Happy St. Martin's Day!

St. Martin of Tours

Saint Martin of Tours (c. 316-397) was born into a pagan family in what is now Hungary, and grew up in Italy after his father, a senior officer in the Roman army, was stationed there.

At the age of 10 Martin joined the Church as a catechumen shortly after Christianity was legalized across the empire.

Taking after his father, he joined the cavalry at the age of 15.

At one point during his time of service he encountered a beggar who lacked adequate clothing. St. Martin cut his heavy officer cloak in half and gave the other half of it to the beggar. Following this act of charity, St. Martin had a vision in which he saw Jesus wearing the portion of his cloak and telling the angels that it was Martin who clothed him. After this vision Martin was baptized at the age of 18 and proclaimed himself a soldier for Christ.

He left the military, adopted the life of a hermit, and went on to became the Bishop of Tours in France. 

St. Martin of Tours is the patron saint of cavalry, soldiers, innkeepers, horses and riders, beggars, and those in need.

His feast day is November 11^th which is also the day to sign peace treaties, Armistice Day, Veterans Day.