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Friends of the Rosary:
Today, the Catholic Church celebrates the Optional Memorial of St. Nicholas of Myra, one of the most popular saints in the Western world. He was born in Lycia in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) and was a 4th century saint and Bishop of Myra.
He was know for practicing spiritual and corporal works of mercy, helping the poor and disadvantaged, and working tirelessly to defend the faith.
Popular legends has made St. Nicholas, or Sinterklaas, into today’s Santa Claus, a jolly, white-bearded man from the North Pole who who captivates children with promises of gifts on Christmas Eve.
The story of Saint Nicholas came to America in distorted fashion. The Dutch Protestants carried a popularized version of the saint’s life to New Amsterdam, portraying Nicholas as a Nordic magician and wonder-worker.
Our present-day conception of Santa Claus has grown from this version. We Catholic should think of Nicholas as a saint, a confessor of the faith and the bishop of Myra.
His relics are still preserved in the church of San Nicola in Bari; an oily substance, known as Manna di S. Nicola, which is highly valued for its medicinal powers, is said to flow from them.
Ave Maria!
Jesus, I Trust In You!
To Jesus through Mary!
+ Mikel A. | RosaryNetwork.com, New York
