Saint Martin of Tours was born of pagan parents in Pannonia, present-day Hungary, and became a catechumen of his own initiative at the age of ten. He joined the Roman army and witnessed to his fellow soldiers by his charity until his resignation. "Hitherto I have served you as a soldier," he told the emperor Julian. "Allow me now to become a soldier to God." Martin founded a monastic community in Ligugé, France, on land given to him by Saint Hilary of Poitiers. In 372, he was elected Bishop... moreSaint Martin of Tours was born of pagan parents in Pannonia, present-day Hungary, and became a catechumen of his own initiative at the age of ten. He joined the Roman army and witnessed to his fellow soldiers by his charity until his resignation. "Hitherto I have served you as a soldier," he told the emperor Julian. "Allow me now to become a soldier to God." Martin founded a monastic community in Ligugé, France, on land given to him by Saint Hilary of Poitiers. In 372, he was elected Bishop of Tours. He preached tirelessly and with fervor. After his death in 397, Martin's Vita, the story of his life, spread throughout Europe. ~~~ The image represents St. Martin who shared his red caped with a poor in the middle of winter.
Priory of St. Michael the Archangel
Miles Domini mei Christi
