During this period, Saint Nicholas was rounded up by Roman officials and thrown into prison. 21. The uncountable churches, shrines and schools throughout the world named after St. Nicholas stand as a testament to the influence and power of his legacy. Saint Nicholas (270–6 December 343), or Nikolaos of Myra, was the Bishop of Myra.. The symbol has also been attributed to the story of Nicholas knowing of a family which came on to hard times who had three daughters. While St. Nicholas is best known — in America, at least — for wearing red and white and giving presents to Children each December 25, he’s actually the patron saint for a number of professions, places and afflictions. The Miracle That Made Nicholas a Bishop . He prayed about it, and the storm calmed – hence the patronage of sailors and those like dockworkers who work on the sea. Canonized in 1446 by Pope Eugene IV, Nicholas is the first Augustinian friar to be canonized after the Grand Union of the Order of St. Augustine in 1256. St. Nicholas chapels were built in many seaports. Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of pawnbrokers. Sailors, claiming St. Nicholas as patron, carried stories of his favor and protection far and wide. How did this St. Nicholas turn into the North Pole-dwelling bringer of Christmas gifts? This fourth-century bishop of Myra is one of the most popular saints of all time. The church of San Nicola in Bari remains the main shrine to St. Nicholas. St. Nicholas is celebrated as the patron saint of several classes of people, especially, in the East, of sailors and in the West of children. St. Nicholas is the patron saint of sailors, merchants, archers, children, prostitutes, pharmacists, lawyers, lenders and prisoners. St. Nicholas is not the patron saint of Turkey. Nicholas became a monk at 18, and seven years later, he was ordained a priest. St. Vitus – Oversleeping. There he died September 10, 1305. Because many Catholics have forgotten about the souls in Purgatory, except when November 2nd - All Souls Day - comes around, St. Nicholas … In about 1087, the relics of the saint were moved to Bari, Italy, which became a popular pilgrimage site in the Middle Ages. Myra is near Antalya, in modern-day Turkey.. Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of sailors, merchants, archers, repentant thieves, children, brewers, moneylenders and students in various cities and countries of Europe. He was born in Steiri in Boeotia, Greece, where his solitary life as a shepherd led him to contemplative spirituality, as part of which he developed the constant repetition of the phrase Kyrie Eleison. The original saint was a Greek born in the late third century, around 280 A.D. St. Arnold – Beer He would offer Mass, pray and do penance for them so they could more quickly enter Heaven. Thus St. Nicholas, after the Blessed Mother and St. John the Baptist, became the most venerated Saint in the Byzantine Church. PHOTO: Wikimedia Commons Although Austria is mostly Catholic, Germany is almost evenly divided between Protestants and … By some accounts, Nicholas remained in prison for 5 years, often in solitary confinement. Prayer In the 11th century, his remains were taken to Bari, Italy, to save them from Turkish invaders.. He gained a reputation as a preacher and a confessor. During most of his adult life, Nicholas lived in Tolentine, Italy. Nicholas (also spelled Nikolas and Nikolaus) is the Patron Saint of Children, and his Feast day is celebrated on December 6 th.. He is also considered the patron saint against epidemic disease and against fires. … He is the patron saint of very many groups, including thieves and murderers. These third-graders are right, of course, and have greater theological sense than most adults today. 8. The number of churches, chapels, religious institutions and altars dedicated to him throughout the Christian world defy counting. During a voyage to the Holy Lands, a fierce storm blew up, threatening the ship. Every college kid should pray to this saint. Nicholas of Myra is believed to be the historical source of St. Nicholas, the patron saint of children, sailors, students, teachers, and merchants. Lessons. Her name comes from the Latin word that means “to drink.” Moderation, folks. 20. He is the patron saint of Russia and Greece. Despite the pain he endured, Nicholas remained faithful and devout. Saint Nicholas is said to have made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land as a young man, traveling by sea. Many ports in Greece have his icons, surrounded by ex-votos of small ships made of silver or carved of wood. Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of Lecco. When a storm arose, the sailors thought that they were doomed, but through Saint Nicholas's prayers, the waters were calmed. Nicholas the Pilgrim (Italian: Nicola il Pellegrino; 1075 – 2 June 1094), sometimes Nicholas of Trani, is a saint of the Roman Catholic church.. He is also the patron saint of the city of Amsterdam, of Russia, of Lungro capital of continental Arbereshe. We usually think of Saint Nicholas of Myra in conjunction with Christmas.After all, Saint Nicholas is the man who inspired the legend of Santa Claus. St. Malo – Pig keepers. He is the patron saint of Switzerland. Perhaps this is also why Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of children, among others. Surprisingly, St. Nicholas is considered the patron saint of pawnbrokers. St. Nicholas - Patron Saint When you first enter St. Nicholas Church, you will find a beautiful icon of St. Nicholas with an eternal flame honoring our patron Saint. The tradition of hanging Christmas stockings was introduced by St. Nicholas, the patron of children. patron special guardian, protector, or … Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of Lecco and the Basilica of the city is dedicated to him. But in calling to mind the events of the life of this great bishop and wonder-worker, this prayer reminds us that there's a lot more we can learn from the real Saint Nicholas. We celebrate him on 6th December. Today, Nicholas is considered the patron saint of sailors, children, wolves and pawnbrokers, among others—as well as the inspiration for the figure of Santa Claus. St. Nicholas is the patron saint of children, due to the focus of much of his ministry and his famed generosity toward children. Because Nicholas was a patron saint of sailors, Spanish sailors and explorers carried stories of the saint wherever they went: Mexico, the Caribbean, Florida and other ports around the world. Craughwell is the author of Saints Behaving Badly and This Saint Will Change Your Life. 19. On that day all children receive great red apples to celebrate him. There he was beaten and tortured for refusing to deny his religion. Born in 1245 in Sant'Angelo, St. Nicholas of Tolentino took his name from St. Nicholas of Myra, at whose shrine his parents prayed to have a child. Children put out their shoes, hoping they will be filled with goodies and presents. St. Bibiana – Hangovers. 22. The saint with the longest history as patron of children is St. Nicholas, whose feast is celebrated today. The solemn celebration of the feast of St. Nicholas was introduced in Constantinople during the rule of Emperor Justinian I (527-565), who built a magnificent church in his honor in the Blachernae quarter of the city. He was born in the Greek colony of Patara, in Asia Minor. Nicholas died on his seventieth birthday on March 21, 1487. The first of these patronage is most likely due to the legend that during his lifetime, he appeared to storm tossed mariners who invoked his aid off the coast of Lycia and brought them safely to port. Knowing that if payments were not met, the daughters would be sold into servitude. St. Nicholas had a great love for the Holy Souls. My American friends will sometimes ask me What is St Nicholas Day?St. In Russian Orthodox churches St. Nicholas is often the third icon next to Christ and Mary with Child Jesus. In the past, thieves have been known as Saint Nicholas’ clerks or Knights of Saint Nicholas. He was canonized in 1947. Nicholas is one of the best-known and beloved religious figures in Switzerland. After his death around a.d. 350, St. Nicholas was buried in the church at Myra. His feast day is not actually Christmas Day, but almost three weeks earlier on December 6. There, he is considered to be a Christianised version of Poseidon, the ancient Greeks’ god of the sea. He is also the patron saint of sailors, fishermen, broadcasters, archers, and many other professions. He was affectionately called “Bruder Klaus” or Brother Klaus. St Nicholas in prison. The Guruttis were poor farmers who lived in Sant’ Pontano, Macerata, Italy. Does that also make him the patron of bacon? The reverence with which St. Nicholas has been honored, the churches erected in his memory, and the sheer quantity of tales told bear witness to one truth – there While St Nicholas remains an important figure in many European countries, he is perhaps most celebrated in Greece. To celebrate the patron saint of children, it is the custom among the Austrians, Germans, Swiss, Belgians and Dutch to give small gifts and candy to children on St. Nicholas' Day, making the feast a sweet prelude to Christmas. Dec 29, 2017 Magda Origjanska. The German St Nicholas Tradition is still very strong. 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