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Our Patron, St. Nicholas
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St. Nicholas of Myra was born in Lycia, Asia Minor, (lived c. 270 - 345/352) and was a 4th century bishop. His feast day is December 6th, presumably the date of his death. He is also known as the "Wonderworker". Several acts of kindness and miracles are attributed to him.Having lived in 4 AD, very little is known about Saint Nicholas that is historically verifiable. What we do know is that he was the Bishop of Myra, most likely suffered imprisonment during the persecution of Roman Emperor Diocletian, and was one of the bishops who attended the Council of Nicaea in 325.Nicholas was born into an affluent and devout Christian family. When Nicholas was young, his parents died from an epidemic, leaving him an orphan and heir to his family wealth. Conscious of Jesus’ message to the rich, “sell what you have and give to the poor,” the wealthy young Nicholas did exactly that.Over all, St Nicholas is credited with being a miracle worker blessed with the virtues of kindness and generosity – especially to children.The Legends of St. NicholasIn addition to what is known about St. Nicholas, many legendary acts abound:- He once found three dead children in a brine tub and brought them back to life.
- He rescued three young girls doomed to prostitution through poverty, so as a gift, he tossed three bags of gold into their window that provided the means for the girls to have marriage dowries.
- He rescued three sailors from drowning
- He saved three condemned men from execution.
As Europeans migrated to the US, Dutch immigrants carried the legends of St. Nicholas with them and referred to him as “Sinte Klaas.” His feast day was observed by giving presents and thus Santa Claus evolved.Whatever the legend, he is depict as a generous, strong and chivalrous man. St Nicholas is credited with being a miracle worker blessed with the virtues of kindness and generosity – especially to children.Learn more at:My Catholic Life St. NicholasCatholic Apostolate St. Nicholas
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FAST FACTS:
- Lived 4th Century AD
- Birth Place:
(modern Turkey)- Patron Saint of:
Brides
Unmarried Girls
Russia
Travelers
Sailors
Maritime Navigators- Feast Day:
- Identified with Santa Claus
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