St. Martin of Tours

Patron Saint of Beggars, France, Wool-Weavers, and Tailors

St. Martin of Tours was a Roman soldier in the fourth century who became a monk and bishop. He is the patron saint of the poor and of soldiers. Many years ago, the feast of St. Martin of Tours was called Martinmas or St. Martin’s Day, and was the last day of feasting before the penitential season of Advent. The goose is a common symbol of St. Martin, who was said to have his in a goose pen to avoid being named a bishop.