Biography

Martin was born at Sabara (now in Hungary), and by family tradition was forced to follow his father into the army. He served as a cavalry officer under the Emperors Constantius and Julian. A man of charity, he was noted for his good works while still in the army. He was said to have seen a vision of Christ in a naked beggar to whom he gave half his cloak. According to Sulpicius Severus, his biographer, Martin was so moved by this vision that he sought baptism. Martin struggled to reconcile his faith with his military position, and eventually became convinced that his faith prevented him continuing his role as a soldier. ‘I am Christ’s soldier; I am not allowed to fight.’ This refusal to fight, on grounds of conscience, led to his imprisonment for the remainder of his term of service. He left the army in 356, at the age of 20.

Martin spent time as a hermit on the island of Gallinara, and also travelled, until in 360 he entered the monastery in Poitiers. Under the care of Hilary, Bishop of Poitiers, Martin led a community of ascetics, and became Bishop of Tours in 371, a position that he did not seek. Martin was not an intellectual but a visionary, a rough character and a man of action. The role of bishop gave him opportunities to preach the gospel and to confront injustice. Martin worked where he was able, and brought Christianity to regions of Gaul where the gospel had not previously been preached. He was prepared to travel by whatever means necessary to reach the outlying areas of his region. This led to his being held in great affection by those he went to meet. For 25 years Martin worked in the Loire region of Gaul. He was known as a missionary, founding many churches and monasteries and removing pagan shrines, sometimes forcibly, in both rural and urban areas. His reputation as a wonder-worker spread as he healed the sick and fought for the poor and oppressed. Martin was not averse to prophetic action, using symbolic acts to counter injustice and to proclaim the gospel.

He was widely acclaimed in life and death as the story of his life, written before his death, spread his reputation far and wide. He was one of the first non-martyrs to be venerated as a saint.

[The devil said to him]

’Wherever you go, or whatever you attempt, the devil will resist you.’

Then Martin, replying to him said ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear what man can do unto me.’

Upon this his enemy immediately vanished out of his sight.

Sulpicius Severus: Life of St Martin, Ch. 5

Extract from Saints on Earth: A biographical companion to Common Worship by John H Darch and Stuart K Burns