Want to Be Nicholas Today?
Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Matthew 19:14)
Today is the Feast of St. Nicholas, the great patron of children and of Christmas giving. He lived in the fourth century. Santa Claus is a Dutch form of the name St. Nicholas. This famous saint was born in Asia Minor, which is modern-day Turkey. After his parents died, he gave all his money to charity.
Once, a certain poor man was about to abandon his daughters to a life of sin because they did not have the money needed to get married. Nicholas heard about his problem. He went to the man’s house at night and tossed a little pouch of gold through a window. This was for the oldest daughter. He did the same thing for the second daughter. The grateful father kept watch to find out who was being so good to them. When St. Nicholas came a third time, the man recognized him. He thanked Nicholas over and over again.
Later St. Nicholas became bishop. He loved justice. It is said that once he saved three innocent men who had been falsely condemned to death. He then turned to their accuser. He made the man admitted that he had been offered money to get rid of the three men.
St. Nicholas died in Myra, and a great basilica was built over his tomb. Many churches were dedicated in his name. When his relics were brought to Bari, Italy, this city became a famous shrine for pilgrims from all over Europe. Nicholas is the patron of sailors and prisoners, as well as children. With St. Andrew, he is the patron of Russia. (iMissal, Saint a Day)
We can learn from St. Nicholas how to have generous, loving hearts. He went out of his way to do good for people. He’ll teach us how to be the same kind of person if we ask him.
Prayer of St. Nicholas
O good holy Nicholas, you who brought joy to children, put in my heart the spirit of childhood
about which the Gospel speaks. Teach me how to sow happiness around me. Amen.
Hail Mary full of grace…
Peace in Christ,
Father Vincent-Vuong Nguyen