Martin: Name Day and Patron Saint

St Martin was born in 316 at Sabaria in Pannonia, in today’s Hungary, to pagan parents. His father was a Roman officer, and Martin was made to serve in the army, though from childhood he loved the Church and was already a catechumen. One winter at Amiens he met a beggar shivering almost naked. Martin had nothing to give but his soldier’s cloak, so he cut it in two and gave the beggar half. That night Christ appeared to him wearing the half-cloak and said that Martin, though only a catechumen, had clothed Him with this garment. Martin was soon baptized, left the army, and lived as a hermit, becoming a disciple and friend of St Hilary of Poitiers. In 371 the people of Tours made him their bishop against his will, but he kept his monastic life and founded a monastery near the city; he is honoured as a founder of monasticism in Gaul. He was called the Merciful for his care of the poor, and many healings and wonders were worked through his prayers. He fell asleep in the Lord at Candes in 397 and was buried at Tours. Many churches of the West were dedicated to him. The Church keeps his memory on 12 October (25 October on the Old Calendar), and some calendars also remember him in November; his hymns ask him to keep and save all who praise his memory.

What the faithful pray for

• a merciful heart toward the poor and those in need
• those who suffer from cold and want
• humility in those called to lead
• help and protection in danger
• monks and all who seek a life of prayer