Saint of the day for December 6: story of Saint Nicholas

Saint of the day for December 6nd
(March 15 270 - December 6 343)
Audio file
History of San Nicola

The absence of the "hard facts" of history is not necessarily an obstacle to the popularity of the saints, as evidenced by devotion to St. Nicholas. Both the Eastern and Western Churches honor him and it is said that after the Blessed Virgin he is the saint most portrayed by Christian artists. Yet historically, we can only single out the fact that Nicholas was the fourth-century bishop of Myra, a city in Lycia, a province of Asia Minor.

As with many of the saints, however, we are able to capture the relationship that Nicholas had with God through the admiration that Christians had for him, an admiration expressed in the colorful stories that have been told and told through the ages.

Perhaps the best known story about Nicholas is about his charity towards a poor man who was unable to provide the dowry for his three daughters of marriageable age. Rather than seeing them forced into prostitution, Nicholas secretly threw a bag of gold through the poor man's window on three separate occasions, thus allowing his daughters to marry. Over the centuries, this particular legend has evolved into the custom of giving gifts on the saint's day. In the English-speaking countries, St. Nicholas became, for a stroke of the tongue, Santa Claus, further expanding the example of generosity represented by this holy bishop.

Reflection

The critical eye of modern history gives us a deeper look at the legends surrounding St. Nicholas. But perhaps we can use the lesson taught by his legendary charity, delve deeper into our approach to material possessions in the Christmas season, and look for ways to extend our sharing to those who truly need it.

San Nicola is the patron saint of:

bakers
Brides
Newlyweds
Kids
Greece
Pawnbrokers
Travelers