November 11 + Saint Martin of Tours

Martin was the Bishop of Tours, whose shrine in France became a famous stopping-point for pilgrims on the road to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. He has become one of the most familiar and recognizable Saints in Europe, often venerated as a military saint.

Born in the early 4th century to 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.

Martin is famously known for the time when he used his military sword to cut his cloak in two, to give half to a beggar clothed only in rags in the middle of winter. As a soldier in the Roman army, he found the duty incompatible with the Christian faith he had adopted and became an early conscientious objector (an individual who has claimed the right to refuse to perform military service on the grounds of freedom of thought, conscience, or religion.)

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 in Milan and later on a small island. When Hilary was restored to his see following his exile, Martin returned to France and established 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.

In the year 397, as his 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.” He is the Patron Saint of soldiers, beggars, equestrians, horses, reformed alcoholics and wine makers.