The Saints: St. Martin of Tours

c. 316 - 397/ Feast - Nov. 11

Born a pagan in Hungary, Martin became a catechumen after his Roman army officer father moved to Italy. He too became a soldier who, according to tradition, gave half his cloak to a beggar and later had a vision of Christ wearing it. After his discharge, he embraced religious life, founding the first monastery in France. Though declared bishop of Tours by local Catholics in 372, Martin continued to live a monastic life. He was the first non martyr venerated as a saint and given a liturgical feast.             © 2002 CNS