ST. MARTIN OF TOURS | PATRON OF THE BEGGARS
Have you seen the photo of a saint on horseback, cutting a cloak with a sword? That's St. Martin of Tours, our saint for today. He is fondly remembered to be kind, generous, humble and devout. St. Martin was born in 316 in Pannonia, Hungary, but his family moved to Pavia, Italy. His parents were non-believers, so at ten years old, Martin asked to be instructed in the Christian faith. He, however, had no chance to be baptized. When he was 15, his father, who was a tribune, (a high-ranking army officer), sent him to the army, cared by a servant. One cold winter in 335, in Amiens, France, the army of Martin was passing by a road where a beggar shivering with cold, asking for help stood by. None of Martin's companions gave anything. Martin, now a young officer, took off his cloak, cut it into two, gave half to the beggar and told him that it was the only thing he could give.
That night, Jesus appeared in Martin's dream saying: "Look at this cloak, see if you recognize it."Then Jesus turned to the troop of angels:"Martin, though only a catechumen, has clothed me with his garment."
The following day, Martin sought at once to be baptized and became more zealous for the cause of Christ. He instructed others in the faith and went home to convert his family, but he succeeded only with his mother since his father refused. Martin continued his service in the army and because he declined to fight and kill, he went to battle without arms. In one supposed fighting, knowing about Martin, the opposing army agreed for a truce, and no battle took place. But as punishment Martin, was released from the army.
Martin went to Italy and was involved in refuting the Arians who denied the divinity of Christ. The Arians were so violent that Martin went on hiding and lived for a while as a hermit in the Adriatic. Later, he went to Tours and met again his former professor, the future St. Hilary of Poitiers. In 371, Tours needed a bishop and the people chose Martin, but Martin rejected the offer. However, the people sought him and were insistent so Martin was consecrated Bishop of Tours. It is recorded that one young man preparing for baptism died. Martin was grief-stricken, and following the example of the Prophet Elijah, he stretched himself on the dead youth and prayed. Miraculously, the life of the young man was restored. Many other miracles happened through the holy prayers of Martin.
Martin died on November 11, 397. Formal canonization by the pope started only in the 10th century. After his death, Martin was popularly acclaimed a Saint and a bishop approved it because of his holy life, his prophecies, his works and miracles.
“Lord, make us kind hearted like St. Martin and give us the chance to help the needy.”
Do I give help to the beggars and the poor around me, or do I avoid meeting them?