PATRON SAINT OF: Against alcoholism, reformed alcoholics, impoverishment, against poverty, beggars, Burgenland, cavalry, equestrians, France, geese, horse men, horses, hotel-keepers, innkeepers, Mainz, Germany, quartermasters, riders, soldiers, tailors, vintners, wine growers and wine makers.

GUIDANCE: Pagan parents; his father was a Roman military officer and tribune. Martin was raised in Pavia, Italy. Discovered Christianity, and became a catechumen in his early teens. Joined the Roman imperial army at age 15, serving in a ceremonial unit that acted as the emperor's bodyguard, rarely exposed to combat. Cavalry officer, and assigned to garrison duty in Gaul.

Trying to live his faith, he refused to let his servant to wait on him. Once, while on horseback in Amiens in Gaul (modern France), he encountered a beggar. Having nothing to give but the clothes on his back, he cut his heavy officer's cloak in half, and gave it to the beggar. Later he had a vision of Christ wearing the cloak.

On a visit to Lombardy to see his parents, he was robbed in the mountains - but managed to convert one of the thieves.

Martin himself was given to visions, but even his contemporaries sometimes ascribed them to his habit of lengthy fasts.

FEAST DAY: November 11

SAMPLE AFFIRMATIONS: I AM a beautiful manifestation of the hand of God. I AM healthy and always make Good decisions. I always have more than enough money for myself and to share with others.

SAMPLE PRAYER: Father,

Through Jesus Christ's Precious, Pure and Holy name I pray. - Amen

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