St. Martin was born in 316 into a military family. His father was a tribune in the Roman Imperial Horse Guard. At the age of fifteen, Martin joined the cavalry and served in France. While there he had a vision in which he shared his cloak with Christ. Before the battle against the Gauls at Worms in 336 he refused to fight, saying he was no longer a Roman soldier but was now a soldier of Christ. He was jailed for cowardice. In his defense, he volunteered to go to the front of his troops and lead them into battle unarmed. The charge was dropped and he was released from military service. He was consecrated Bishop of Tours. He died on November 8, 397. His shrine has become a famous stop for pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela. St. Martin is the patron saint of soldiers.
Bronze
Dimensions: 1 1/4 x 1 1/4"