Memorial of St. Martin of Tours, 316-397; born in what is now Hungary, raised in Italy; after being discharged from the army, he became a monk; he established what may have been the first French monastery; the people of Tours demanded that he become their bishop, so they lured him to the city on a ruse; he was taken to the church, where he reluctantly consented to being consecrated bishop; as bishop, he rejected the concept of putting heretics to death, and prevailed upon the emperor not to intrude in such matters; as death approached, Martin's followers begged him not to leave them; he prayed, “Lord, if your people still need me, I do not refuse the work. Your will be done”
Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 11/11/24