1.  We honor St. Martin of Tours, who as an 18-year old officer in the Roman army, who
          on a cold night, using his sword, cut his heavy cloak in half for a freezing beggar.
          Later that night Christ appeared to Martin in a dream wearing on His shoulders the
          half of his cloak which had been given to the beggar and He said to Martin: "Look at 
          this cloak, and see if you recognize it."  Then Christ turned to the army of angels
          accompanying Him, saying:  "Martin, though only a catechumen, has clothed Me with
          this garment."  Martin was baptized soon afterwards and after serving 5 years in the
          military gave his life to the Church and served as the Bishop of Tours.  He was held in
          such high regard that many churches and towns in Western Europe have been placed
          under his patronage and protection.
     2.  We pray today in a special way for all military veterans and those who serve today
          for their spiritual, physical, and mental well-being, in these challenging times.