The Divine Office: Martin was poor and humble

Examiner.com ^ | 11/11/2011 | Joe Speranzella SFO

[Catholic Examiner]

A letter of Sulpicius Severus

Martin knew long in advance the time of his death and he told his brethren that it was near. Meanwhile, he found himself obliged to make a visitation of the parish of Candes. The clergy of that church were quarrelling, and he wished to reconcile them. Although he knew that his days on earth were few, he did not refuse to undertake the journey for such a purpose, for he believed that he would bring his virtuous life to a good end if by his efforts peace was restored in the church.

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[Verginius Rufus]

The cathedral in Lucca, Italy, is named for St. Martin and features a number of reliefs by Nicola Pisano illustrating the life of St. Martin, including the famous story of him dividing his cloak and giving half to a beggar.

Gregory of Tours, author of a History of the Franks and other works, was bishop of Tours in the 6th century and a great fan of St. Martin.

In some parts of Europe Indian summer is called St. Martin's summer (they had to call it something before Columbus).

"The Ballad of Barbara Allen" exists in many versions--the version I read in high school English class started "It was in and about the Martinmas time" (i.e., November 11).