religious).

• First Reading – Isaiah 61:1-3 : The Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the afflicted, liberty to captives, and comfort to mourners, marking a time of divine favor and healing.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 89 : I celebrate the Lord’s enduring kindness and faithfulness, His covenant with David, ensuring his lineage and strength, symbolizing God’s unending mercy and protection.
• Gospel – Matthew 25:31-40 : Jesus described His return in glory, where He, like a shepherd, will separate people as sheep from goats. The righteous, placed on His right, will be blessed and inherit the kingdom for their acts of kindness to the needy. He will reveal that in serving the least of society, they served Him, underscoring the importance of compassion and service in His eyes.

If we do not want to live life poorly, let us ask for the grace to see Jesus in the poor, to serve Jesus in the poor. Pope Francis

Video about Saint Martin of Tours

What date Is the Feast of Saint Martin of Tours?

It is observed annually on November 11.

Who was St. Martin of Tours?

St. Martin of Tours was a Roman soldier who laid down his arms when he became a Christian. He later became a monk and a bishop.

What is the significance of St. Martin of Tours and the Cloak Incident?

The Cloak Incident is a famous event in the life of St. Martin of Tours. It symbolizes his selflessness and willingness to give to those in need. By cutting his cloak in half to share with a beggar, he demonstrated the Christian virtue of generosity.

How did St. Martin of Tours become a saint?

St. Martin’s reputation for holiness and his acts of charity led to his recognition as a saint. His selfless devotion to serving others and his unwavering commitment to the faith made him an inspiration to many.

What is the connection between St. Martin of Tours and Armistice Day?

St. Martin of Tours is linked to Armistice Day due to his reputation as a peace-lover and his status as the patron saint of soldiers. His feast day on November 11th was traditionally seen as a suitable time to stop wars. This date is also historically important because it is the day World War I ended with the signing of the armistice on November 11, 1918.

What miracles are associated with St. Martin of Tours?

St. Martin of Tours is said to have performed numerous miracles during his lifetime. Some of the most well-known miracles include healing the sick, raising the dead, and calming storms.

Who is St. Martin of Tours the patron saint of?

St. Martin of Tours is the patron saint of conscientious objectors, soldiers, tailors, the poor, and winemakers.

What is the connection between St. Martin of Tours and Veteran’s Day?

St. Martin’s love of peace and his role as the patron saint of soldiers made his feast day a traditional day to end conflicts. Armistice Day, which brought an end to the fighting of World War I, took place on November 11, 1918. The annual observance of Armistice Day eventually became Veteran’s Day in the United States. So there is a real connection between St. Martin of Tours’ feast day and the observance of Veteran’s Day.

How can we be inspired by St. Martin of Tours in our daily lives?

St. Martin of Tours serves as a powerful example of love, mercy, and forgiveness. We can be inspired by his selflessness and willingness to serve others. By following in his footsteps, we can make a positive impact on the lives of those around us and bring the light of Christ to a world in need.

What is the legacy of St. Martin of Tours?

The legacy of St. Martin of Tours is one of compassion, love, and selflessness. His dedication to the faith and his unwavering commitment to serving others continue to inspire people to live out their faith with a generous heart and a humble spirit.

What can we learn from St. Martin of Tours?

St. Martin of Tours teaches us the importance of selflessness, generosity, and service to others. His life serves as a reminder that true greatness lies in serving others and putting their needs before our own. We can learn from his example and strive to live out our faith with compassion, love, and selflessness.

How can St. Martin of Tours inspire us today?

St. Martin of Tours continues to inspire us today through his acts of charity and his unwavering commitment to the faith. His example challenges us to examine our own lives and consider how we can better serve others and live out our faith in a meaningful way.

What are the Mass readings for the Memorial of Saint Martin of Tours, Bishop?

First Reading  –  Isaiah 61:1-3 : Anointed Mission Responsorial Psalm  –  Psalm 89 : Eternal Covenant Gospel  –  Matthew 25:31-40 : The Final Judgment

Saint Martin of Tours was born in 316 AD in what is now Hungary. He grew up in a military family and became a soldier in the Roman army. Even though his family did not follow Christianity, Martin felt drawn to the Christian faith from a young age.

One of the most famous stories about Martin is when he met a beggar in the cold. He cut his cloak in half to share with the man. That night, Martin had a vision of Jesus wearing the half-cloak. This moment changed his life. Soon after, Martin was baptized and left the army.

After leaving the military, Martin became a monk and dedicated his life to serving others. He helped the poor, preached the gospel, and stood up for his beliefs. Martin was later made the Bishop of Tours, though he still lived simply and humbly. He is known for his kindness and miracles.

Martin is the patron saint of soldiers, the poor, and conscientious objectors. His feast day is November 11, the same day World War I ended. His life inspires people to live with compassion and serve others.

Saint Martin of Tours lived a life of kindness and service. His story encourages us to think about how we can help others, even in small ways. Take some time to learn more about this great saint.

You can find his story inspiring and meaningful. If you want, share your thoughts or experiences in the comments . How has Saint Martin’s example made you think about your own life? Let’s reflect together on how we can live with more compassion and care for others.

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Life of St. Martin of Tours

St. martin of tours.

Both Saint Martin and Saint Nicholas are remembered for their heroic charity, both became famed wonder-working bishops, and both saved sailors from shipwreck. As we celebrate the feast day of Martin, November 11, we focus here on this saint whose fabled life notably started with the pity he showed a poor beggar by cutting his cloak in two, making him in one stroke the patron of both soldiers and tailors!

A Military Man

Born into a pagan military family around 316, Martin’s father was a tribune, subject to constant reassignment. Martin was born in modern day Hungary but grew up in Pavia, Italy, where his father was stationed. In those formative years he was attracted to Christianity. At age ten he went to church and begged to become a catechumen. At age twelve he wanted to become a hermit. But at fifteen, he was drafted into the Roman army due to a law issued by the emperor demanding that sons of retired veterans should take their fathers’ places. Soon he was stationed in Reims and later in Amiens, where the signature event in his life occurred. As he was passing through the city gates one bitterly cold winter, he spied a forlorn and tattered beggar pleading for alms. Having nothing to give him but a share in his own clothing, Martin drew his sword and cut his cloak in two. In a painting by an unknown German master the beggar is depicted as a crippled invalid missing a foot. This is common to German illustrations of the legend, and it contrasts strikingly with Martin, who is depicted standing in bright red leggings rather than in his usual pose, armored and riding a horse. Here the enabled one extends charity to the disabled and a Gospel mandate is fulfilled: “I was naked and you clothed me…inasmuch as you did it to the least of my brethren you did it to me” (cf. Mt 25:36, 40). That night in a dream, Martin saw Christ wearing that portion of cloak that he had given the beggar, and heard him saying to the angels that surrounded him, “Martin the catechumen has clothed me with this garment.” Thereupon Martin had himself baptized. More than ever he wanted to renounce the world and live entirely for Christ, but he lived up to his military contract for two more years, envisioning himself more and more as a soldier for Christ rather than for the emperor. 

After his release from the army, Martin presented himself to Hilary, the bishop of Poitiers, who made him an acolyte. In a dream he was told to visit his parents and convert them. His mother embraced the faith, but his father would not. On this journey, he preached against the Arian heresy, and suffered a public scourging for it when he fell into the hands of the enemy. Managing to return to Poitiers, the bishop gave him a plot of land on which to build a hut. It was two miles outside the city in a place now called Ligugé. This became the core of Martin’s spirituality: prayer, solitude, and sacrifice. Adopting a hair shirt and animal skins for his habit (a far cry from the fancy uniform depicted in the painting) Martin lived the life of a hermit in his wooden hut. In time, he attracted more and more men who wanted to follow his example. From this primitive beginning, Martin established the first monastic community in Gaul. The discipline he received in the military provided the fertile ground in which his monastic system could flower. But the Lord had further plans for Martin, and called him from his spiritual oasis when the bishop of Tours died in 371.

