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Apostolic & Patristic · Saint
St Martin of Tours
Bishop of Tours
ConfessorMissionary
c. 316 – 397
unknown
Ordained
371
Consecrated Bishop
Tours
Diocese
France
Country
The Life
Born c. 316 in Pannonia (modern Hungary) to pagan parents, Martin served in the Roman cavalry in Gaul before leaving the army to follow Christ. A disciple of St Hilary of Poitiers, he founded the monastery at Ligugé before being acclaimed Bishop of Tours in 371.
As bishop he joined ascetic monastic life to vigorous evangelization of the pagan countryside, founding the monastery of Marmoutier. He is regarded as a father of Western monasticism and one of the most beloved saints of Christendom; he died in 397.
Notable Actions
- Founded Ligugé (c. 360), the first monastery in Gaul, and later Marmoutier
- Consecrated Bishop of Tours in 371 while remaining a monk
- Cut his military cloak to clothe a freezing beggar, later seeing Christ wearing the half-cloak
- Evangelized the pagan countryside of Gaul, replacing shrines with churches
- Interceded to spare the Priscillianist heretics from execution, opposing secular force in matters of faith
Portrait: Simone Martini / Wikimedia Commons