Martin of Tours

Born in Pannonia, Martin converted to Christianity young but served in the Roman cavalry in Gaul before leaving military life prior to 361. He became a disciple of Hilary of Poitiers and founded the monastery at Ligugé. Consecrated Bishop of Tours in 371, he worked to stamp out what remained of Gallo-Roman religion in the region. His contemporary, the hagiographer Sulpicius Severus, recorded his life and secured the cloak story for posterity. His shrine in Tours became a major waypoint for pilgrims heading to Santiago de Compostela.