St. Martin of Tours
Pannonian Roman officer turned monastic bishop (c. 316-397); famous as a young soldier at Amiens for cutting his cloak in half to clothe a beggar, in whom he afterward saw Christ. Founded the first monastery in Gaul at Ligugé, became Bishop of Tours in 371; one of the first non-martyrs publicly venerated. Subject of the Vita by Sulpicius Severus.
Life & Times
Born: c. 316 · Died: 397 · From: Pannonia / France.
Patronage
St. Martin of Tours is invoked as the patron of soldiers, france, horses, tailors, beggars. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
“Lord, if your people still need me, I will not refuse the work; your will be done.”— Recorded by Sulpicius Severus in 'Life of Martin' (c. 397 AD), spoken near the end of his life
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About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. Martin of Tours, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.