On Nov. 11, the United States celebrates Veterans Day, a day to honor those who served in military service for their country. As Catholics, we also pray for the repose of the souls of all those who died defending their country. Across the country celebrations include parades and other observances and a ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

Nov. 11 is also the day when Catholics honor St. Martin of Tours, the patron saint of soldiers, who was a soldier and veteran himself. The celebration of St. Martin’s feast day known as Martinmas originated in France, and spread to many places including Britain, Germany, Scandinavia and Germany. In the United States, celebrations usually take place within communities that share a cultural heritage.

When Martin was a young boy, he learned about Christ and began studying to become a Christian. At 15, however, he was called into the Army and served as a Roman soldier. Tradition recalls that, one day, he met a very poor, shivering beggar with few clothes at the city gate. Martin wanted to help him but had nothing but his own clothes. He decided to divide the heavy cloak he was wearing in half and gave half to the beggar so he could be warm.

That night, Martin had a dream in which Jesus appeared to him wearing Martin’s cloak and told the angels surrounding him that Martin gave him the cloak. Martin went right away to be baptized and became a Christian. He asked to be relieved of duty from the army, telling his commander he was now a soldier of Christ.

When he was finally relieved from duty, Martin became a monk, preaching and serving the poor and needy. His holiness became legendary and, as he founded monasteries, many new monks and converts joined him. This humble and gentle servant of God was so loved, the people of Tours demanded he serve as their bishop.

In his humbleness, Martin declined, so they tricked him into coming to the church for consecration by telling him he was needed to heal a sick woman. When he realized what had happened, Martin hid in a barn, but a large gaggle of geese made so much noise they gave him away.

Martin agreed to become bishop and serve God’s people. He built many churches, fought heresies, and continued to care for the sick, poor and needy. He also worked to save the lives of prisoners, especially heretics who were usually executed.

Martin was also known as Martin the Merciful, which makes him a perfect saint for the coming season of Advent when we are reminded of the importance of the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy.

Some of St. Martin’s decisions based on his faith in God were: studying to become a Christian, leaving military service in the Roman army, becoming a monk, sharing his cloak with a beggar, being baptized and overcoming his reluctance to become Bishop.

St. Martin’s example is a strong one for youth, too, because though Martin became a saint, he was also a normal human being like them. He was faced with many decisions each day. Helping students look at their decisions in the light of faith is an important aspect of faith formation.

Given the many sources of information and experiences youth today face, all of which have an influence on both their conscience and decision-making abilities, the religious education classroom is a powerful place for children to learn good decision making. Prayer, Scripture, Gospel readings, stories of saints and discussions about shared experiences help students to develop their conscience in-line with their faith.

Read more about St. Martin of Tours in Saints Resource.

About the Author
Mary Clifford Morrell, mother of six and grandmother to ten, is a Catholic journalist, editor, and author who has served the Dioceses of Metuchen and Trenton, New Jersey; Burlington, Vermont, and RENEW International in the areas of religious education and communication.