A Beloved Bishop

Martin had no desire to become a bishop (the first sign that he would make a good one). But supporters tricked him into coming to Tours, where he was persuaded to stay and assume the episcopacy. He did not occupy the bishop’s residence and he refused to sit on the bishop’s throne. He sat on a three-legged stool instead. He also abhorred the tumult of the city, and established another monastery as his home, this time in a series of caves carved out of the cliffs of nearby Marmoutier. As many as eighty men joined him, and from among this ascetic group many cities chose their bishops.

As bishop of Tours, Martin preached around the countryside, performing many wonders, from communication with animals to raisings from the dead. Nearly a thousand years before Saint Francis, Martin was known to kiss a poor leper and cure him. The saint’s biographer, Sulpicius Severus, compared Martin to the Apostles, and attributed to him amazing miracles that included healings, exorcisms, visions of angels, and temptations by devils. In 397, as he saw death approaching, he donned sackcloth and ashes. When he finally expired, those around him heard choirs of angels singing. The people of both Poitiers and Tours fought over his body. Saint Ambrose of Milan claimed to have telepathically attended his funeral. Later, the kings of France would carry Martin’s cloak into battle as a talisman for victory. But the triumph worth winning, as Martin’s life attested, was in the victory over self and the allurements of the world. And this insight came from a man who was a bishop, who remained a monk, who remained a soldier for Christ to the end. 

Both Saint Martin and Saint Nicholas are remembered for their heroic charity, both became famed wonder-working bishops, and both saved sailors from shipwreck. As we celebrate the feast day of Martin, November 11, we focus here on this saint whose fabled life notably started with the pity he showed a poor beggar by cutting his cloak in two, making him in one stroke the patron of both soldiers and tailors! 

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The Life of St. Martin of Tours

Biography of st. martin of tours.

St. Martin was born in the year 316, in the city of Sabaria in what is now Hungary (at that time it was a Roman province). His father, a non-Christian, was a high officer in the Roman army. As a child Martin was left much in the care of the family servants, several of whom were Christians. From them the boy learned a little about their religion and liked to go with them to Mass. But what really impressed him was the difference between the pagan boys and the Christian boys with whom he played: Others were loud and foul-mouthed, quarrelsome, jealous, and dishonest. The Christians, on the other hand, were quiet and clean and friendly; they did not lie, or cheat, or steal. When young Martin asked about this he was told that the Christian religion forbade lying, stealing, quarreling, cheating, unclean speech, and the like. Martin liked this so well that later his fellow soldiers testified that he was never heard to curse or to speak unkindly of anyone.

A Just Roman Soldier

When his father learned that the fifteen-year-old boy was interested in Christianity he was angry. At once he had the young Martin enlisted in a cavalry troop. Now, the Roman army was no school for saints: at this time the Christian religion had been made legal in Rome, but the army was still largely pagan, with a good many half savages from the Roman provinces.

Martin’s father should have been safe, then, in thinking that in the army his son would lose his love for Chris trinity and he would have been safe with anyone but Martin. But the boy had a will of his own, a strong love of virtue, courage, and a mind that he used so well that he was soon promoted. When the troops were ordered to Gaul the seventeen-year-old officer went with them.

Conversion to Catholicism

In Gaul, Martin was free to do as he wished, and at eighteen he was baptized and given minor orders. Resigning from the army, he returned home to try to convert his father. He failed in this, but did have the happiness of seeing his mother baptized before her death.

After a few years, he went back to Gaul, and later was made bishop of Tours. Here, he did great work for God, making many converts and building up the Church. He built the first monastery in France. But his people knew him for his kindness to all and especially to the poor. They honored him, too, for his severe penances and his love of prayer. Thus, when he died at the age of eighty years, he was loved and venerated by all his people. To this day, he is considered one of the greatest Saints of the Church.  The church’s feast day for St. Martin is November 11th each year.

Giving the Cloak Off His Back

It was during the intensely cold winter of 335, when many persons perished in Northern France for want of proper clothing and exposure, that one day as a regiment of soldiers were marching through the gate of the city of Amiens, a poor man, clothed in rags and shivering with cold, held out his thin hand for charity. Officers and well-clad soldiers passed him without dropping a coin or inquiring about his needs. At length Martin, now a young officer and scarcely eighteen years of age, rode through the gate. A flush passed over his face as this suffering fellow-creature met his eye.

Without a word, the young officer drew his sword from its scabbard and cut his military cloak in two; and while one-half still hung from his own shoulders, the other had been thrown over those of the shivering beggar. Leaning towards the beggar, he said: “It is all I have to give, for I have no money”; and then spurred on with his regiment.

That night the young officer dreamed that Jesus Christ appeared to him wearing on His shoulders the half of his cloak which had been given to the beggar, and He said to Martin: “Look at this cloak, and see if you recognize it”. Then the shining Visitor turned from the young officer to the troop of Angels who accompanied Him, saying: “Martin, though only a catechumen, has clothed Me with this garment”.

Learn More:

To learn much more about St. Martin of Tours visit https://christianapostles.com/st-martin-of-tours/

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Saint Martin of Tours, Bishop, Confessor

SAINT MARTIN OF TOURS BISHOP, CONFESSOR—316-400

Feast: November 11

St. Martin, called "the glory of Gaul," was born about the year 316 of pagan parents in Sabaria, Upper Pannonia, a province comprising northern Yugoslavia and western Hungary. His father was an officer in the Roman army who had risen from the ranks. While Martin was still a child, his father was transferred to a new station in Pavia, north Italy. Here the boy learned of Christianity, felt drawn to it, and became a catechumen. As the son of a veteran, at the age of fifteen he was required to begin service in the army. Though never shirking his military duty, he is said to have lived more like a monk than a soldier.

Young Martin was stationed at Amiens, in Gaul, when the incident occurred which tradition and art have rendered so famous. As he rode towards the town one winter day, he noticed near the gates a poor man, thinly clad, shivering with cold, and begging alms. Martin saw that none who passed stopped to help the miserable fellow. He had nothing with him but the clothes he wore, but, drawing his sword from its scabbard, he cut his great woolen cloak in two pieces, gave one half to the beggar, and wrapped himself in the other. The following night, the story continues, Martin in his sleep saw Jesus Christ, surrounded by angels, and dressed in the half of the cloak he had given away. A voice bade him look at it well and say whether he knew it. He then heard Jesus say to the angels, "Martin, as yet only a catechumen, has covered me with his cloak."[1] Sulpicius Severus, the saint's friend and biographer, says that as a consequence of this vision Martin "flew to be baptized."

When Martin was about twenty, some Teutonic tribes invaded Gaul, and with his comrades he went before the Emperor Julian[2] to receive a war-bounty. Suddenly he was moved to refuse it. "Up to now," he said to Julian, "I have served you as a soldier; allow me henceforth to serve Christ. Give the bounty to these others who are going out to battle. I am a soldier of Christ and it is not lawful for me to fight." Julian, angered, accused Martin of cowardice; the young man replied that he was ready to go into battle the next day unarmed, and advance alone against the enemy in the name of Christ. He was taken off to prison, but discharged as soon as a truce had been made. He then went down to Poitiers, where the renowned Hilary had been bishop for many years. Hilary gladly received this early "conscientious objector" and ordained him deacon.

Having heard in a dream a summons to revisit his home, Martin crossed the Alps, and from Milan went over to Pannonia. There he converted his mother and some other persons; his father he could not win. While in Illyricum he took sides against the Arians with so much zeal that he was publicly scourged and forced to leave. Back in Italy once more, on his way to Gaul, he learned that the Gallic Church was also under attack by the Arians, and that his good friend Hilary had been banished. He remained at Milan, but soon the Arian bishop, Auxentius, drove him away. Martin took refuge with a priest on the island of Gallinaria, in the gulf of Genoa, and stayed there until Hilary returned to Poitiers in 360. It had become Martin's desire to pursue his religious calling in solitude, and Hilary gave him a small piece of land in central France, now called Liguge. He was joined by other hermits and holy men, and the community grew into a monastery, the first, it is said, to be founded in Gaul. It survived until 1607; in 1852 it was rebuilt by the Benedictines of Solesmes.

