The Feast of St. Martin of Tours
On November 11th the Church celebrates St. Martin of Tours, the 4th century Bishop of Tours, who was conscripted into the Roman Army at age 15. He was well-known for his kindness, cutting his cloak in two and giving half to a beggar.
At some point in his military service, he became convinced that the war he was being asked to fight was incompatible with his faith. He resigned and refused his pension, saying he was a “Soldier of Christ”rather than of the Empire.When he was accused of cowardice and desertion, Martin announced he would return to the front line...without a weapon. He is recognized today as a patron of soldiers, peace, and conscientious objectors.
Is it coincidence that his feast day falls on what the United States celebrates as Veterans Day? Yes and no. Veterans Day was initially Armistice Day, Celebrating the cease-fire that ended World War 1 on “the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.” While there is no evidence that this date was chosen because of Martin’s feast day, French Catholics were very quick to attribute the ceasefire to the former Bishop of Tours’ (located in France) prayers. Large military masses were held in Tours at his tomb.
So...is the connection between the Feast of St. Martin and Veterans Day intentional? It doesn’t seem so...but, with God, things are often not what they seem.
Lord God of hosts, you clothed your servant Martin the soldier with the spirit of sacrifice and set him as a bishop in your Church to be a defender of the 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 lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. -Book of Common Prayer
Fun fact: In the 6th century, the Church instituted a 40 day fast similar to Lent that began the day after Martinmas and ran up to Christmas. It’s known as St. Martin’s Lent or the Martinmas Fast, and was eventually shortened to a four week penitential season we know as…Advent. So let Martinmas be your reminder that Advent is around the corner, and it’s time to prepare for it! You can grab your free Advent prep checklist here, and the Little Way Advent Guide below!
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Little Way Advent is a daily devotional to help your family prepare your hearts and home for the coming of Christ. Each day provides a Scripture reading, teaching moment, wondering questions for reflection, and an activity to tie it all together. Little Way Advent is so much more than a devotional—it is a comprehensive guide to the Advent season, including Advent wreath prayers, celebrations for St. Nicholas and St. Lucy Day, traditional carols, recommended reading, and so much more.
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