St. Martin of Tours

Patron Saint of Beggars, France, Wool-Weavers, and Tailors

St. Martin of Tours was born to pagan parents in the 300s. He served in the Roman army until he switched from fighting armies to fighting against heresies. He became a monk, being taught by the future St. Hilary of Poitiers. Martin became a devout defender of the faith and eventually became the Bishop of Tours where he helped spread and establish the faith throughout France. He is remembered for both his ability to organize the church in Tours and his pastoral care for all the people in his diocese. Throughout the Middle Ages, his shrine in Tours was one of the most popular and important pilgrimage sites in Europe.