For ten years Martin lived there, directing the life of his disciples and preaching in outlying places. Many miracles were attributed to him. About the year 371, Lidorius, bishop of Tours, died, and the people demanded Martin in his place. Martin was so reluctant to accept the office that they resorted to stratagem and called him to the city to give his blessing to a sick person, then forcibly conveyed him to the church. When neighboring bishops were summoned to confirm this choice, they thought the monk's poor and unkempt appearance proved him unfit for the office, but they were overruled by the acclamations of the local clergy and the people. Even as a bishop, Martin lived an austere life. Unable to endure the constant interruptions, he retired from Tours to a retreat that was later to become the famous abbey of Marmoutier. The site was enclosed by a steep cliff on one side and by a tributary of the Loire River on the other. Here Martin and some of the monks who followed him built cells of wood; others lived in caves dug out of the rock. In a short time their number grew, with many men of high rank among them. From this time on bishops were frequently chosen from Marmoutier, for the holy Martin took the greatest pains in the training of priests.

Martin's piety and preaching resulted in the decline of paganism in that part of Gaul. He destroyed temples and felled trees which the heathen held sacred. Once when he had demolished a certain temple, he proceeded to the cutting down of a pine tree that stood near. The chief priest and other pagans there offered to cut it down themselves, on condition that he who trusted so strongly in his God would stand under it wherever they would place him. The bishop agreed and allowed himself to be tied and placed on the side towards which the tree was leaning. Just as it seemed about to fall on him, he made the sign of the cross, at which the tree fell in the other direction. Another time, as he was pulling down a temple in the vicinity of Autun, a crowd of pagans fell on him in fury, one brandishing a sword. Martin stood and bared his breast, at sight of which the armed man fell backwards, and in terror begged forgiveness. These marvels are narrated by Sulpicius Severus, who also describes various revelations and visions with which Martin was favored.

Once a year the bishop visited each of his parishes, traveling on foot, or by donkey or boat. He continued to set up monastic communities, and extended the bounds of his episcopate from Touraine to such distant points as Chartres, Paris, Autun, and Vienne. At Vienne, according to his biographer, he cured Paulinus of Nola of a disease of the eyes. When a brutal imperial officer, Avitianus, arrived at Tours with a band of prisoners he planned to torture to death on the following day, Martin, on being informed of this, hurried in from Marmoutier to intercede for them. Reaching the city near midnight, he went straight to the quarters of Avitianus and did not leave until the officer promised mercy to his captives.

The churches of other parts of Gaul and in Spain were being disturbed by the Priscillianists, an ascetic sect, named for its leader, Priscillian, bishop of Avila. A synod held at Bordeaux in 384 had condemned his doctrines, but he had appealed to Emperor Maximus. Meanwhile, Ithacius, the orthodox bishop of Ossanova, had attacked him and urged the emperor to have him put to death. Neither Ambrose at Milan, however, nor Martin at Tours would hold communion with Ithacius or his supporters, because they had appealed to the emperor in a dispute over doctrine, and now were trying to punish a heretic with death. Martin wrote to reprove Ithacius severely. It was sufficient, he said, that Priscillian should be branded as a heretic and excommunicated by the bishops. Maximus, yielding to Martin's remonstrances, ordered the trial deferred and even promised that there should be no bloodshed, but afterwards he was persuaded to turn the case over to his prefect Evodius. He found Priscillian and some others guilty on several charges and had them beheaded. At this news, Martin went to Treves to intercede for the lives of all the Spanish Priscillianists who were threatened with a bloody persecution, and also for two men under suspicion as adherents of the late Emperor Gratian. As a condition before granting this request, Maximus stipulated that Martin should resume communion with the intolerant Ithacius and his party. Since they were not excommunicated, this was no violation of any canon, and he accordingly promised the emperor that he would do so, provided the emperor would pardon the two partisans of Gratian and recall the military tribunes he had sent to Spain. The next day Martin received the Sacrament with the Ithacians in order to save so many people from slaughter; yet he was afterwards troubled in conscience as to whether he had been too yielding. For their part in the affair both the emperor and Ithacius were censured by Pope Siricius. It was the first judicial death sentence for heresy, and it had the effect of spreading Priscillianism in Spain.

Martin had premonitions of his approaching death and predicted it to his disciples, who besought him not to leave them. "Lord," he prayed, "if Thy people still need me, I will not draw back from the work. Thy will be done." When his final sickness came upon him, he was at Candes, in a remote part of his diocese. The monks entreated him to allow them at least to put a sheet under him and make his last hours comfortable. "It becomes not a Christian," said Martin, "to die otherwise than upon ashes. I shall have sinned if I leave you any other example." He lay with eyes and hands raised to Heaven, until the brothers begged him to turn on one side to rest his body a little. "Allow me, my brethren," he answered, "to look towards Heaven rather than to earth, that my soul may be ready to take its flight to the Lord."

On November 8 he died, and three days later was buried at Tours. Two thousand monks and nuns gathered for his funeral. His successor built a chapel over his grave, which was replaced by a fine basilica. A still later church on this site was destroyed during the French Revolution, but a modern one has since been built there. Throughout the Middle Ages, the knightly Martin, who shared his cloak with a beggar, was the subject of innumerable anecdotes, which expressed the love and veneration of the people. His tomb became a national shrine in France, of which country he is patron saint, and one of the most popular pilgrimage places of Europe. St. Martin is patron of the cities of Wurtburg and Buenos Aires. Many churches in France and elsewhere have been dedicated to him. His emblems are a tree, armor, a cloak, and a beggar.

1 The building where St. Martin's cloak was preserved as a precious relic came to be known as the <capella>, from the Latin word for cloak, <cappa>; and from <capella> is derived our word "chapel."

2 On Julian, see above, <St. Athanasius>. n. IO.

Saint Martin of Tours, Bishop, Confessor. Celebration of Feast Day is November 11. Taken from "Lives of Saints", Published by John J. Crawley & Co., Inc.

• Martin of Tours: A Beacon of Faith and Humility

There is something profoundly captivating about the life of St. Martin of Tours. His story, a testimony of sacrificing one's own comfort for the sake of others, instills a sense of awe even today. Nestled within the folds of time, there awaits an anecdote from his life that I often reflect upon. On a bitterly cold winter day , a near-naked beggar was shivering in the freezing cold. Martin, moved by the man's plight, took his own cloak, tore it in two, and covered the beggar to protect him from the cold. That night, he dreamt of Jesus wearing the same piece of his cloak, thanking him for his compassion and charity. This act of kindness, the selfless sharing of his cloak, marks one of the significant events of Martin's life.

Table of Contents

The Early Life of St. Martin of Tours

Born in the year 316 AD, in what is now Hungary, Martin has been a symbol of faith, humility, and dedication. Despite his father's wishes to join the Roman army, Martin found himself more inclined towards Christianity and the Church. His entry into the Christian religion was not immediate, but once he devoted himself, he did so wholeheartedly.

Martin’s Journey Towards Spirituality

Martin of Tours had a spiritual awakening in Amiens, where he served in the Roman army. The incident with the beggar sparked the flame of spirituality within him. After this transformational experience, Martin left the military to serve God and spread the message of love and charity. He embraced monastic life and became a disciple of St. Hilarius in Poitiers.

Martin as a Monk and Hermit

Leading a life of austerity and spiritual rigor, St. Martin developed a deep understanding of the Holy Scriptures. He lived as a hermit for a while, inspiring many others by his example. His reputation as a holy man led to his appointment as the Bishop of Tours.

