Description: (Bishop)
Martin of Tours, also known as Martin the Merciful, was the third bishop of Tours. He converted to Christianity at a young age and served in the Roman cavalry in Gaul before becoming a disciple of Hilary of Poitiers. He established a monastery at Ligugé and was consecrated as Bishop of Caesarodunum (Tours) in 371. As bishop, he played a key role in suppressing Gallo-Roman religion and opposed the violent persecution of the Priscillianist sect of ascetics. He is best known for his act of cutting his cloak in two to give to a beggar in need.