On the evening of 8 November, just after 4 o’clock, the LIS schoolyard slowly filled with a warm November glow. Children from the kindergarten and our primary school arrived with their lanterns – many of them lovingly handmade – shining in all colours of the rainbow. Some lanterns were painted with stars, others with animals or autumn leaves; all of them swung proudly from small hands, ready to light up the early darkness.
The meeting point for everyone was the big LIS schoolyard. Families greeted each other, children compared their lanterns, and the soft murmur of voices mixed with the rustling of coats and the first excited songs.
A wonderful surprise waited for the children: not one, but two St. Martins on horseback. In shining red cloaks, Kindergarten Principal Ms Venzia and Primary Principal Ms Amann rode onto the schoolyard as St. Martin. The children’s eyes grew wide.
Before the lantern walk could begin, everyone gathered to listen to the story of Saint Martin. In the cool evening air, the children heard how Martin, a Roman soldier, shared his cloak with a freezing beggar. This reminded us all why we were coming together on this special day: to celebrate kindness, sharing, and looking out for one another.
Led by the lantern light and accompanied by the two “Martins” on their horses, the procession set off towards the forest behind the school. The line of lights wound its way along the path like a colourful, glowing ribbon. Lantern songs drifted through the trees, and the soft crunch of leaves underfoot added its own rhythm to the evening. Parents walked side by side with their children, talking quietly, humming along, or simply enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.
While the children and their families made their way through the forest, busy hands were at work back at school. Dedicated parents were preparing a cosy welcome: steaming cups of hot chocolate and trays full of ‘Martinshörnchen’ were set out, ready to be shared. When the lantern procession finally returned from the dark woods, the smell of fresh pastries and the sight of warm drinks created a truly festive feeling. Children with rosy cheeks wrapped their hands around cups of hot chocolate, and families gathered in small circles to enjoy their ‘Martinshörnchen’ together.
The evening was a beautiful mixture of tradition and community spirit – a moment to pause, to share and to feel connected.
The story of St Martin’s generosity beautifully reflects what we strive to live at LIS: caring for others, sharing what we have, and growing a strong, supportive community.
A heartfelt thank you to Bäckerei Lampe for the delicious baked goods, to Jana and Peggy from the Parent Association for their wonderful organisation and support, and to all the families who joined and helped make this St. Martin’s lantern walk such a warm and memorable celebration.
St Martin of Tours – Soldier, Bishop, Saint
Saint Martin of Tours was a Roman soldier in the 4th century who later became a bishop and is remembered above all for his compassion – especially the moment he shared his cloak with a freezing beggar. Born around 316/317 in Pannonia (in present-day Hungary), he became known for his dedication to helping the poor and the sick.
His feast day, St Martin’s Day, is celebrated on 11 November and is still marked in many places with lantern processions and traditional St Martin’s goose. He is considered one of the most well-known and beloved saints in the Catholic tradition.