Saint’s Life Story

His Youth 

Nicholas was born in the third century around 270 in the village of Patara in Asia Minor. At the time, the area was Greek.  Now, it is on the southern coast of Turkey. His wealthy parents raised him to be a devout Christian. But, they died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young. Obeying Jesus’ words to “sell what you own and give the money to the poor,” Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra, Lycia (modern Turkey) while still a young man. Bishop Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships.

Nicholas suffered for his faith. He was exiled and imprisoned by the Roman Emperor Diocletian, who ruthlessly persecuted Christians. The prisons were so full of bishops, priests, and deacons, there was no room for the real criminals—murderers, thieves and robbers. After his release, Nicholas attended the Council of Nicaea in AD 325. “Nicholas of Myra of Lycia” appears on one of the earliest and most reliable lists of the Bishops at Nicea.

Nicholas died December 6, 343 in Myra, Lycia (in modern Turkey).  He was buried in his cathedral church, where a unique relic, called manna, formed in his grave. This liquid substance, said to have healing powers, fostered the growth of devotion to Nicholas.

First Legend  

There are several legends about Saint Nicholas. Here it is told by Jacob of Voragine in his famed thirteenth-century book of saints, The Golden Legend:

One of his neighbors, a nobleman, was so poor that he planned to deliver his three daughters to prostitution in order to make a living from the profits of their shame.

When Nicholas heard of this, he was horrified at the thought of such a sin. Wrapping a lump of gold in cloth, during the night he threw it through a window in his neighbor’s house. Then he fled without being seen. The next morning the man found the bundle of gold. Thanking God, he immediately arranged for his eldest daughter’s marriage.

Second Legend  

A while later, St. Nicholas did the same thing a second time. Finding the gold, the neighbor broke out into great songs of praise. He determined in the future to watch and discover who was thus coming to the relief of his poverty.

A few days later a bundle of gold twice as large was thrown into his house. He heard the noise it made falling and set out in pursuit of Nicholas. He begged him to stop so he could see his face. He ran so fast that he caught up with the young man and recognized him. Throwing himself before him, he tried to kiss his feet. But Nicholas declined his thanks. He exacted a promise that the man would keep the secret of his deed until after his death.

Threes in his Legends 

“Threes” also play a role in other St. Nicholas legends. Nicholas is said to have personally obtained at Myra the release of three innocent men. And he miraculously appeared to the Emperor Constantine to rescue from death three falsely accused imperial officers. These latter reportedly had witnessed his intervention for the three men at Myra and had prayed for God to send Nicholas to their aid.

The legend of the three gold bundles is probably behind the tradition of giving gifts on Nicholas’s feast day and at Christmas. This tradition originated in Germany, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. Dutch settlers in the United States transformed St. Nicholas into the Santa Claus who now helps us celebrate the birth of Christ.

Beatified:           Pre-Congregation

Canonized:        Pre-Congregation

Feast Day:         December 6

Patron Saint:    Children, Greece, Russia, Sailors

Source:

• • Who is St. Nicholas? ::: St. Nicholas Center (stnicholascenter.org)
    
  • The Life and Legends of Saint Nicholas | Loyola Press
  • CatholicSaints.Info » Saint Nicholas of Myra

Prayers

Video Link

St Nicholas – YouTube Video (Catholic Online)