December 6
Saint Nicholas of Myra
Bishop
(Around 270 – Around 343)
“Children, I beseech you to correct your hearts and thoughts, so that you may be pleasing to God. Consider that although we may reckon ourselves to be righteous and frequently succeed in deceiving men, we can conceal nothing from God.”
Saint Nicholas of Myra
Saint’s Life Story
His Youth
Nicholas was born in the third century on March 15, 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, 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 Saint 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 Saint Nicholas into the Santa Claus who now helps us celebrate the birth of Christ.
Born: March 15, 270 in the village of Patara in Asia Minor (Turkey)
Died: December 6, 343 in Myra, Lycia (in modern Turkey)
Beatified: Pre-Congregation
Canonized: Pre-Congregation
Feast Day: December 6
Patron Saint: Brides; Children; Greece; Russia; Sailors; Unmarried Women
Source:
Reflection
Saint Nicholas of Myra lived for God in a life filled with love. If people were in need, he helped them, giving hope and strength to all you encountered. He never paused for a minute to wonder what he should receive in return for his help. He only thought about what he could give to those who needed his help. Saint Nicholas showed his gratitude for God’s gifts by giving to others.
What gifts of gratitude can you share with those in need at Christmas and every day of the year?
Prayers
Saint Nicholas of Myra,
As a shepherd of your people as Bishop of Myra, you cared deeply for the vulnerable, especially children, the poor, and the oppressed.
Guide us to see the face of Christ in everyone we meet and to serve with kindness, respect, and compassion.
Help us to open our hearts to the needs of others, so that we may share God’s blessings with joy and humility.
May your example guide us in our spiritual journey, leading us to a deeper trust in God and a greater love for others.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever.
Saint Links
Aleteia – Is this the face of Santa Claus?
AnaStpaul – Saint of the Day – 6 December – St Nicholas (270-343) Bishop
Catholic Culture – Catholic Prayer: Collect for Saint Nicholas of Myra, Bishop and Confessor, 1962
Catholic Exchange – St. Nicholas: A Patron Saint for Children
Catholic Insights – Saint Nicholas’ Love for the Destitute and Needy
Catholic Ireland – Dec 6 – St Nicholas – Santa Claus!
Catholic News Agency – St. Nicholas of Myra Feast Day: Dec 06
Catholic Online – St. Nicholas
CatholicSaints.Info – Saints of the Day – Nicholas of Myra (Bari) by Katherine I Rabenstein
Daily Prayers – Nicholas of Myra
Editions Magnificant – Saint Nicholas Archbishop of Myra in Lycia († 342)
Franciscan Media – Saint Nicholas
My Catholic Life – Saint Nicholas, Bishop
New Advent – Ott, M. (1911). St. Nicholas of Myra. In The Catholic Encyclopedia
Newman Ministry – Saint Nicholas
Rev Alban Butler’s Lives Of The Saints Complete Edition – St Nicholas, Bishop of Myra
Saint for a Minute – Saint Nicholas of Myra
Saint Mary’s Press – Saint Nicholas (d.346)
Saints Alive – St. Nicholas of Myra
uCatholic – Saint Nicholas
Video Link
St Nicholas – YouTube Video (Catholic Online)