Sunday, December 6, 2020 –
Today is the Second Sunday of Advent. It is also the Feast of Saint Nicholas, who happens to be one of my favorite Saints! Here is a brief history of this great Saint:
Saint Nicholas lost his wealthy parents to a plague when he was young, and he donated much of his inheritance to charity. As a generous young orphan, Saint Nicholas learned of three young sisters who could not be married because their family was too poor. He tossed a bag of gold coins through the window of their home on three occasions so that each sister had the money they needed to be married.
The charity and generosity of Saint Nicholas became well known miracles such as providing bread during times of famine, calming the waves during a storm for sailors and saving three boys from death. Saint Nicholas devoted his life to helping the poor and was chosen as Bishop of Myra.
Saint Nicholas is best known as a patron of children because of his devotion to helping the poor and his history of miracles, especially for young children. He also became well known as Father Christmas and Santa Clause.
A fun tradition is to put your shoes out the night before (December 5th) and see what presents Saint Nicholas brought (usually chocolate coins). In our neighborhood, Saint Nicholas visits all the houses and leaves little bags of treats on everyone’s front porch.
Omnes sancti Innocentes, orate pro nobis!
