On the first day of November, we celebrate All Saints’ Day and remember all those in heaven and think about how we can be like them. All Saints’ Day is then followed by All Souls’ Day.

As part of a religion lesson on the remembrance of saints in November, there is one canonized saint’s feast day that is also on November 11th, Veteran’s Day: St Martin of Tours. St. Martin was a soldier. He eventually became a Bishop and served God as well.

There are many stories of St. Martin. He became a catechumen at the age of 10. A catechumen is a person being instructed in the Christian faith, a process that in the early centuries of the church was quite lengthy. At 15, he entered the army. It was while he was in service that the most famous story about St. Martin comes from.

St. Martin was riding through the town in the middle of winter when he encountered a beggar in need of help. Martin had no money or extra clothing, so he removed his military cloak, cut it in half, and gave half to the poor beggar. Later that night, Martin had a dream in which Christ appeared to him wearing the cloak, saying, “Martin, still only a catechumen, has clothed me.”

The dream spurred him to be baptized immediately. He decided to give his life entirely to Christ. St. Martin understood that when we do something kind for someone in need, we are doing that kindness to Jesus. This story also shows that our actions can bring us closer to God.

On the feast of St. Martin and Veterans’ Day, we should remember, pray, and have gratitude toward this great soldier and saint, and for those serving in the military. For the month of November, remember and pray that we can learn how to be like this soldier who lived his life entirely for God.

As images of God, we should want our actions to reflect Jesus’ actions. Like St. Martin, we can try to act like Jesus and help meet the physical needs of others.

AUTHOR: Heidi McInerney, Kindergarten Teacher