Previous Saint This month Next Saint
[Today's previous saint] [back to Calendar] [Today's next saint]
Born in Pannonia (Hungary) c. 515; died at Braga, Spain, 580. While Martin's origin and early history are uncertain, he was known as a zealous missionary, who evangelized Spain. Around 550, Saint Martin introduced communal monasticism to Galicia (northwestern part of the Iberian peninsula) which he may have learned as a monk in Palestine. His principal foundation was the abbey of "Dumium" (Mondonedo) of which he became bishop before his appointment to the see of Braga. He also travelled widely to evangelize the pagans and Arian Suevians (converting their king). Fortunatus compared the bishop of Braga, who was a writer of some importance, with his patron, Saint Martin of Tours (f.d. November 11). His extant works include a sermon which gives interesting particulars about the rural superstitions he encountered (Attwater, Attwater2, Benedictines, Encyclopaedia).


Previous Saint This month Next Saint
[Today's previous saint] [back to Calendar] [Today's next saint]