sign in sign up
<<
Home , Martin of Tours

Remembering the words of Jesus: “Whatever you do for the least of my brethren, you do for me.”

WHERE HE LIVED MARTIN OF Born in , Raised in Italy (Roman Feast Day: 316 A.D. - 397 A.D. Army), Lived and ministered in HIS LIFE: Martin became a soldier in the Roman Army at age 15 and served for 20 years. His father was an officer in the Roman army. While a soldier, Martin was riding his horse one day when he saw a poor man by the side of the road who was cold. He used his sword to cut his military cloak in half and then gave half to the beggar. Later, he had a vision of Christ in his dream. In that dream, Christ was wearing the cloak he had shared. The message for Martin was that what he did for the poor man, he had done for Christ. This prompted Martin to want to follow Jesus and devote his life to helping others. He left the army and was converted to Christianity. He became a monk and a follower of St. Hilary. The people of Tours in France asked that he become their bishop, which he did in 371. Martin lived a long and holy life in which he had concern for the poor, lived simply, and shared what he had with those in need.

1.The Fleur-de-lis indicates his apostolate in France (The lily MARTIN’S WORDS is a symbol of France). Once when he saw a shorn sheep, he said, “This sheep teaches a lesson from the Gospel. She gave one of her coats to 2. The Sword indicates his someone who had none.” career in the military during his When very ill and on his deathbed, it was early years. suggested that he turn on his side to relieve the discomfort. He responded, “Let me look towards heaven 3. The Crozier (staff) indicates rather than earth so that my soul may that he was a bishop in the journey on the right course to the Lord.” . Martin died on , 397.

4. The Barque (sailboat) MARTIN’S GOOD WORKS is a symbol of the church, He spoke the words of true faith and indicating his diocesan inspired others to follow Jesus. affiliation. He reached out to help the many people in his region who were sick and poor. 5. The Outstretched hand He established the first monastic community is a symbol of the miracles in France. performed during his lifetime He lived simply, even when he was a bishop. He gave away his own food and clothing to help the poor. 6. The Human heart pierced He helped to reconcile and bring peace with an arrow indicates his to those who were quarreling. He was a lifelong charitable concern with suffering humanity. peacemaker.

To commemorate the of our , a specially designed mosaic is above the doors at the front entrance of the church depicting St. Martin 7. The Alpha and Omega indicate the return of his soul of Tours in the classic rendition of the parting of his cloak. The mosaic is to God at the end of an heroic surrounded by the word “charity” (love) in six languages spelled out in heavy Christian life. bronze lettering HOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW ABOUT OUR PATRON SAINT, MARTIN OF TOURS?

_____1. St. Martin was born in: a) Italy b) France c) Hungary d) e) none of these _____2. He was born and lived in the: a) 800’s b) 900’s c) 300’s d) time of Jesus e)none of these _____3. Martin lived in: a) France b) Italy c) Hungary d) all of these _____4. Martin’s first career was: a) doctor b) soldier c) preacher d) messenger _____5. Jesus appeared to Martin in: a) prayer b) a dream c) a picture d) none of these _____6. Martin realized that whatever you do for another person, you are doing: a) so others will know b) for Jesus c) to get to heaven d) none of these _____7. Martin converted to Christianity because of: a) a desire to help others b) the good example of his parents c) fear of being punished d) all of these _____8. During his life, Martin showed his concern for others by: a) giving food to the poor b) being a peacemaker c) sharing what he had to help the poor and hungry d) all of these _____9. Martin is best known for a) being a monk b) being a convert to the Catholic faith c) cutting his military cloak in half with his sword to share it with a poor man d) none of these _____10. After becoming a Christian, Martin became: a) monk b) preacher c) bishop d) all of these _____11. Tours is a city in which country? a) Italy b) England c) France d) Hungary e) none of these _____12. The fleur-de-lis (lily) is the symbol of which country? a) United States b) Italy c) Canada d) France _____13. Martin became a bishop in which country? a) Hungary b) England c) France d) _____14. Martin is most often depicted: a) on his horse and cutting his cloak for a beggar b) praying in a c) fishing in a boat d) fighting in a war _____15. St. Martin of Tours’ feast day is: a) November 11 (Veterans’ Day) b) November 1 (All Day) c) November 2 (All Souls Day) d) none of these _____16. When St. Martin died, he was: a) a young boy b) a young adult c) an elderly man d) none of these

IN OUR CHURCH: _____17. In the center aisle, there are which of these symbols represent St. Martin? a) outstretched hand b) a heart pierced with an arrow c) a sword d) all of these _____18. How many symbols are in the center aisle? a) three b) five c) twelve d) seven _____19. The crozier (staff) signifies that Martin was a: a) solder b) monk c) bishop d) saint _____20. The mosaic of St. Martin is: a) by the side altars b) behind the altar c) above the front entrance doors d) in none of these places _____21. The mosaic has which word in different languages? a) charity b) faith c) hope d) none of these _____22. How many languages are represented? a) six b) three c) ten d) fifteen _____23. All but which one of the following languages are on the mosaic? a) English b) c) Arabic d) French e) Greek