Martin Luther was born on 10 November 1483 in the small town of Eisleben. His parents were devout Catholics of humble origins. His father’s successful business enterprises enabled him to provide his son with a good education. Luther’s childhood was marked by strict discipline. His mother whipped him until blood flew for stealing a nut. In 1505 he took a vow of poverty, chastity, and obedience. As a monk he visited Rome and his love for his parents was so strong that he wished they were dead so he could redeem them from purgatory with a Mass. The large crowds prevented him from getting in the church so he “ate a smoked herring.”