A Cloak Divided: The Enduring Light of St. Martin’s Generosity November 10 2025

Martin of Tours offers us a picture of self-sacrificing generosity that is rare in our modern times. 

The story of Martin of Tours is a story of generosity and compassion. On a bitterly cold night, the battalion leader in the Roman army, Martin, was riding behind his battalion of men, as usual, and the gates of a city that promised warmth and good food were closing for the night. Rather than enter the city with his men, Martin paused to help a poor beggar who was at risk of freezing to death in the cold, having been rejected from entering the city.

As the doors closed, Martin chose to stay with the beggar, removed his large, warm cloak, took his sword, divided his cloak in two, and gave half to the beggar to warm him and save his life.

That night, sleeping in the cold, Martin had a waking dream. In the dream, the Son of Man appeared to Martin, telling him that because of his sacrifice and generosity, Martin would abide always with God. 

The story of Martin of Tours dates back to the fourth century CE, when he was a leader in the Roman army. The famous parts of his tenure as a Roman army principal include his reputation among his men; he was much beloved and was known for his attentiveness to his followers in times of war. He consistently stayed behind his men to ensure that they were all collected if wounded, so no one would be left behind. His disdain for killing meant that he was not happy as a soldier, well though he did his job. He always yearned to pursue a life of the spirit. Reportedly, on the eve of a major and menacing battle, Martin, unable to bear the killing any longer, entered his superior's tent, surrendered his sword, and proclaimed he would not fight. The superior was furious with Martin for abandoning his post so close to battle.  However, an unexpected miracle occurred when, on the morning of the great battle, an envoy from the enemy appeared to Martin’s superior and declared their wish to surrender. 

Many miracles are ascribed to Martin of Tours. St. Patrick was trained as a monk under Martin of Tours. Saint Martin is the patron of the poor, soldiers, conscientious objectors, tailors, and winemakers. 

One meteorological fun fact is an old wives’ tale that says that when there’s snow at Martinmas, there’s mud at Christmas; and when there’s mud at Martinmas, there’s snow at Christmas. After thirty years of observational research, the Library Lady can confirm that the old adage has merit!