Martin as the Bishop of Tours

Despite his reluctance to assume the role, Martin's appointment as the Bishop did not change his monastic lifestyle. He continued to live simply and humbly, setting an example for both clergy and laypeople. As a bishop, his life was marked by miracles and acts of charity.

Miracles Associated with Martin of Tours

Several miracles are attributed to St. Martin, including resurrections and healings, which consolidated his reputation as a saint during his lifetime. His fame transcended boundaries, attracting people from afar seeking spiritual guidance and healings.

Martin’s Legacy

More than 1700 years after his death, St. Martin's spirit lives on. His legacy continues to inspire countless individuals around the world, reminding them of the transformative power of faith, humility, and charity. It serves as a reminder that our actions, founded in love, can touch the heart of God.

"Heavenly Father, as we recall the selfless love and humility of your faithful servant, St. Martin of Tours, may we be inspired to live according to your will. May we become true ambassadors of your love and mercy. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen."

May the life of St. Martin of Tours embolden us all to imitate his virtues. As we remember him, let's pray that his teachings would resonate in our hearts, illuminating our path, and leading us ever closer to our Heavenly Father.

In the vast ocean of saints, Martin of Tours emerges as a guiding star, showing us the way to navigate the tumultuous waters of life with courage, conviction, and love. The echo of his acts of charity and humility reverberates across centuries, enveloping believers with warmth and hope.

Remembering St. Martin, we are reminded that greatness lies not in worldly achievements but in humble acts of kindness. As members of the Catholic faith, may we strive to live by his example, loving and serving those around us, no matter how insignificant our actions may seem.

Who knew that the simple act of sharing a cloak could write an unforgettable chapter in the annals of Christianity? Perhaps, it's the smallest acts of love that leave the most significant imprints on the sands of time.

Remember, Martin of Tours demonstrates that the path to sanctity is paved with small acts of love and sacrifice. Let's take this message to heart and strive to live a life worthy of our calling.

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What was Saint Martin of Tours known for?

Saint Martin of Tours is a renowned figure in the Catholic Church known for more than one reason. Born around 316 AD in Hungary, he is often associated with the military as he was conscripted into the Roman army. However, he is most recognized for an incident where he cut his cloak in half to share with a beggar during a snowstorm . His act of charity is widely commemorated, symbolizing his profound compassion for the poor and the destitute.

Later, he had a dream where Jesus revealed Himself wearing the half-cloak Martin had shared. This vision prompted him to be baptized and abandon his military career. Martin sought a monastic life and became a disciple of St. Hilary of Poitiers, leading to the founding of the first monastery in Gaul (now France) .

Eventually, Martin became the Bishop of Tours. Notably, he was one of the first bishops to be elected by the people, rather than by church officials or imperial authority. As a bishop, he continued to live monastically, focusing on evangelism, raising other monasteries, and confronting Arianism, a heretical doctrine that denied Christ's divinity.

St. Martin of Tours died on November 8, 397. His legacy lives on in his feast day, November 11, celebrated in many parts of the Christian world. He is the patron saint of soldiers, horses, riders, geese, and vintners, among other things, due to various legends and tales associated with him.

What were the miracles of Martin of Tours?

Saint Martin of Tours was one of the most recognized saints in the Western Christianity who lived in the 4th century. The miracles attributed to him were recorded in the "Vita S. Martini" ('Life of Saint Martin') by Sulpicius Severus.

The Miracle of the Pine Tree: St. Martin is said to have brought down a Pine tree that was used for pagan worship, despite the protests of the local people. He declared his faith in God and offered to stand in the path of the falling tree. As the tree was cut down, it miraculously fell in the opposite direction, thus sparing him.

The Raising of the Catechumen: In the second miracle, a young catechumen (a Christian being instructed in the faith but not yet baptized) fell ill and died. Upon hearing the news, St. Martin visited the deceased body, lay upon it, and prayed fervently. Suddenly, the young man's body began to show signs of life, and he was revived, thus showcasing a resurrection miracle.

The Miracle of the Fire: When a massive fire broke out at a place where St. Martin was staying, he confronted the raging inferno without any fear, praying fiercely and marking the sign of the cross. Astonishingly, the fire subsided, and no harm came to anyone present or the surrounding buildings.

These accounts of miracles attributed to Saint Martin of Tours have served to represent his virtue, faith, and power as a miracle worker in the eyes of the Catholic Church.

What is a famous quote from St Martin of Tours?

St. Martin of Tours is a beloved Catholic saint with numerous quotes attributed to him. One of his most notable quotes is:

" Hitherto, I have served you as a soldier; let me now serve Christ. Give the bounty to these others who are going forth to fight, but I am a soldier of Christ and it is not lawful for me to fight. "

This quote reflects St. Martin's decision to leave his military service and devote his life to Christ. This pivotal moment clearly demonstrates St. Martin’s commitment to his faith and his readiness to serve in the name of peace, even at the cost of his own personal safety and status.

Why is St Martin of Tours a saint?

St. Martin of Tours is regarded as a saint for various significant reasons.

Firstly, he was one of the first known conscientious objectors , opting to serve in a non-combat role during his time in the Roman army. His decision was based not on fear of battle, but by his faith and belief that his Christian beliefs were incompatible with military service.

Secondly, St. Martin is celebrated for his spirit of charity and kindness . The most famous legend attached to him is the account of him using his military sword to cut his cloak in half, to give part to a beggar clad only in rags in the depth of winter. This act of charity illustrates his selfless desire to help others.

Lastly, St. Martin was instrumental in spreading Christianity in rural Gaul (modern-day France) , which was largely pagan at the time. He established monasteries and promoted education, playing a crucial role in the advancement and spread of the Christian faith.

St. Martin's piety, goodwill, and efforts to propagate Christianity are the main reasons why he is adored as a saint in the Catholic Church. His feast day is observed on November 11.

Who was Martin of Tours and what is his significance in the Catholic church?

Martin of Tours was a bishop in the fourth century who is regarded as one of the most significant figures in the development of Western Christianity. He was born around 316 AD in Szombathely, Hungary to pagan parents. At a young age, Martin felt a call to Christianity and eventually became a catechumen (someone receiving instruction in the Christian faith).

His life took a significant turn when he had a vision of Christ appearing to him as a beggar. This triggered his full conversion to Christianity and led to one of the most famous anecdotes about his life. When approached by a half-naked beggar asking for alms in the middle of winter, Martin famously cut his military cloak in half to share with the man. That night, he dreamt of Jesus wearing the half-cloak, confirming his decision to follow Christ wholeheartedly.

Martin eventually left the military to become a disciple of Saint Hilary of Poitiers, and later founded a monastic community at Ligugé, France - the first monastery in Gaul. He was reluctantly ordained as Bishop of Tours in 372 AD, where he vigorously propagated Christianity across Western Europe.

Martin’s significance in the Catholic Church is manifold. He stands as a model of Christian charity, represented by the act of sharing his cloak with the beggar. His establishment of the monastery paved the way for the spread of monasticism in the West. Moreover, Martin strongly opposed Arianism, a controversial theological topic in the early church, resulting in his role as a defender of orthodoxy.

Most importantly, Martin of Tours is recognized for extending the concept of sanctity beyond the martyrdom. As a confessor saint who had not died as a martyr, he began a new trend in the veneration of saints.

The Feast of Saint Martin of Tours is celebrated annually on November 11, often marking the beginning of winter and the advent season. This reflects his enduring legacy within the Catholic tradition.

What miracles are attributed to Saint Martin of Tours?

Saint Martin of Tours, one of the most familiar and recognizable Christian saints in the Western tradition, is credited with numerous miracles. The miracles attributed to him are often tied to his profound humility, kindness, and faith.

1. The Miracle of the Cloak: This is probably the most famous miracle associated with Saint Martin of Tours. According to legend, while Martin was still a soldier in the Roman army, he encountered a poorly dressed beggar during a cold winter. Despite not having much himself, Martin cut his soldier's cloak in half with his sword, giving one half to the beggar. That night, Martin dreamt of Jesus Christ wearing the half-cloak he had given away, signifying his service to Christ in the poor.

