Today's Saint (November 11): Martin of Tours

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Martin was born in Hungary around 316. Like his father, he became a soldier in the Roman army. However, from an early age, he always wanted to become a Christian, and he found that to do so he could not continue being a soldier.

As a result, he was imprisoned, and after many struggles with the military he was discharged. At this low point in his life, upon meeting a naked beggar at Amiens, Martin tore his own coat in two and gave half of it to the beggar. Shortly after this, he had a dream in which he saw Christ wearing the cloak he had given away.

Along with Hilary of Poitiers, Martin built the first monastery in Gaul at Liguge. At the request of clergy and people, he was ordained bishop of Tours. He died around 397.

The accompanying picture of Saint Martin and the Beggar was done by El Greco.

"Blessed is that servant, whom his Lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall make ruler over all his goods." (St. Matt. 24). (From the day's communion, page E 135, The People's Anglican Missal).

The Day's Propers
Catholic Encyclopedia article

Books Worth Considering
The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church
Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church
The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church
The Oxford Dictionary of Saints (Oxford Paperback Reference)
The Penguin Dictionary of Saints: Third Edition (Dictionary, Penguin)

www.episcopalnet.org