I always thought it might be nice to have Martin as my middle name–after Martin Luther, you know. I sort of got a chance to do that when I became a Benedictine oblate. First some explanations. The Order of St. Benedict or Benedictines are a monastic order with roots in a monastery established by Benedict of Nursia in Monte Cassino, Italy in the sixth century. An oblate is a person associated with a Benedictine monastery, and who lives according to Benedictine principles and spirituality. In the U.S. most Benedictine monasteries receive Protestants as well as Catholics as oblates. I professed as an oblate at St. Leo Abbey in 2000.

When I became an oblate I was allowed to pick a patron saint. I chose Martin of Tours. And thus I became Wayne Martin of Tours Kofink. I know it’s not the Martin I wanted, but Martin Luther was named Martin because he was baptized on December 11, St. Martin’s Day.

Who was Martin of Tours? He was a native of Pannonia (present day Hungary), born probably around 336. While Martin was a Roman soldier in the Roman in Gaul (modern-day France), he had a vision. One day he met a beggar. He cut his cloak in half to share with the man. That night, Martin dreamed of Jesus wearing the half cloak. Jesus said to some angels “Martin, who is still a catechumen, clothed me with this robe.” Martin was baptized, became a monk and was eventually made Bishop of Tours in France.

I like Martin as an example of generosity.

Read Hebrews 13:2 and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Wayne