2. Resurrection Miracles: There are many accounts where Martin brought people back from the dead. One account involves a catechumen (a Christian convert under instruction before baptism) who died without being baptized. Martin laid on top of the deceased and prayed. After two hours, the man came back to life.

3. Healing the Sick: Many miracles of healing are also ascribed to Saint Martin. In one case, he is said to have healed the diseased eye of Saint Paulinus of Nola. In another account, he cured an entire island of people from diseased conditions after they converted to Christianity.

4. Exorcism: Martin was also known for performing exorcisms. There's a tale that says he once confronted a pagan temple, where he was challenged by a tree - a symbol of a pagan god. A demonically possessed man was brought forward, and Martin commanded the demon to vacate the man's body.

5. Control over Nature: Several miracles reflect Martin's supposed control over the elements. It's believed he once redirected a boulder threatening to crush a church. On another occasion, it was reported that he caused a drought-ending rainstorm on a parched region.

Remember, these miracles, passed down through oral tradition and later written records, serve to highlight Saint Martin's saintly virtues and God's power working through him. For some, these miracles are accepted as faith's mysteries, while skeptics may view them as allegorical or symbolic narratives.

How did Martin of Tours become a saint in the Catholic Church?

Martin of Tours became a saint in the Catholic Church through a series of notable events and decisions in his life that exemplified Christian virtues, leading to his canonization after his death.

Born in modern-day Hungary in 316 AD, Martin was conscripted into the Roman army at a young age. One winter day, Martin famously encountered a shivering beggar whom he clothed using part of his own military cape. That night, he dreamt of Jesus wearing the piece of the cloak he had given away, which prompted his baptism into Christianity.

Eventually, he left the military to live a monastic life. He is known as the founder of monasticism in France . He was later coerced by the people of Tours to become their bishop. As a bishop, he continued his simple and austere lifestyle by living in a cell attached to his church. He was known for his commitment to the poor, his miracles, and his gift for evangelizing.

Upon his death on November 8, 397, Martin's acclaim was almost immediate--despite canonization processes not being formalized until the 12th century. His successor in the bishopric of Tours, Gregory, wrote extensively about Martin. Gregory’s writings about Martin's miracles and holiness played a significant role in spreading Martin's reputation. The veneration of Martin spread throughout the whole Church very swiftly.

By the Middle Ages, Martin of Tours was one of the most popular saints in the Church, especially among the Frankish (French) peoples. His feast day, Martinmas, became associated with many customs across Europe. Martin was eventually canonized as a saint in the Catholic Church for his charity, his dedication to God, and his commitment to monastic and evangelical life.

What lessons can we learn from the life and works of Saint Martin of Tours?

Saint Martin of Tours lived a life of dedication to the service of God and humanity, providing us with many valuable lessons.

Firstly, he teaches us about the power of selfless generosity . Perhaps the most famous story about Saint Martin is when he encountered a naked beggar during winter and cut his cloak in half to share it. His act of kindness didn't just alleviate the man's immediate suffering but also exemplifies Christ's teaching to love our neighbor as ourselves.

Secondly, Martin illustrates the virtue of humility . Despite his status as a Bishop, he chose to live a simple, austere life, resembling the hermits of Egypt. From this, we learn the importance of humility and simplicity in achieving spiritual closeness to God.

Thirdly, Saint Martin shows us the importance of courageous faith . He was known to be fearless in spreading Christianity, confronting even the pagan practices within his diocese. His perseverance despite the challenges he faced displayed a profound commitment to his faith.

Lastly, he embodies the spirit of Christian service . Martin didn't limit his mission to preaching; he founded monasteries, educated the clergy, and even intervened on behalf of the accused—actions that notably improved societal conditions in his time.

In summary, Saint Martin of Tours' life teaches us to extend compassion to the less fortunate, practice humility, stand firm in our faith, and provide active service in our communities. His story remains a powerful testament to the transformative impact of Christian virtues when applied earnestly.

On which date is the feast day of Saint Martin of Tours celebrated, and how is it usually commemorated?

The feast day of Saint Martin of Tours is celebrated on November 11th . This day is usually commemorated through solemnly observed liturgies in his honor. In countries like France, celebrations may also include processions and other communal events. Saint Martin is remembered for his act of charity when he cut his cloak in half to share with a beggar during a snowstorm. His love for the poor and his humility remain significant aspects of his sainthood.

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Saint Martin of Tours

Saint Martin of Tours is a figure revered for his profound moral convictions and compassionate actions, which have left a lasting legacy in Christian history. Born to heathen parents in present-day Hungary and reared in Italy, Martin’s destiny seemed to take a sharp turn when, at the age of 15, he was conscripted into military service—a path deeply at odds with his emerging faith. His journey from soldier to saint began with his baptism at 18 and a defining act of conscientious objection at 23 when he renounced military bounty, stating, “I am a soldier of Christ and it is not lawful for me to fight.” This statement marked his transition from military service to a life dedicated to Christian ideals.

Martin’s dedication to his faith is immortalized in the legendary account of him sharing his cloak with a shivering beggar—a moment that symbolized his commitment to charity and mercy, virtues that would define his later life. He pursued a monastic life with zeal, first under Hilary of Poitiers and then as a founder of a monastic community in France, which is considered among the earliest in the region.

Compelled by the people of Tours to serve as their bishop, Martin brought to the episcopacy a spirit of humility and service, often clashing with the more ostentatious expectations of his peers. His episcopal tenure was marked by compassionate but firm leadership, advocating for leniency toward heretics and opposing capital punishment for them, which placed him at odds with other church leaders and the emperor. Even when faced with death, his concern remained with his people, as he prayed to be allowed to continue serving them if God willed it.

In rewriting your article, I have distilled the essence of Saint Martin’s life, emphasizing the transformation from soldier to saint, his acts of mercy and charity, and his principled stance on the treatment of heretics. His life serves as an enduring testament to living one’s beliefs in the face of societal and institutional pressures.

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18 comments.

Pray for us…..Be our help…I make this prayer in Jesus Holy Name…Amen

When was he born then died? What are the dates of all his accomplishments? His life was exemplary but we need dates to properly appreciate his place in history. Thank you

St. Martin of Tours pray for us! pray for Christs’ Church on earth. That we may all be one as God in one. Pray for our Bishops, catechumens and catechists. may the holy Spirit enlighten them, May the Lord be with them and all of us always, may they never feel abandoned. may our Mother Mary wrap us in her loving mantle and bring us ever closer to Christ and His most Sacred Heart. Amen.

Please help me San Martín to meet the way and jobs to find the charity and solve my problems which you know I have and make me walk secure in my life please tell my God thank you for this affirmative response. I love you.

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PLEASE HELP ST MARTIN OF TOURS. AS MY FAMILY IWS IN TROUBLE OVER MY ISSUES OF HELPING SOMEON FINANCIALLY TO SURVIVE. AND MY SISTER SAYS I MADE UNWISE DECUINS, PLEAS ALSO GET EVIL SPIRITS FROM MY HO– USE. AND HELP MY SISTER AND I RESOLVE ON MY TRIP SOON TO VISIT . WE ARE ALL THE FAMILY WE GOT. BLESS JOHN REED AND LKARRY FAUST AS DECEASED TOO.

Saint Martin..please guide our country back to peace and justice and Christianity.

Saint Martin please guide our country back to peace, justice and Christianity

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Saint Martin of Tours, pray for us!

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You see, O God, that we can place no trust in ourselves. Grant that in all adversity we may be protected by the intercession of your blessed confessor and Bishop Martin. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen.

