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Saint Martin of Tours is one of the most celebrated and respected figures in the history of Christianity, best known for his act of charity that became a symbol of altruism and generosity. Born in Hungary around 316 A.D. into a pagan family, Martin converted to Christianity at a young age, despite opposition from his family.The most famous story of his life is surely that of the shared cloak. While still a Roman soldier, Martin is said to have encountered a beggar shivering from the cold near the city of Amiens, France. Without hesitation, Martin tore his military cloak in two with his sword and gave half of it to the poor man to protect him from the cold. That night, Martin dreamt of Jesus dressed in the half of the cloak he had given the beggar, and heard Jesus say to the angels: ‘Behold, Martin, who is not yet baptised, has clothed me’. This event was decisive for his complete conversion to Christianity. After leaving the army, Martin became a monk and then bishop of Tours, a role he filled with great humility and dedication. He was known for his simple lifestyle and his commitment to the poor and the sick. Martin was also one of the first non-martyr saints to be venerated in the Church and his cult quickly spread throughout medieval Europe.Every year, St Martin's Day, 11 November, is celebrated in many European countries with festivities that include fairs, processions and, above all, the sharing of food and wine, in memory of the saint's act of sharing. In Italy, St Martin's Day is also associated with novello, the first wine of the last harvest, a symbol of renewal and shared joy.The story of St Martin continues to inspire many people around the world, reminding us of the importance of generosity and service to others, universal and timeless values.
