This coming Monday is November 11th, Veterans Day. Every Veterans Day we remember those men and women who have served our country in the military. We are thankful for all of our veterans, and I am personally thankful to all of our VOL parishioners who have served. Did you know Veterans Day has a Catholic origin?
  November 11th is the Feast of St. Martin of Tours. St. Martin of Tours is the famous 4th Century Roman Officer turned Catholic bishop. His conversion story is noteworthy. As we are told, one day he came across a poor man while he was on his horse. Filled with compassion for him, yet having nothing to give him, he tore his cloak in two and gave one half to him. That same night he dreamt the same scene, but instead of the poor man he saw that the face of Christ. This led to him leaving the service of the Roman government and entering the service of God, eventually becoming bishop of Tours in France.
  After he died his fame spread all over Europe, very similar to how the world knew who Padre Pio or Mother Theresa was. Most of the Christian world knew his story and prayed for his intercession. In later centuries European countries, who were Christian, kept his memory alive by signing peace treaties on November 11th.
  This takes us to the connection with Veterans Day, which was originally called Armistice Day. That was the day that the Treaty of Versailles was signed ending World War I. On the 11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour the bloodiest war in history at that time ended. It was no accident that this happened on the day that the Catholic Church remembers the Roman Soldier turned saint. Signing the treaty in such a fashion was in homage to St. Martin.
  All of us are soldiers, in a sense. The Baltimore Catechism taught that those who are confirmed are soldiers for Christ. We can be soldiers for Christ, just like St. Martin. We can fight for Jesus Christ each day, arming ourselves with Truth. Choosing the good and avoiding sin is how we can fight for Christ. Being models of virtue is how we all can live in the army of Christ.
  As we celebrate Veterans Day, and take time to be thankful to our veterans, let us remember St. Martin of Tours. May his life help us to be good soldiers for Jesus Christ.