Born in 336 in what is now Hungary, St. Martin of Tours was the son of pagans. His father was a Roman officer and expected Martin to follow that career path. Meanwhile, St. Martin felt drawn to Christianity from a very tender age, and began to secretly study the faith. Martin was only 15 when he joined the Roman army.
While he was in the army, Martin once came upon a beggar shivering with cold and so Martin used his sword to divide his own cloak in two, giving one half to the poor man. That night, Martin had a dream in which he saw Jesus wearing the half-cloak and telling an army of angels, "Here is Martin, the Roman soldier, who is only a catechumen but has clothed me."
Indeed, when Martin gave his cloak to the beggar, he was really giving it to Jesus Himself. Martin left the army, declaring it was now time for him to become a soldier for God. This Patron Saint of Soldiers’ feast day is November 11, wonderfully the same day as Veterans Day in the United States.
St. Martin went on to become a disciple of St. Hilary, and a miracle-worker, even raising people who had died back to life through the power of Christ. Eventually he became Bishop of Tours, in 372. He focused much of his energy on fighting paganism, even destroying pagan temples and monuments when he encountered them.
One of the most interesting facts about St. Martin is that it is through him we receive the word “chapel.” This is because the half of Martin’s cloak was treasured as a relic and kept in a special sanctuary for pilgrims to visit. This place came to be called a “chapel,” from the Latin “cappella,” which means “little cloak.”
St. Martin of Tours died in 397.
Here are 3 quotes from St. Martin of Tours:
“Lord, if Your people still have need of my services, I will not avoid the toil. Your will be done. I have fought the good fight long enough. Yet if You bid me continue to hold the battle line in defense of your camp, I will never beg to be excused from failing strength. I will do the work you entrust to me.”
This is a great quote to remember especially the next time we are faced with charitable or virtuous work we would rather not do at a time we are feeling weak or tired.
"With the sign of the Cross, I shall more certainly break through the ranks of the enemy than if armed with shield and sword."
This quote from St. Martin of Tours reminds of the potency of the sign of the Cross as a powerful defense when one is struggling, fearful, or facing a challenge.
"Allow me, brothers, to look toward heaven rather than at the earth, so that my spirit may set on the right course when the time comes for me to go on my journey to the Lord."
This is a great reminder to not become too attached to what is worldly, and to focus on getting to heaven instead of being bogged down by earthly distractions. What are some ways that you keep your gaze towards heaven?
Celebrating St. Martin
We can celebrate St. Martin of Tours and ask for his intercession this November as we celebrate his feast day in enjoyable, time-honored ways.
The feast of the great St. Martin traditionally became known as Martinmas, or the Mass of St. Martin, and was a day for having a hearty meal of choice beef or goose. On this evening, adults and children would march outside after dark, holding lanterns and singing holy songs. This is a beautiful tradition I have kept alive with my own family.
An exciting way to celebrate Martinmas with children is to have a delicious dinner and then head outside with paper lanterns or mason jars containing battery-operated tea lights: a powerful symbol of being light in the darkness.
Why not lead the family outside to your favorite statues of saints or the Blessed Mother and sing songs together such as “Christ Be Our Light.” It makes for an evening you won’t soon forget!
Let us also give to the poor on Martinmas, especially if we are able to donate coats and clothes, remembering the generous act of St. Martin for the beggar.
Happy Martinmas! St. Martin of Tours, pray for us!
