This month's featured Saint is Saint Nicholas!
The Story:
Saint Nicholas was a 4th century Bishop who is more commonly known today as Santa Claus. This comes from the translation of his name"(Santa Claus = Sint Klaes = Saint Nicholas)"* and his reputation of giving gifts! The most famous story that illustrates his remarkably generous spirit is this:
"Both of his (Nicholas') parents tragically died during an epidemic when he was a young man, leaving him well off, but to be raised by his uncle - the Bishop of Patara. Nicholas was determined to devote his inheritance to works of charity, and his uncle mentored him as a reader and later ordained him as a presbyter (priest). An opportunity soon arose for St. Nicholas and his inheritance. A citizen of Patara had lost all his money, and needed to support his three daughters who could not find husbands because of their poverty; so the wretched man was going to give them over to prostitution. Nicholas became informed of this, and thus took a bag of gold and threw it into an open window of the man's house in the night. Here was a dowry for the eldest girl and she was soon duly married. At intervals Nicholas did the same for the second and the third; at the last time the father was on the watch, recognized his benefactor and overwhelmed Nicholas with his gratitude." *
You can read more about Saint Nicholas and his life at https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=371.
Patron of: Bakers, Pawnbrokers, Children, Sailors, and numerous Parishes and Dioceses.
Feast Day: December 6th
Saint Nicholas was an incredible example of cheerful giving and selfless generosity. During this Advent and Christmas season, as well throughout the whole year, we, as Christians should strive to be generous with the blessings that God has given us, just as Saint Nicholas was.
Saint Nicholas, please PRAY FOR US!!
* All quotes, as well as other background information used in creating this post comes from the link to Catholic Online provided in the "The Story" section of this blog post.
Comments