St. Martin pray for us.plead the Lord our God to for give me all my trespasses and to give me Money to solve all my problems which requires Money.Amen

Saint Martin of Tours, pray for us. Lead all the warriors in this current chaos with bravery, clarity, love and righteous anger at those who refuse to submit their will to a loving God, our Father Almighty, our Holy Trinity. Bring success to their mission. All holy men and women, martyrs, saints, angels, pray for us. Holy Family of Nazareth, restore matrimony and family life. Transform all of mankind’s iniquity into integrity. Amen. Ecce Crucem Domini! Fugite partes adversae! Vicit Leo de tribu Juda, Radix David! Alleluia! Saint Anthony of Padua, pray for us. For Italy. Saint Teresa of Avila, pray for us. For Rome. Blood of Christ Crucified, cleanse the Vatican.

Saint Martin of tours pray for us amen

Dear St. Martin of Tours,

Please pray for the people of earth, as the whole world fights coronavirus. Amen.

Please pray for the people of earth, as the whole world fights each other. Amen.

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Martin of Tours, Saint

Bishop; b. about 316; d. 397.

Martin of Tours , Saint, bishop; b. at Sabaria (today Steinamanger in German, or Szombathely in Hungarian), Pannonia ( Hungary ), about 316; d. at Candes, Touraine, most probably in 397. In his early years, when his father, a military tribune, was transferred to Pavia in Italy , Martin accompanied him thither, and when he reached adolescence was, in accordance with the recruiting laws, enrolled in the Roman army. Touched by grace at an early age, he was from the first attracted towards Christianity , which had been in favor in the camps since the conversion of Emperor Constantine. His regiment was soon sent to Amiens in Gaul, and this town became the scene of the celebrated legend of the cloak. At the gates of the city, one very cold day, Martin met a shivering and half-naked beggar. Moved with compassion, he divided his coat into two parts and gave one to the poor man. The part kept by himself became the famous relic preserved in the oratory of the Frankish kings under the name of “St. Martin ‘s cloak”. Martin , who was still only a catechumen, soon received baptism, and was a little later finally freed from military service at Worms on the Rhine. As soon as he was free, he hastened to set out to Poitiers to enrol himself among the disciples of St. Hilary, the wise and pious bishop whose reputation as a theologian was already passing beyond the frontiers of Gaul. Desiring, however, to see his parents again, he returned to Lombardy across the Alps. The inhabitants of this region, infested with Arianism , were bitterly hostile towards Catholicism, so that Martin , who did not conceal his faith, was very badly treated by order of Bishop Auxentius of Milan, the leader of the heretical sect in Italy . Martin was very desirous of returning to Gaul, but, learning that the Arians troubled that country also and had even succeeded in exiling Hilary to the Orient, he decided to seek shelter on the island of Gallinaria (now Isola d’Albenga) in the middle of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

As soon as Martin learned that an imperial decree had authorized Hilary to return to Gaul, he hastened to the side of his chosen master at Poitiers in 361, and obtained permission from him to embrace at some distance from there in a deserted region (now called Liguge) the solitary life that he had adopted in Gallinaria. His example was soon followed, and a great number of monks gathered around him. Thus was formed in this Gallic Thebaid a real laura, from which later developed the celebrated Benedictine Abbey of Liguge . Martin remained about ten years in this solitude, but often left it to preach the Gospel in the central and western parts of Gaul, where the rural inhabitants were still plunged in the darkness of idolatry and given up to all sorts of gross superstitions. The memory of these apostolic journeyings survives to our day in the numerous local legends of which Martin is the hero and which indicate roughly the routes that he followed. When St. Lidorius, second Bishop of Tours, died in 371 or 372, the clergy of that city desired to replace him by the famous hermit of Liguge. But, as Martin remained deaf to the prayers of the deputies who brought him this message, it was necessary to resort to a ruse to overcome his resistance. A certain Rusticius, a rich citizen of Tours, went and begged him to come to his wife, who was in the last extremity, and to prepare her for death. Without any suspicion, Martin followed him in all haste, but hardly had he entered the city when, in spite of the opposition of a few ecclesiastical dignitaries, popular acclamation constrained him to become Bishop of the Church of Tours.

After a last visit to Rome , Martin went to Candes, one of the religious centers created by him in his diocese, when he was attacked by the malady which ended his life. Ordering himself to be carried into the presbytery of the church, he died there in 400 (according to some authorities; more probably in 397) at the age of about 81, evincing until the last that exemplary spirit of humility and mortification which he had ever shown. The Church of France has always considered Martin one of her greatest saints, and hagiographers have recorded a great number of miracles due to his intercession while he was living and after his death. His cult was very popular throughout the Middle Ages , a multitude of churches and chapels were dedicated to him, and a great number of places have been called by his name. His body, taken to Tours, was enclosed in a stone sarcophagus, above which his successors, St. Britius and St. Perpetuus, built first a simple chapel, and later a basilica (470). St. Euphronius, Bishop of Autun and a friend of St. Perpetuus, sent a sculptured tablet of marble to cover the tomb. A larger basilica was constructed in 1014, which was burned down in 1230 to be rebuilt soon on a still larger scale. This sanctuary was the center of great national pilgrimages until 1562, the fatal year when the Protestants sacked it from top to bottom, destroying the sepulchre and the relics of the great wonderworker, the object of their hatred. The ill-fated collegiate church was restored by its canons, but a new and more terrible misfortune awaited it. The revolutionary hammer of 1793 was to subject it to alast devastation. It was entirely demolished with the exception of the two towers which are still standing, and, so that its reconstruction might be impossible, the atheistic municipality caused two streets to be opened up on its site. In December, 1860, skillfully executed excavations located the site of St. Martin ‘s tomb, of which some fragments were discovered. These precious remains are at present sheltered in a basilica built by Msgr. Meignan, Archbishop of Tours, which is unfortunately of very small dimensions and recalls only faintly the ancient and magnificent cloister of St. Martin . On November 11 each year the feast of St. Martin is solemnly celebrated in this church in the presence of a large number of the faithful of Tours and other cities and villages of the diocese.

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St. Martin of Tours

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Saint Martin of Tours was born in in Savaria, Pannonia in either the year 316 or 336 AD. That region is what is today the nation of Hungary. His father was a tribune, which is a high-ranking officer in the Imperial Horse Guard. Martin and his family went with his father when he was assigned to a post at Ticinum, in Northern Italy. It is here that Martin would grow up.

Just before Martin was born, Christianity was legalized in the Roman Empire and the bloody persecution of Christians soon came to an end. It was not the official religion of the State, but it could be practiced and proclaimed openly. The Gospel message soon flourished in ancient Rome, transforming the empire. Martin's parents were pagans, but at the age of 10, Martin chose to respond to the call of the Gospel and become a Christian.

At the age of fifteen, Martin was required to follow his father into the cavalry corps of the Roman military. By the time he was 18, Martin is believed to have served in Gaul, and also eventually Milan and Treves. Scholars think he served as part of the emperor's guard.

As a young soldier, Martin encountered a beggar in Amiens. The beggar was unclothed and it was very cold. Martin removed his cloak and with his sword, he cut it in half. He gave this half to the beggar and dressed himself in the remnant. That night, Martin had a vision in which Christ appeared to him. The vision spoke to him, "Martin, a mere catechumen has clothed me." A catechumen is one who is being instructed in the Christian faith. In the early centuries of Christianity, that was a long process of instruction - and Martin was deeply dedicated to it.

About the age of 20, Martin made clear to his superiors that he would no longer fight, following his formed Christian conscience. He refused his pay prior to a battle and announced he would not join in the combat. He became the first recognized conscientious objector in recorded history. His proclamation occurred before a battle near the modern German city of Worms. His superiors accused him of cowardice and ordered that he be imprisoned. Martin offered to demonstrate his sincerity by going into battle unarmed. This was seen as an acceptable alternative to jailing him, but before the battle could occur, the opposing army agreed to a truce and no conflict took place. Martin was subsequently released from military service.

