"Warrior Saint" Loved Peace (3-11-12)

Who was St. Martin of Tours (316-397)? Why is he a hero of the church? How did the peace-loving Martin become “the warrior saint”? Dumbarton’s Michael Manson, professorial lecturer of literature and American studies at American University, helped adult ed piece together the preculiar legacy of the revered saint. Here are some of the facts and anecdotes about St. Martin:
--Martin’s life spanned most of the 4th century--an era in which Roman paganism was transitioning into Christianity;
----He was the first “confessor” among the western saints—celebrated for how he lived rather than how he died;
--Once he cut his cloak in half and gave it to a beggar. His cloak was venerated and became a royal symbol. Wherever it was kept became a “chapel” and the caretaker a “chaplain”;
--He was the patron saint of French kings, all of whom were at war. Manson commented on the irony. “Martin gets his start in the church by refusing to serve in the military but Clovis turns him into a military saint”;
--He destroyed pagan temples. He started the first Western monastery and set up the parish system;

--The 40-day Fast of Martinmas has become Advent on the Christian calendar;
--Martin’s first job in the church was as an exorcist. “He was somebody for whom visionary experiences were common,” Manson said. “Oddly enough, his experience of seeing demons and exorcising them led him to be more compassionate.” Manson also pointed out how Martin was controversial because of his view that the devil could be converted;
--Although Martin served as bishop for 26 years, he preferred to be alone in prayer and asked to be buried with the poor.
For Manson, St. Martin is particularly compelling because of his rejection of war and his distance from power.  “He’s in a position of power and tries to stay away from the trappings of power,” said Manson.

--By Ginny Finch