One extremely cold winter’s day in the year 335, Marin was doing his duty as a young soldier in the Roman army when he saw a beggar freezing from the cold. Without hesitation, Martin took his sword and with a big SWHISH sliced his cloak in half. He kept one half for himself and gave the other half to the beggar. Instead of using the sword to destroy a life, Martin had used it to save a life.
That night Jesus came to Martin wearing the cloak and said: “What you did for that poor man, you did for me as well.” And thanks to his generosity to someone less fortunate than himself, Martin became a saint.
St. Martin’s cloak became a popular theme in religious art.
After the conversion of Emperor Constantine, Romans were more or less forced to convert to Christianity, too.
Martin, born in what is now Hungary, was forced to join the calvary at the age of 15 and served for nearly two years after his baptism.
Related: St. Martin, Bishop of Tours (c.315-379) + + Constantine the Great and Christianity
The Narrative Within 
They have a lovely celebration for this Saint’s name day in Venice, Italy. The little kids dress in costumes and go around with pots and pans, banging on them, and getting candy from shop keepers. They also have big cookies shaped like the saint on his horse, decorated with icing and candy.
Dear Cynthia, I miss your posts. Most commenters here know you personally, and I don’t, but that doesn’t stop me from worrying about you. You gave me a new and better perspective a couple of times when I needed it. I don’t expect an answer, for I don’t know what you are going through now. But I’m trying to send you lots and lots of love, because I strongly appreciate the simple fact that you exist in this world.
Take care,
Madeleine
Madeleine, what a special soul you have. Your note made me glow inside. Thank you.
Yes, there is a problem. It involves the health of my companion. The rhythms of daily life have drastically changed. But I am writing and drawing only not posting–yet!
Synergy & Solidarity forever
and much love to you sweet Madeleine!