Martin of Leon

Saint Martin of Leon (Spanish: San Martín de León; c. 1130 – January 12, 1203) was a priest and canon regular of the Augustinian Order. Born at León, Martin, along with his father Juan, withdrew from the world to the canonry of St. Marcellinus in León after the death of his mother. Martin was educated at this canonry, and after the death of his father, Martin decided to undertake a major pilgrimage, visiting the cities of Rome and Constantinople.

Saint Martin of Leon
Saint Martin of Leon, with Saint Isidore of Seville appearing before him.
Born	1130 León, Spain
Died	January 12, 1203
Venerated in	Roman Catholic Church; Eastern Orthodox Church
Major shrine	Basilica of San Isidoro, León
Feast	January 12

Returning to Spain, he took the religious habit at St. Marcellinus, but after seeing this monastery had been secularized by the bishops he entered the collegiate of church St. Isidore in the same city. This is a church he went on to endow and is where Saint Isidore was buried, hence its name.

Martin distinguished himself by his zealous observance, his charity, and his deep devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. The date of his death is given to us by the necrology preserved in the monastery. He died on January 12, 1203, of natural causes. The religious of St. Isidore's dedicated a chapel to Martin very early and celebrated his feast each year.