St. Martin

Martin of Tours was the third bishop of Tours. He is the patron saint of many communities and organizations across Europe, including of the former French Third Republic. A native of Pannonia, he converted to Christianity at a young age. He served in the Roman cavalry in Gaul, but left military service prior to 361, when he became a disciple of Hilary of Poitiers, establishing the monastery at Ligugé. He was consecrated as Bishop of Caesarodunum (Tours) in 371. As bishop, he was active in the sup