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SaintsNovember 11, 2025

St. Martin of Tours — The Soldier Who Cut His Cloak

He was a Roman soldier who met a beggar in the snow. He cut his cape in half. That night, Jesus wore it.

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MyPrayerTower Team
4 min read Spiritual Study

St. Martin (316-397) was a conscientious objector before it was cool. As a catechumen (unbaptized Christian), he was forced into the Roman army. He refused to fight, saying: "I am a soldier of Christ: it is not lawful for me to fight."

The Cloak

One freezing day in Amiens, France, he saw a shivering beggar. Martin had no money. So he drew his sword and sliced his heavy military woolen cloak in two, giving half to the beggar. Others laughed at him for looking ridiculous with half a cape. That night, Jesus appeared to him in a dream wearing the half-cloak, saying to the angels: "Martin, who is still but a catechumen, clothed me with this robe."

Martinmas

His feast (Nov 11) coincides with Veterans Day (Armistice Day). It is a perfect day to pray for peace and for soldiers.


Whatever you do to the least of these... Read Matthew 25 on the MyPrayerTower app.

"O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee."
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