St Martin
I
n the late Roman Empire, Savaria was a small, remote outpost village (today Szombathely, Hungary) built during the reign of Claudius. The Roman Legions controlled the village on the major trade route between Italia and Pannonia, inhabited by the ‘Pannonii,’ Indo-European tribes. One of Savaria’s legionnaires was a military tribune who rose from the ranks; he had a son in 316 or 317 AD. The boy was named Martin, or ‘little Mars,’ the ancient god of war--a divinity near and dear to a Roman soldier's heart. This pagan military family was probably of the cult of Mithras, as were many Roman soldiers. But the child Martin was born during Constantine’s reign of 306-337, when for the first time Christians were tolerated. Military families today move around often, and it was no different in Martin’s time. After his birth, Martin’s family was moved to Ticinum, (today Pavia, Italy) not far from Milan. Martin spent his early years in Ticinum; his parents were part of a privileged institution, the Army. Martin’s father retired, and was given land in Ticinum. There is a story of young Martin disappearing for three days, which he spent in a forbidden Christian church asking questions. He even asked to be baptized, which did not happen -- though something in this young boy was surely pulling him towards the Eternal Truth.
Martin’s Military Years
In the year 331, the Emperor Constantine issued an edict requiring all sons of veterans to enlist in the Roman Army. Martin, at the age of 15, had his destiny decided for him. He was conscripted into the Army, and assigned to the prestigious scholae imperatoris, an elite unit which guarded the Emperor. However, his heart was elsewhere; Martin wanted to be a hermit in the desert and lead a life of prayer. In the extreme cold winter of 335 AD, Martin was 18, stationed in Amiens, Gaul, where reports tell us 86
Regina Magazine | France October 2014
that “many were dying of intense cold.” When he came across a half-naked beggar, Martin took his sword “cut the cape in two and gave half to the beggar, putting on the rest himself again.” This was regarded as madness by his fellow soldiers, but in retrospect had an electrifying effect across Christendom. Martin could not have known the importance of this kind act. This one episode is frozen in time across the Christian world -- in paintings and statues, especially throughout France, and Germany -- to this day. That night in his sleep, Martin saw Christ wearing half his cape. It was a vision that would haunt him all his days. Though Martin was still a catechumen, it is said he was baptized shortly after this event.
Confronting an Apostate Emperor
More than 20 years later, we find Martin bravely confronting the new Emperor, Julian the Apostate. Before a battle at Worms, Martin said to the Caesar: “I have been your soldier up to now, let me now be God’s. Let someone who is going to fight have your bonus. I am Christ’s soldier; I am not allowed to fight.” Julian flew into an imperial rage, and accused Martin of cowardice. In response, Martin offered to advance alone and unarmed against the enemy in the name of Christ. Julian’s response in turn was to have Martin thrown into prison. Incredibly, the next day, the Germanic invaders asked for peace. Shortly thereafter, Martin was released from prison, and discharged.
The Holy Years
Martin served Caesar for 25 years; now he sought his Master. He was drawn to Hilary of Poitiers, later Saint Hilary. Under Hilary’s guidance, Martin became an exorcist, then deacon, then priest. He settled near Ligugé and for about ten years lived an austere life, preaching the Gospel in Gaul.