Thursday, November 11, 2021
St. Martin of Tours was a 4th century soldier in the Roman military. He lived during a time when Christianity had become legalized in the Roman Empire. He was a catechumen – one being instructed in the Catholic faith in preparation for baptism. He refused to continue fighting after his baptism. “I am the soldier of Christ: it is not lawful for me to fight.”
He later started a monastery in the city of Tours in France. He evangelized the people in the region and later became bishop.
A popular story about St. Martin of Tours recounts that when a soldier and approached by a beggar, he cut off half of his cloak and gave it to the beggar. That night, Jesus appeared to him in a dream and said, “Martin, who is still but a catechumen, clothed me with this robe.”
St. Martin of Tours is the patron saint of conscientious objectors, soldiers, tailors, the poor, and winemakers. His feast day is November 11.
Lord, If Ever Your People Need Me…
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