Martin of Tours, Saint (316?-397), is the patron saint of France. During his lifetime, he became famous because of his reputation as a healer and miracle worker, and because he founded a number of churches and monasteries.
Martin was born into a pagan family in what is now Szombathely, Hungary, and grew up in Pavia, Italy. At the age of 15, he joined the Roman army. Three years later, he was baptized a Christian. Martin was discharged from the army about 356 and became a follower of Hilary, the bishop of Poitiers, France. About 360, Hilary helped Martin found the first French monastery, at Liguge, near Poitiers. About 371, Martin became bishop of Tours, France. He was responsible for destroying many pagan shrines and temples but always tried to build a church or monastery in their place. Martin died on Nov. 8, 397.
Martin’s friend Sulpicius Severus wrote a biography of the saint that helped to promote monasticism and the reputation of Martin in the West. The biography includes the most famous legend about Martin. It tells that, while a soldier, Martin divided his cloak with a freezing beggar. Later, in a dream, the beggar was revealed to Martin as Jesus Christ. Martin’s feast day is November 11.
