Saint Nicholas of Myra

Who is he?

Saint Nicholas was bishop of Myra, in the region of Lycia, now in Turkey, and lived in the fourth century. We know very few things about his life for certain. But from very early on, Christians in both East and West have loved him as a gentle, generous shepherd who protected children and the weak.

Life story

Most of the stories about Saint Nicholas come from tradition, written down many centuries after his death.

According to tradition, Nicholas was born in Patara, into a wealthy family. His parents died early, leaving him a lot of money. But he did not keep it for himself; he used it to help the poor.

The most famous story tells that in the town there was a very poor father who had no money for a dowry, the wealth parents give a daughter when she marries, for his three daughters. He was worried about what would happen to them. One night, Nicholas quietly came and tossed a bag of gold through the window of his house, then hurried away so no one would know. He did this three times, once for each daughter. That is why he is often painted with three golden balls.

Later, Nicholas was chosen to be bishop of Myra. He took care of his flock, especially children, the poor and people who were treated unjustly. According to tradition, he died on 6 December, around the middle of the fourth century. In 1087, his relics were taken to the city of Bari, Italy, where they are still venerated today.

For a long time, in many places, children have received gifts on Saint Nicholas’ feast day, to remember his quiet, kind heart. Little by little, the figure of Santa Claus was created from the picture of him. But Saint Nicholas was a real, holy bishop, not a character in a fairy tale.

Why is he a saint?

Saint Nicholas loved God and showed that love by being generous to the poor. He gave in secret, just as Jesus taught: “when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing” (Mt 6:3).

A lesson for you

• Try doing a secret good deed: help someone without them knowing it was you.
• Cheerfully share your treats and toys with children who have less than you.
• During Advent, get ready to welcome Jesus with gifts of love, like Saint Nicholas.