St. Martin of Tours

St. Martin of Tours: The Soldier Who Became a Saint

St. Martin of Tours is one of the most popular and revered saints in the history of Christianity. He is the patron saint of France, soldiers, tailors, vintners, and many other groups and places. 

He is also celebrated as the father of monasticism in Gaul (modern-day France) and the first great leader of Western monasticism. But who was St. Martin and how did he become a saint?

Early Life and Conversion

St. Martin was born in 316 or 336 in Sabaria, Pannonia (now Szombathely, Hungary), to pagan parents who were part of the Roman Empire. His father was a senior officer in the Roman army, and Martin followed his footsteps by joining the cavalry at the age of 15. However, Martin had a different calling in his heart. He had encountered Christianity at the age of 10 and decided to become a catechumen (a person preparing for baptism). He was drawn to the teachings of Jesus Christ and the example of the martyrs who died for their faith.

One of the most famous stories about St. Martin's life happened when he was still a soldier stationed in Gaul (now France). On a cold winter day, he met a beggar who was shivering in rags near the city gate of Amiens. Martin felt compassion for the poor man and cut his cloak in half with his sword, giving one piece to the beggar. That night, Martin had a vision of Jesus Christ wearing the half-cloak and saying to the angels: "Martin, who is still but a catechumen, clothed me with this robe." This vision confirmed Martin's faith and inspired him to complete his baptism at the age of 18.

Leaving the Army and Becoming a Monk

After his baptism, Martin wanted to leave the army and devote himself to God. He faced opposition from his superiors, who accused him of cowardice and treason. Martin offered to stand unarmed in front of the enemy as a sign of his courage and trust in God. He was imprisoned, but soon released after a peace treaty was signed between the Romans and their foes.

Martin then traveled to Poitiers, where he met Bishop Hilary, a renowned theologian and defender of orthodox Christianity against the heresy of Arianism (which denied the divinity of Christ). Hilary became Martin's mentor and friend, and encouraged him to pursue his monastic vocation. Martin founded a community of hermits at Ligugé, near Poitiers, which became the first monastery in Gaul. There he lived a life of prayer, fasting, charity, and manual labor.

Becoming a Bishop and a Missionary

Martin's holiness and miracles attracted many followers and admirers. In 371, he was chosen by the people of Tours to be their bishop, against his own will. He accepted the office reluctantly, but continued to live as a monk. He built another monastery outside Tours, called Marmoutier, where he gathered many disciples who helped him spread Christianity throughout Gaul.

Martin was not only a monk and a bishop, but also a missionary and a reformer. He traveled extensively to preach the gospel to the rural areas where paganism still prevailed. He also confronted the political and religious authorities who supported Arianism or persecuted other Christians. He defended the rights of the poor, the oppressed, and the accused. He intervened in several cases of injustice and violence, such as when he saved some Priscillianists (a sect of ascetics) from being executed by the emperor.

Death and Legacy

St. Martin died on November 8, 397, at Candes, near Tours, while on a pastoral visit. His body was brought back to Tours amid great mourning and veneration. He was buried on November 11, which became his feast day in both Western and Eastern churches.

St. Martin's cult spread rapidly throughout Europe and beyond. His shrine in Tours became a major pilgrimage site for Christians from all over the world. His cloak (or cappa) became a sacred relic that was carried into battle by Frankish kings and gave rise to the word "chapel" (from cappella, meaning "little cloak"). His life and miracles were recorded by his disciple Sulpicius Severus, who wrote the first biography of a saint that was not a martyr.

St. Martin is regarded as one of the greatest saints in history. He is honored as an example of humility, charity, courage, faithfulness, and holiness. He is also celebrated as a patron of many causes and professions that reflect his life and virtues.