September 10
Saint Nicholas of Tolentino
Priest, Patron of Holy Souls
(1245 – 1305)
“The heavens are not pure in the sight of Him Whom I serve; how then shall I, a sinful man, stand before Him?”
Saint Nicholas of Tolentino
Saint’s Life Story
His Early Life
Nicholas was born in 1245 in Sant’Angelo, Italy. His middle-aged parents, Compagnonus de Guarutti and Amata de Guidiani, were childless until a prayerful visit to a shrine of Saint Nicholas of Myra at Bari, Italy. In gratitude, the couple named their son Nicholas. Nicholas was a studious, kind, and gentle youth. He showed early signs of piety. At age seven, Nicholas hid away in a nearby cave and prayed there like the hermits whom he had observed in the mountains.
Life as a Augustinian Friar
Nicholas became an Augustinian novice at age eighteen. He was a student of the Blessed Angelus de Scarpetti. Nicholas studied at San Ginesio. He was ordained at Cingoli in 1270 at the age of 25. He served as the master of novices at Sant’ Elpidio. Nicholas labored as a confessor converting hardened sinners. Nicholas started preaching and soon became famous for his eloquent teachings.
Living in Tolentino, Italy
Nicholas had visions of angels reciting “to Tolentino” and took this as a sign to move to that city in 1274, where he lived the rest of his life.
Tolentino was torn by civil war and Nicholas set about restoring peace and unity to the city by preaching in the streets, which converted many souls. His ministry was so effective that it was viewed as miraculous, but he was careful not to take credit for anything. He always told those he helped, “Say nothing of this. Give thanks to God, not to me. I am only a vessel of clay, a poor sinner.”
An Austere Life
Nicholas lived an austere life, often fasting and performing works of penance. He spent long hours in prayer. He had a strong devotion for the poor souls in Purgatory, praying for them often late into the night. As a priest and religious, he was full of charity towards his brother Augustinians. Nicholas ministered to the poor, the sick, the criminals and to the needy. He had a reputation as a healer, but what people admired about him the most was his humility and obedience, his charity, his kindness and gentleness, as well as his good nature.
One day, when severely ill, he had a vision of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Augustine of Hippo, and Saint Monica. They told him to eat a certain type of roll that had been marked with a cross and dipped in water. Cured, he began healing others by administering bread over which he recited Marian prayers. The rolls became known as Saint Nicholas Bread, and are still distributed at his shrine today.
On another occasion, Nicholas, who was a vegetarian, was served fowl for dinner. He made the sign of the cross over the bird, and it flew out a window.
His Death And Miracles
During the last years of his life Nicholas was bedridden and suffered greatly. He died in Tolentino, Italy on September 10, 1305, surrounded by his community.
First Augustinian Canonized
He was the first Augustinian to be canonized. At his canonization, Nicholas was credited with three hundred miracles, including three resurrections.
His Many Miracles
At his canonization, Nicholas was credited with three hundred miracles, including three resurrections. One of his miracles was when nine passengers on a ship going down at sea once asked for the aid of Saint Nicholas. He appeared in the sky, wearing the black Augustinian habit, radiating golden light, holding a lily in his left hand; with his right hand he quelled the storm.
Another story relates that Nicholas, while asleep in bed, heard the voice of a deceased friar he had known. This friar told Nicholas that he was in Purgatory, and urged him to celebrate the Eucharist for him and other souls there, so that they would be set free by the power of Christ. Nicholas did so for seven days. The friar again spoke to Nicholas, thanking him and assuring him that a large number of souls were now with God. Because of this Nicholas was proclaimed patron of the souls in Purgatory.
How He Is Depicted
The remains of St. Nicholas are preserved at the Shrine of Saint Nicholas in the Basilica di San Nicola da Tolentino in the city of Tolentino. He is depicted in art wearing the black habit of the Order of the Hermits of St. Augustine with a star above him or on his breast, a lily, or a crucifix garlanded with lilies, in his hand.
Beatified: Unknown
Canonized: June 5, 1446 by Pope Eugene IV
Feast Day: September 10
Patron Saint: Babies; Dying People; Sailors; Sick Animals; Souls in Purgatory
Source:
Reflection
Saint Nicholas of Tolentino, you were obedient and humble in your charitable works for the sick, the needy, the poor and the criminals. While we may not be as “saintly” as Saint Nicholas of Tolentino, we can take a daily saintly step by some small act of kindness to those around us – spouse, family, neighbors and coworkers. Look into your spouse’s eyes and tell him/her that you love them. Take time to play with your children and grandchildren. Buy a cookie and drop it off to your neighbor or coworker with a short a note.
What “saintly” act can you do today for someone that shows love and kindness?
Prayers
PRAYER FOR THE DECEASED
by SAINT NICHOLAS of TOLENTINO
Lord, God, of holiness and light, You do not allow any shadow of darkness or evil in Your sight, and so in Your mercy You grant to those who have left this world burdened with sin, a time of purification, applying to them the spiritual treasurers of Your Holy Church. Hear my prayer and through the merits of Christ, the Blessed Virgin, the saints and all Your faithful people, bring an end this time of waiting for our beloved dead, especially _______.
O God of infinite goodness, in Your providence You have chosen Saint Nicholas as a special intercessor on behalf of the departed. Hear also his fervant prayer for those I recommend through You through his intercession.
Saint Nicholas of Tolentino, pray for us and our departed. Amen.
Saint Links
Angelus – Saint of the day: Nicholas of Tolentino
Anastpaul – Saint of the Day – 10 September – St Nicholas of Tolentino OSA (1245-1305)- Patron of Holy Souls
Bartleby.com – Rev. Alban Butler. Volume IX: September. The Lives of the Saints. 1866. September 10 St. Nicholas of Tolentino, Confessor
Catholic Culture – St. Nicholas of Tolentino
Catholic Exchange – St. Nicholas of Tolentino
Catholic Fire – St. Nicholas of Tolentino
Catholic Ireland – Sep 10 – St Nicholas of Tolentino (1245-1305) Augustinian friar, patron of the souls in purgatory
Catholic News Agency – Why this saint is the patron of souls in purgatory
Catholic Online – St. Nicholas of Tolentino
CatholicSaints.Info – Saint Nicholas of Tolentino
Midwest Augustinians – Saint Nicholas of Tolentine
New Advent – (1911). St. Nicholas of Tolentino. In The Catholic Encyclopedia.
Saints, Feast, Family – St. Nicholas of Tolentino
Saint Peter’s Basilica Info – 53. St. Nicholas of Tolentino – The 140 Saints of the Colonnade
uCatholic– Saint Nicholas of Tolentino
Wikipedia – Nicholas of Tolentino
Video Link
Who Was St. Nicholas of Tolentino? – YouTube Video (Divine Mercy)
Meet St. Nicholas of Tolentino: The Patron Saint of Souls in Purgatory – YouTube Aleteia)