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Der junge Martin als römischer Soldat mit rotem Mantel und Schwert, dahinter eine verschneite Kapelle bei Nacht. Schrift: „Himmelspod Erklärt – Sein Mantel in jeder Kapelle?“

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Season 1 · Episode 1 · 20:07

St. Martin: Why Every Chapel Is Named After His Cloak

Why is every chapel actually called a chapel? The answer leads to a Roman soldier, a freezing beggar at the city gate of Amiens – and half a cloak.

Behind the episodeLife, history, traditions and family materialRead the background →

Please note: the video of this episode is in German.

In this episode of HeavensPOD Explained, we tell the true story of St. Martin: from the officer's son who was taken to the army in chains, to the famous sharing of his cloak, to the bishop who hid in a goose pen. Plus two surprises hardly anyone knows – and very practical ideas for how you can be a Martin yourself this week.

The St. Martin Challenge – 7 days, 7 cloaks

One idea for every day of the week – you'll find them further down this page.

Important in winter

If someone is lying outside in the cold and seems unresponsive, call 112 (the emergency number in Europe) immediately. Many cities also have a cold-weather bus or a cold-weather aid service – look up the number for your city and save it in your phone.

Source

Sulpicius Severus, Vita Sancti Martini (Life of St. Martin, around 397). Some dates are approximate. The goose story is a later legend, as is the interpretation that one half of the cloak belonged to the emperor.

Chapters

  1. The soldier who didn't want to fight
  2. Welcome to HeavensPOD Explained
  3. Childhood in Savaria and forced service
  4. The soldier who was different
  5. Amiens: The shared cloak
  6. Be honest: does this sound familiar?
  7. The dream and the baptism
  8. Back in Worms
  9. Hilary and the first monastery in Gaul
  10. Bishop of Tours and the geese
  11. Martin's death and the lights on the Loire
  12. You didn't know this: The half cloak
  13. Why chapels are called chapels
  14. Holy today: Notice, give, stand firm
  15. The cloak check
  16. Helping the right way on the street
  17. Sharing as a family
  18. At work
  19. In your parish
  20. Doing good in secret
  21. The St. Martin Challenge: 7 days, 7 cloaks
  22. Prayer
  23. Want more videos like this? Here is how you can help
  24. In the next episode: St. Nicholas

Did you spot the hidden detail?

Every episode hides one surprise. Watch closely — and tell us what you found.

For your week

Day 1

Donate a good, warm jacket from your wardrobe

Day 2

Save the number of your city's cold-weather aid service

Day 3

Greet someone on the street and ask them their name

Day 4

Call someone who lives alone

Day 5

Honestly ask someone how they are – and listen

Days 6 and 7

Day 6: Share on purpose – a meal, a Weckmann (St. Martin's sweet bread), an evening Day 7: Do a good deed in secret – and give thanks for it