Lord God of hosts, who didst clothe thy servant Martin the soldier with the spirit of sacrifice, and didst set him as a bishop in thy Church to be a defender of the catholic faith: Give us grace to follow in his holy steps, that at the last we may be found clothed with righteousness in the dwellings of peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Because it coincides with Veteran’s Day in America, the feast day of St. Martin tends to be overlooked. Too bad, because he was indeed a remarkable figure who has inspired many of us. The famous story about him drawing his sword and cutting his military cloak in two in order to give half of it to a beggar is likely true, and comes from the time when Martin was only a catechumen, not yet baptized. St. Martin went on to become a much-loved bishop and a monk who founded a leading monastery in southern Gaul.
Thanks be to God for this faithful life and witness.
David Handy+
former pastor of St. Martin’s, Richmond