Dear Parishioners and Visitors:
On Veterans Day we remember the sacrifices large and small made by members of the armed forces in defense of their country. It is also a day when the Church remembers Saint Martin of Tours, a teenaged Roman soldier when the early Church was in its infancy stages. Although raised a pagan, Martin was interested in becoming a Christian. One night while he was on duty with his troops, Martin encountered a beggar who was half-naked and freezing in the bitter cold. Moved with compassion, Martin cut his military cloak in half and shared it with the beggar. Later that night, Martin had a dream in which he saw Jesus wearing the half-cloak he had given away. Jesus said to him, “Martin, who wishes to become a Christian, clothed me with this robe.” The vision had a great impact on Martin, who converted from paganism to Christianity shortly thereafter! He later became Bishop of Tours, and is the patron saint of horses and those who serve in the military.
To all veterans, living, MIA, and deceased: Thank you for your part in bringing peace to the world!
With prayerful best wishes,
Fr. John Mahoney