Martin of Tours

Saint Martin of Tours was born in Savaria in Pannonia (present-day Szombathely, Hungary) around 316 or 336, the son of a Roman military officer. Raised in Ticinum (Pavia) in northern Italy, he felt drawn to Christ early and became a catechumen despite his parents’ wishes. Obliged to serve in the Roman cavalry, he was stationed in Gaul, where his compassion became famous: seeing a beggar shivering in winter, Martin cut his cloak in two and shared it, a sign of the mercy that would mark his whole life. Leaving the army, he became a disciple of Hilary of Poitiers, endured exile and opposition for defending the true faith, and lived for a time as a hermit. In 361 he founded the monastery of Ligugé, and later, near Tours, the community of Marmoutier. Chosen—reluctantly—as bishop of Tours in 371, Martin evangelized the countryside, confronted lingering pagan practices, and was remembered for miracles of healing and deliverance. His shrine in Tours drew countless pilgrims. His feast day is November 11.