St. Martin of Tours

About St. Martin of Tours

Feast Day: November 11

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 recounts that when he was a soldier and was 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.”

Patron Saint

St. Martin of Tours is the patron saint of conscientious objectors, soldiers, tailors, the poor, and winemakers.

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A Prayer for Military Chaplains

Since St. Martin is the patron saint of soldiers, it seems appropriate to say a prayer for chaplains on his feast day, which is also Veterans Day in the United States.

Veterans Day and the Patron Saint of Soldiers

This article explains the connection between St. Martin of Tours and Veterans Day.