Archdiocese of Portland thanked all military personnel, past and present, on Veterans Day. | Archive

The Archdiocese of Portland commemorated Veterans Day and the Feast Day of St. Martin of Tours Nov. 11 with prayer and remembrance posted on social media.

“To all veterans, we thank you for your service and sacrifice,” the Archdiocese of Portland posted on Facebook. 

“Join us in praying for those that served our country: Lord God, Almighty Father, creator of mankind and author of peace, as we are ever mindful of the cost paid for the liberty we possess, we ask you to bless the members of our armed forces.  Give them courage, hope and strength. May they ever experience your firm support, gentle love and compassionate healing. Be their power and protector, leading them from darkness to light. To you be all glory, honor and praise, now and forever, amen.”

The Archdiocese for the Military Services provides spiritual services and care to members of the armed forces, according to the organization's website. Pope Saint John Paul II established the Archdiocese in 1985; it now has has installations in 29 countries and serves over 1.8 million people, the Archdiocese of Military Services states. Oregon is home to over 300,000 veterans, according to the United States Census Bureau.

Veterans Day is also the Feast Day of St. Martin of Tours, the patron saint of the poor, soldiers and conscientious objectors, the Portland diocese noted on Facebook.

“In addition to Veterans Day, November 11th is also the feast day of St. Martin of Tours,” the diocese wrote. “Patron saint of the poor, soldiers, and conscientious objectors; St. Martin is commonly depicted cutting his cape in half to share with a man in need. Let his life of service remind us that we are soldiers for Christ. He has given us the strength to advocate for the less fortunate, fight the good fight, and not avoid the toil.”

Martin of Tours was born in approximately 316 A.D, according to a biography of the saint on the Franciscan Media website. The son of a veteran, he was entered into the army at 15, baptized at 18, and at 23 implored his commanding officer to distribute Martin's monetary compensation among his fellow soldiers and allow him to leave the military. 

"Give the bounty to those who are going to fight. But I am a soldier of Christ and it is not lawful for me to fight," Martin said according to the biography.

After his military service, Martin was ordained an exorcist, lived as a monk and reluctantly accepted the role of bishop of Tours, according to the biography. He opposed the practice of putting heretics to death, the Franciscan Media wrote.

As death neared, Martin prayed first for his followers according to his biography.

The Archdiocese of Portland shared Martin's prayer: “Lord, if your people still have need of my services, I will not avoid the toil. Your will be done. I have fought the good fight long enough. Yet if you bid me continue to hold the battle line in defense of your camp, I will never beg to be excused from failing strength. I will do the work you entrust to me.  While you command, I will fight beneath your banner.”