St. Martin of Tours was born around 316 and served as a soldier in the Roman army before devoting his life fully to Christianity. He is remembered above all for meeting a poorly clothed beggar on a cold day and cutting his own military cloak in two so that he could share it with him.

Martin later left military service, became a monk and was eventually chosen as Bishop of Tours. He became known for his simple way of life, his care for the poor and his reluctance to seek honour or wealth. His story made him one of the most widely loved saints of early Western Christianity.