Now out of the military service, Martin could fully dedicate himself to service of Jesus Christ and the Church. He traveled to Tours where he began studying under Hilary of Poitiers, who is now recognized as a doctor of the Church. Martin's studies lasted until Hilary was forced into temporary exile, likely because of his refusal to participate in a political dispute.

Martin then traveled to Italy. According to one account, Martin was confronted by a highwayman and led him to faith in Jesus Christ. Another account tells of Martin confronting the Devil. While on this journey, Martin had a vision which compelled him to return to his mother in Pannonia. He did so and led his own mother to faith in Jesus Christ. Martin attempted to persuade his father to embrace faith in Jesus Christ, but as far as we know, his father refused.

After bringing his mother to the Church, Martin then turned to confronting a growing heresy which was afflicting the faithful and sowing confusion. He became involved in countering the Arian heresy, which denied the divinity of Jesus Christ. The reaction against him was so violent from the Arian leaders that he was compelled to flee. Martin took up residence on an island in the Adriatic where he lived as a hermit for a time.

Martin's teacher Hilary returned to Tours from temporary exile in 361 so Martin traveled there to work and study. Hilary gave Martin a small grant of land where he and his disciples lived.

Martin established a monastery which would be inhabited by the Benedictines. Established in 361, the Liguge Abbey was destroyed during the French Revolution, then reestablished in 1853. The abbey remains to this day. From the site of his abbey, Martin worked to bring people to faith in Jesus Christ and Baptism into His Church in the surrounding areas. He was an extraordinary evangelist.

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In 371, the city of Tours needed a new bishop and the people decided to call Martin to the office. Martin did not want the job so the people decided to trick him into the office. The people insisted he was needed to administer to someone sick, so he came out as quickly as he could. He did not even bother to improve his appearance. When he learned it was a trick to make him a bishop, Martin actually tried to hide. He was quickly discovered and the people called him forward to be ordained to the office of Bishop. Even though he did not really want the office, he was ordained - and he became a holy and hardworking Bishop.

As a Bishop Martin established a system of parishes to manage his diocese. He made a point to visit each parish at least once per year. In addition to his appointed rounds, Martin combated paganism, particularly the Druid religion which was still prevalent at the time. He passionately and faithfully proclaimed the Gospel of Jesus Christ and won many to the Christian faith.

Yet, he longed for more prayer and wanted to pursue a monastic life. In the year 372 Martin established an abbey at Marmoutier so he could retreat there and live as a monk with the many disciples he had attracted.

In the following years, a heresy broke out in the church. An aesthetic sect called the Priscillianists after their leader, Priscillian, had developed in Spain and Gaul. The First Council of Saragossa condemned the heresy, but the Priscillians did not change they practices. This prompted one bishop, Ithacius of Ossonoba to petition the Roman Emperor Magnus Maximus to put him to death. Martin was opposed to the sentence of death, and was joined by Bishop Ambrose of Milan in his opposition. Martin traveled to Trier where the Emperor held court. Martin was able to persuade the Emperor to refrain from putting Priscillian and his followers to death. However, after Martin left, Ithacius persuaded the Emperor to change his mind again and Priscillian and his followers were executed in 385.

Martin was so upset by Ithacius, he refused to communicate with his fellow bishop until the Emperor pressured him to resume communicating with his colleague.

Martin died in Candes-Saint-Martin, Gaul in 397.

The Hagiographer Sulpicius Severus, knew Martin personally and wrote about his life. Many miracles and the casting out of demons were attributed to Martin during his lifetime. According to one account, Martin, while trying to win Druids to follow Jesus Christ and renounce their pagan beliefs, was dared to stand in the path of a sacred tree that was being felled. Martin agreed and was missed by the falling pine, although standing right in its path. This was widely seen as miraculous and a symbol that the message he proclaimed about Jesus Christ was true. Many were converted to the Christian faith.

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Veneration of St. Martin became popular in the Middle Ages, and was popular with the Frankish kings.

Saint Martin is the patron of the poor, soldiers, conscientious objectors, tailors, and winemakers. Many locations across Europe have also been placed under his patronage. His feast is on November 11. He commonly appears on horseback and is shown cutting his cloak in half with a sword.

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Ordinary Time: November 11th

Memorial of st. martin of tours, bishop; veterans day (usa).

Other Commemorations: St. Mennas of Egypt, Martyr (RM) ; Other Titles: Martinstag, Martini; Martinmas

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November 11, 2020 (Readings on USCCB website)

COLLECT PRAYER

O God, who are glorified in the Bishop Saint Martin both by his life and death, make new, we pray, the wonders of your grace in our hearts, that neither death nor life may separate us from your love. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son. who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.

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According to the 1962 Missal of St. John XXIII the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite, today is also the commemoration of St. Mennas, an Egyptian soldier and martyr, put to death during Diocletian's reign (c. 295).

• Pray the Iste Confessor in honor of St. Martin.
• Cook a special dinner of roast goose or duck in honor of St. Martin. Bake some horseshoe cookies. See the extensive list of recipes in the right blue sidebar, and also visit Catholic Cuisine for other recipe inspiration.
• In Europe this day is traditionally known as Martinmas. Many foods and traditions are connected with this day. See also the archive of Women for Faith and Family for more Catholic traditions.
• St. Martin is patron saint of wine growers, wine makers and vintners. In France, the tasting of the new wine is done today. Have a Martinmas gathering, serving this year's Beaujolais noveau wine from France.
• Read Painting Angels, Saints and Their Symbols for a discussion about St. Martin's symbols in art.
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• St. Martin's relics rested in the original Basilica of Tours, a scene of pilgrimages and miracles, until 1562 when the catheral and relics were destroyed by militant Protestants. Some small fragments of his relics in his tomb were found during construction excavation in 1860. These remaining relics of St. Martin are in the newer Basilique Saint Martin (Basilica of St Martin) in Tours, France. This church was built between 1886 and 1924 by French architect Victor Laloux to replace the medieval church that was destroyed in the French Revolution.
• See the Life of St Martin as depicted in the stained glass of Chartres Cathedral (c.1220).
• The children will enjoy this dessert St. Martin's Horseshoes and you can learn more about customs for this feast.
• See Christian Iconography for images of St. Martin of Tours.
• Read about the Real St. Martin of Tours by Jennifer Gregory Miller.

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St. Martin of Tours

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Bishop; born at Sabaria (today Steinamanger in German, or Szombathely in Hungarian), Pannonia (Hungary), about 316; died at Candes, Touraine, most probably in 397. In his early years, when his father , a military tribune, was transferred to Pavia in Italy , Martin accompanied him thither, and when he reached adolescence was, in accordance with the recruiting laws enrolled in the Roman army. Touched by grace at an early age, he was from the first attracted towards Christianity , which had been in favour in the camps since the conversion of Emperor Constantine . His regiment was soon sent to Amiens in Gaul , and this town became the scene of the celebrated legend of the cloak. At the gates of the city, one very cold day, Martin met a shivering and half-naked beggar. Moved with compassion, he divided his coat into two parts and gave one to the poor man. The part kept by himself became the famous relic preserved in the oratory of the Frankish kings under the name of "St. Martin's cloak". Martin, who was still only a catechumen , soon received baptism , and was a little later finally freed from military service at Worms on the Rhine. As soon as he was free, he hastened to set out to Poitiers to enrol himself among the disciples of St. Hilary, the wise and pious bishop whose reputation as a theologian was already passing beyond the frontiers of Gaul. Desiring, however, to see his parents again, he returned to Lombardy across the Alps. The inhabitants of this region, infested with Arianism , were bitterly hostile towards Catholicism , so that Martin, who did not conceal his faith , was very badly treated by order of Bishop Auxentius of Milan , the leader of the heretical sect in Italy . Martin was very desirous of returning to Gaul , but, learning that the Arians troubled that country also and had even succeeded in exiling Hilary to the Orient, he decided to seek shelter on the island of Gallinaria (now Isola d'Albenga) in the middle of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

