Martin of Tours, St

Martin of Tours, St., b. at Sabaria, in Pannonia, 319; d. at Cande, in Gaul, 400. His parents were Pagans, and in early life he entered the army. Having become a Christian, after a few years of military service in Gaul, he was ordained a deacon by * Hilary of Poitiers. His zeal against the Arians aroused persecution, and he found refuge in the life of a monk on the island of Gallinaria, near Genoa. In 360 he returned to Gaul and settled near Poitiers, where he founded the earliest monastery in that region. Elected bishop of Tours in 375, he performed his duties with great energy, at the same time living as a monk and founding on the banks of the Loire, the famous monastery of Marmontier. His influence was great in destroying paganism and he became the patron saint of France, Mayence, and Wurzburg. The day of his death (Nov. 11) is celebrated in France, Germany, and Scandinavia. No less than two hundred and six miracles are said to have been wrought by this saint after his death. His life was written by Sulpicius Severus and others.