Cloak Piece for the Beggar The event that has made Saint Martin so popular to this day occurred during his time as a soldier. In 334, the young guards officer was stationed in Amiens. At the city gate, he encountered a freezing beggar in the middle of winter. Martin took pity on the man, drew his sword, cut his cloak in half, and gave him half of it. The following night, Christ appeared to him, wearing the cloak piece. It was Christ who tested Martin as a beggar. This event prompted Martin to resign from his service to the emperor and serve God from then on.