Memorial of Saint Martin of Tours, Bishop

Born to pagan parents in modern-day Hungary, Saint Martin of Tours was raised in Pavia, Italy. At age 15, Martin was pressed into military service and became an Imperial guard. While making his rounds on horseback one day, Martin came across a nearly naked beggar and, in his compassion, took off his military cloak, cut it in half, and gave one half to the beggar. The next night, Martin dreamed of Jesus wearing the military cloak. Martin also saw angels with Jesus, and Jesus said to them, “Behold, here is Martin, an unbaptized Roman soldier. He has clothed me.” Martin was baptized the following Easter. 
 
Once he was discharged from the army, Martin became a disciple of Hilary of Poitiers and became a monk. Eventually, he established one of the first French Monasteries near Poitiers, living there and preaching throughout the countryside. The people of Tours, however, demanded that he become their bishop, and he reluctantly agreed. Although a bishop, he lived near the city walls in the monastery of Marmoutier, said to be the oldest in France.  He died while traveling home from Candate (now Candes-Saint-Martin). He asked to be laid out on the bare earth, breathed his last breath, and died before a large crowd.