Investigations on the borders of the Sacred: the mystery of the body of San Nicola

One of the Saints loved by the Catholic tradition is certainly Saint Nicholas. his party for Catholics takes place on December 6th. St. Nicholas is also well known among Orthodox religions, in fact in the Eastern countries he is also given the title of Santa Claus.

St. Nicholas is from Turkey and after being ordained a priest in Myra in the same city he was also appointed Bishop. A very famous saint is proliferating in his time for the various activities carried out in the Christian religion in fact it is said that his appointment as Bishop was not made by the Church of Rome as it is now but directly by the people since he loved him so much for his activities and his Christian charity.

In Italy there are at least over twenty well-known and well-known cities that devote worship to San Nicola both religiously with celebrations and liturgies but also at civil level with patronal feasts.

The cult of San Nicola is widespread all over Europe. In fact, as we said before, in addition to the Eastern countries, St. Nicholas is celebrated in Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Belgium. Depending on the country, the saint is considered the protector of sailors, pharmacists, fishermen, schoolchildren, lawyers and prostitutes. In short, a worldwide known and well-known saint who for over 1500 years his cult has been celebrated all over the world.

In this last period, however, there has been a controversy around the body and relics of St. Nicholas. In fact, in Myra in Turkey where Saint Nicholas lived and was bishop, a tomb was found which according to local archaeologists would be the body of the Saint.

The Diocese of Bari immediately opposed the fact. In fact, the Saint in Italy is named San Nicola di Bari, this because in 1087 the relics of the Saint were stolen by the Bari inhabitants and according to the diocese of the place the historical fact is documented historically and have evidence in their possession.

"What the Turks claim has no historical or archaeological foundation - says Father Gerardo Cioffari of the Nicolaiani Study Center - All this is needed by the Turks only to create business around the figure of Santa Claus".

So according to the exponents of the Bari Church the announcement made by the Turks would be only a fake linked to the Business that revolves around the name of the Saint. In fact, in Turkey San Nicola has a greater reputation and importance than the Italian one, so much so that, as we said before, he is also named as Santa Claus.

So until the investigations do not end and the Church does not pronounce on it, we always remain "Saint Nicholas of Bari", Bishop of Myra.