Who was Martin of Tours(c 336-97)?

    St. Martin was born circa 336 in Pannonia(Hungary). He was the son of a pagan army officer. When he was 15, he was inducted into the army against his will. In Amiens where he was stationed, he encounted a poorly clad beggar at the town's gate. He cut his cloak, and gave half to the begger for protection against the freezing cold. That night, Martin had a vision of Christ clad in is half cloak. He then became a Christian convert, refused to fight and was discharged after a period of imprisonment. Martin returned to Panninia and converted his mother and others. He became active in opposing Arianism, and was scourged and forced to leave the country. He returned to Italy where he was also driven away. After a time in recluse on a Tyrrhenian Sea isalnd, he returned to Gaul in 360.

   When St. Hilary, a bishop of Poitiers was allowed to return to Poitiers from exile, Martin joined him there and became a hermit. When others hermits joined him, a monastic community was formed in Liguge. In 371, despite his obections, Martin was named bishop of Tours. While publicly devoting himself to his episcopal duties, he established the great monastic center of Marmoutier. He worked ceaselessly to spread the faith, convert pagans, ruthlessly destroyed pagan temples and was after saved from harm by miraculous means. He is reputed to have experienced visions and revelations and was gifted with the ability to prophsey.

   Martin established a religious center in Candes in Touraine and died there on November 8. Martin is one of the greatest saints of Gaul and the outstanding pioneer of Western monasticsm. Martin's shrine at Tours became one of the most popular pilgrim centers in Europe. Martin is on of the parton saints of France.  His feast day in November 11.