As soon as Martin learned that an imperial decree had authorized Hilary to return to Gaul , he hastened to the side of his chosen master at Poitiers in 361, and obtained permission from him to embrace at some distance from there in a deserted region (now called Ligugé) the solitary life that he had adopted in Gallinaria. His example was soon followed, and a great number of monks gathered around him. Thus was formed in this Gallic Thebaid a real laura, from which later developed the celebrated Benedictine Abbey of Ligugé. Martin remained about ten years in this solitude, but often left it to preach the Gospel in the central and western parts of Gaul, where the rural inhabitants were still plunged in the darkness of idolatry and given up to all sorts of gross superstitions . The memory of these apostolic journeyings survives to our day in the numerous local legends of which Martin is the hero and which indicate roughly the routes that he followed. When St. Lidorius, second Bishop of Tours , died in 371 or 372, the clergy of that city desired to replace him by the famous hermit of Ligugé. But, as Martin remained deaf to the prayers of the deputies who brought him this message, it was necessary to resort to a ruse to overcome his resistance. A certain Rusticius, a rich citizen of Tours , went and begged him to come to his wife, who was in the last extremity, and to prepare her for death. Without any suspicions, Martin followed him in all haste, but hardly had he entered the city when, in spite of the opposition of a few ecclesiastical dignitaries, popular acclamation constrained him to become Bishop of the Church of Tours .

Consecrated on 4 July, Martin brought to the accomplishment of the duties of his new ministry all the energy and the activity of which he had already given so many proofs . He did not, however, change his way of life: fleeing from the distractions of the large city, he settled himself in a small cell at a short distance from Tours , beyond the Loire. Some other hermits joined him there, and thus was gradually formed a new monastery , which surpassed that of Ligugé, as is indicated by the name, Marmoutier ( Majus Monasterium ), which it has kept to our own day. Thus, to an untiring zeal Martin added the greatest simplicity, and it is this which explains how his pastoral administration so admirably succeeded in sowing Christianity throughout Touraine. Nor was it a rare occurrence for him to leave his diocese when he thought that his appearance in some distant locality might produce some good. He even went several times to Trier , where the emperors had established their residence, to plead the interests of the Church or to ask pardon for some condemned person . His role in the matter of the Priscillianists and Ithacians was especially remarkable. Against Priscillian, the Spanish heresiarch, and his partisans, who had been justly condemned by the Council of Saragossa, furious charges were brought before Emperor Maximus by some orthodox bishops of Spain , led by Bishop Ithacius. Martin hurried to Trier , not indeed to defend the Gnostic and Manichaean doctrines of Priscillian, but to remove him from the secular jurisdiction of the emperor. Maximus at first acceded to his entreaty, but, when Martin had departed, yielded to the solicitations of Ithacius and ordered Priscillian and his followers to be beheaded. Deeply grieved, Martin refused to communicate with Ithacius. However, when he went again to Trier a little later to ask pardon for two rebels, Narses and Leucadius, Maximus would only promise it to him on condition that he would make his peace with Ithaeius. To save the lives of his clients, he consented to this reconciliation, but afterwards reproached himself bitterly for this act of weakness.

After a last visit to Rome , Martin went to Candes, one of the religious centres created by him in his diocese , when he was attacked by the malady which ended his life. Ordering himself to be carried into the presbytery of the church, he died there in 400 (according to some authorities, more probably in 397) at the age of about 81, evincing until the last that exemplary spirit of humility and mortification which he had ever shown. The Church of France has always considered Martin one of her greatest saints , and hagiographers have recorded a great number of miracles due to his intercession while he was living and after his death. His cult was very popular throughout the Middle Ages , a multitude of churches and chapels were dedicated to him, and a great number of places have been called by his name. His body, taken to Tours , was enclosed in a stone sarcophagus, above which his successors, St. Britius and St. Perpetuus , built first a simple chapel , and later a basilica (470). St. Euphronius, Bishop of Autun and a friend of St. Perpetuus , sent a sculptured tablet of marble to cover the tomb . A larger basilica was constructed in 1014 which was burned down in 1230 to be rebuilt soon on a still larger scale This sanctuary was the centre of great national pilgrimages until 1562, the fatal year when the Protestants sacked it from top to bottom, destroying the sepulchre and the relics of the great wonder-worker, the object of their hatred . The ill-fated collegiate church was restored by its canons, but a new and more terrible misfortune awaited it. The revolutionary hammer of 1793 was to subject it to a last devastation. It was entirely demolished with the exception of the two towers which are still standing and, so that its reconstruction might be impossible, the atheistic municipality caused two streets to be opened up on its site. In December, 1860, skilfully executed excavations located the site of St. Martin's tomb , of which some fragments were discovered. These precious remains are at present sheltered in a basilica built by Mgr Meignan, Archbishop of Tours which is unfortunately of very small dimensions and recalls only faintly the ancient and magnificent cloister of St. Martin. On 11 November each year the feast of St. Martin is solemnly celebrated in this church in the presence of a large number of the faithful of Tours and other cities and villages of the diocese .

About this page

APA citation. Clugnet, L. (1910). St. Martin of Tours. In The Catholic Encyclopedia. New York: Robert Appleton Company. http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09732b.htm

MLA citation. Clugnet, Léon. "St. Martin of Tours." The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 9. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1910. <http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09732b.htm>.

Transcription. This article was transcribed for New Advent by Michael C. Tinkler. In honor of the Societas Sancti Martini Episcopi Turonensis at Emory University.

Ecclesiastical approbation. Nihil Obstat. October 1, 1910. Remy Lafort, Censor. Imprimatur. +John M. Farley, Archbishop of New York.

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Memorial of Saint Martin of Tours, Bishop

Lectionary: 494

In Wisdom is a spirit     intelligent, holy, unique, Manifold, subtle, agile,     clear, unstained, certain, Not baneful, loving the good, keen,     unhampered, beneficent, kindly, Firm, secure, tranquil,     all-powerful, all-seeing, And pervading all spirits,     though they be intelligent, pure and very subtle. For Wisdom is mobile beyond all motion,     and she penetrates and pervades all things by reason of her purity. For she is an aura of the might of God     and a pure effusion of the glory of the Almighty;     therefore nought that is sullied enters into her. For she is the refulgence of eternal light,     the spotless mirror of the power of God,     the image of his goodness. And she, who is one, can do all things,     and renews everything while herself perduring; And passing into holy souls from age to age,     she produces friends of God and prophets. For there is nought God loves, be it not one who dwells with Wisdom. For she is fairer than the sun     and surpasses every constellation of the stars. Compared to light, she takes precedence;     for that, indeed, night supplants,     but wickedness prevails not over Wisdom.

Indeed, she reaches from end to end mightily     and governs all things well.

Responsorial Psalm

R.    (89a) Your word is for ever, O Lord. Your word, O LORD, endures forever;     it is firm as the heavens. R.     Your word is for ever, O Lord. Through all generations your truth endures;     you have established the earth, and it stands firm. R.     Your word is for ever, O Lord. According to your ordinances they still stand firm:     all things serve you. R.     Your word is for ever, O Lord. The revelation of your words sheds light,     giving understanding to the simple. R.     Your word is for ever, O Lord. Let your countenance shine upon your servant,     and teach me your statutes. R.     Your word is for ever, O Lord. Let my soul live to praise you,     and may your ordinances help me. R.     Your word is for ever, O Lord.

R. Alleluia, alleluia. I am the vine, you are the branches, says the Lord: whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit. R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Asked by the Pharisees when the Kingdom of God would come, Jesus said in reply, “The coming of the Kingdom of God cannot be observed, and no one will announce, ‘Look, here it is,’ or, ‘There it is.’ For behold, the Kingdom of God is among you.”

Then he said to his disciples, “The days will come when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it. There will be those who will say to you, ‘Look, there he is,’ or ‘Look, here he is.’ Do not go off, do not run in pursuit. For just as lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in his day. But first he must suffer greatly and be rejected by this generation.”

Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

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