Pfarre Kirchberg an der Pielach

The parish of Kirchberg an der Pielach is dedicated to St. Martin of Tours.
Martin of Tours, born in 316 or 317 AD, grew up as the son of a Roman military tribune in Pannonia in present-day Hungary. At the age of 15, he was drafted into the bodyguard of Emperor Constantine II in Milan.
At the age of 18, he was baptized by Hilarius, later Bishop of Poitiers. From 334, Martin was stationed in Amiens as a soldier in the cavalry of the Imperial Guard. One day in winter, Martin came across a poor, unclothed man at the city gate of Amiens. Apart from his weapons and his military coat, Martin had nothing with him. In a merciful act, he divided his cloak with his sword and gave one half to the poor man. The following night, Christ appeared to him in a dream, dressed in the half cloak that Martin had given to the beggar. Soon a number of legends arose with tales of Martin's miracles, such as the raising of the dead being attributed to him. Another legend tells of Martin being appointed bishop by the inhabitants of the city of Tours in 371. Martin, who allegedly felt unworthy of the office, hid in a goose stall. However, the excited cackling geese betrayed his presence and he had to accept the office of bishop. The custom of the "St. Martin's goose" is derived from this.