St. Martin of Tours

A Roman soldier who, while still a catechumen, cut his cloak in two with his sword to clothe a beggar at the gate of Amiens — and that night dreamed of Christ wearing the half he had given. Baptized soon after, he left the army, founded the first monastery in Gaul, and was made bishop of Tours by popular acclaim. Among the most beloved saints of the Western Middle Ages.

Born in Pannonia to a pagan military tribune, Martin was enrolled in the Roman cavalry at fifteen. After his baptism he sought release from service, telling the emperor: "I am a soldier of Christ; it is not lawful for me to fight." Accused of cowardice, he offered to stand unarmed before the enemy — but the barbarians sued for peace before the battle could be joined.

As bishop he lived as a monk, founding the great monastery of Marmoutier on the banks of the Loire. He evangelized the rural pagans of Gaul, destroyed pagan shrines, and was renowned for miraculous healings. He died at Candes in 397, and his funeral drew enormous crowds. Over four thousand churches in France alone bear his name.