Biography of Saint Nicholas of Mira
The life of Saint Nicholas is not well known and stories can easily mix fact with fiction. Therefore, we want to propose below some historical lines of his life:
Nicholas of Mira or Nicholas of Bari He was born in Patara, Asia Minor, (now Turkey), around the year 270. His parents were good Christians: his mother was the sister of Nicholas, bishop of Myra, who exerted an important influence on the child. In fact, little Nicolás showed great piety from an early age, so, after having inherited a large fortune, he decided to use it to carry out charitable works with the most needy. All this, he did while still very young. What a big heart!
Later, Nicholas was ordained a priest by his uncle and became the superior of the “New Sion” monastery, located near Myra. After the death of the bishop’s uncle, it was decided that Nicholas should replace him, thus becoming the new bishop of Mira. From the beginning, Nicholas put all his efforts to fulfill his mission to the best of his ability, guiding his people according to the correct doctrine and showing support during their trials.
In fact, he himself was imprisoned during Diocletian’s persecution and later released under Constantine. In addition to this, Nicholas participated in the Council of Nicaea in the year 325 and firmly fought against Arianism, idolatry and heresy.
Bishop Nicholas died around the year 350, after years dedicated to the service of God and men. After his death, his tomb, located in Myra, quickly became a place of pilgrimage, as miraculous water flowed from it. In fact, the cult of Saint Nicholas developed rapidly in the West when his relics were transferred to Bari (Italy) and his relics were highly venerated in this city. This happened after the Turks conquered the city of Mira in the 11th century. As a result of this great deed, an ecumenical pilgrimage to the tomb of Saint Nicholas is held every year, bringing together Catholics and Orthodox.
Notably Saint Nicholas is credited with many miracles and that many famous scenes from his life have been recreated through painting. For example, a miracle often painted by artists is the scene where three officials of the Emperor Constantine beg God to send Bishop Nicholas to them, for they had been unjustly convicted and death was looming. They asked for this, as they had seen the works of this servant of the Lord. Then, after praying, the miracle happened: Saint Nicholas appeared to the emperor in a dream vision, and later he recognized the innocence of the three officers and released them.
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The legend of Saint Nicholas
In the twelfth century, a troubadour told in the form of poetry, the famous story of the three children saved by Saint Nicholas. This legend tells that three little ones took refuge in the house of a Butcher who cruelly killed them, locking them in a barrel. But, Saint Nicholas came to the rescue riding a donkey and brought them back to life. In fact, this story of the “three little boys who went to glean in the field” became so deeply ingrained in the minds and hearts, that it allowed the creation of popular songs that recreate these wonderful events.
Cult and traditions of Saint Nicholas
A highly revered saint
From the eleventh century, the cult of Saint Nicholas, which was already widespread in the East, had a great boom in the West, especially in Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Alsace and Lorraine. Even today, various traditions continue to be associated with it.
Furthermore, due to the large number of miracles attributed to Saint Nicholas, many groups of people have chosen him as their patron saint. For example, Saint Nicholas became the patron saint of sailors, boatmen, fishermen, travelers and pilgrims, after having miraculously calmed the storm. It is also considered the patron saint of lawyers, notaries and the unjustly convicted, by performing the miracle of the three officers of Constantine. To that we add that he is the patron of the Russians in the East. In addition to all this, he is the patron of the young girls who are going to get married, as a legend tells that he would have given a dowry to the daughters of his poor neighbor.
Saint Nicholas, patron saint of children and students
The story of the three children resurrected by Saint Nicholas made it become the protector of children and students. In fact, his feast, which is celebrated on December 6, is the cause of great festivities in the Netherlands and neighboring regions. For example, in the Netherlands, On December 5th, on the eve of the date of Saint Nicholas, the children place their shoes at the foot of the fireplace to receive candy and leave a carrot out for St. Nicholas’ burrito. Notably Saint Nicholas is also the patron saint of altar boys in England.
On the other hand, in many children’s stories that relate the legend, Saint Nicholas appears dressed in red, with a miter on his head, a staff in his hand and loaded with many gifts.. Tradition also stipulates that if the children have not behaved well, Saint Nicholas is accompanied by the father “Fouettard” (whip father), who whips the disobedient and punishes with his whip.
Saint Nicholas, the ancestor of Santa Claus?
The emblematic figure of Santa Claus became known only from the nineteenth century, in the United States. This figure is largely inspired by Saint Nicholas, so he returned to his red suit, his gifts and his closeness to Christmas. However, his saintly attributes were removed to preserve only that side of a good and chubby grandfather. In addition, the dazzling miracles of the true saint were suppressed to avoid confusion.
Prayers to Saint Nicholas
Prayer to Saint Nicholas to ask for his protection
“Oh blessed Saint Nicholas of Bari! whom God has glorified with innumerable miracles manifesting his will that we come to you, in the difficult moments of our lives, confident in your protection.
O miracle of charity! to which families, the poor, the sick, merchants, employees, prisoners, children, maidens in distress come; I humbly ask you to obtain for me the grace that I expect from you, trusting in your invaluable protection, which you never deny to your devotees, so that, favored by your kindness, we may once again sing the mercies of the Lord, and the wonders of his saints. . Most Provident Saint Nicholas! do not leave me.”
Hymn to Saint Nicholas
“From this stormy sea,
O Father Saint Nicholas,
drive to the safe harbor
from the heavenly homeland.
From the struggles of life
and deadly storms
please save us
and singular virtues.
You always come to the rescue
of how many implore your help.
Sick and sailors,
poor or rich invoke you.
For your exemplary holiness and powerful intercession,
make us chosen to be happy for eternity.
To the faithful who devoted to your cult we propagate,
make us deserve the glory by commanding our brothers.
Amen.”