Saint Nikolaus Day

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St. Nikolaus was born of a rich family in the city of Patarai', Asia Minor. When he was very little, he lost his mother and father by death and had to lead a lonely life as an orphan. after he had grown to young manhood, he decided to devote his life entirely to the service of God and to do good works for his fellow men. Obeying the words of Christ, he distributed all his possessions to the poor, the sick and the suffering. Quite often he helped poor children by putting gifts of money through their windows during the night, when nobody could see him.

His love for Christ inspired him to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land and to visit the place where our Lord had lived and died for us. On this trip a terrible storm arose, but Nikolaus miraculously saved the already sinking ship by his prayers to God. That is the reason he is now venerated as patron saint by many brave sailors all over the world.

One of the most enduring legends that helped establish St. Nikolaus as the patron saint of little ones involves the rescue of a boy named Basilios. He was kidnapped by pirates on St. Nikolaus' day (Dec 6) and taken to Crete to be a slave. As the following december 6 approached, his family was saddened by their loss. In answer to their prayers for the boy's safe return, the good saint carried Basilios through the air back to to his home. Then the thankful family once again observed St. Nikolaus' Day ass a time of celebration.

When he returned from his pilgrimage, the bishops of Asia Minor selected him as successor to the bishop of Myra who had just died. The whole town rejoiced when they heard this good news. Nikolaus received the holy orders modestly and devoutly. As bishop he led a very holy life. He prayed and fasted to convert the sinners with the grace of God; he preached to the people and instructed the children in the faith. He also practiced a boundless love for his fellow men by great kindness and charity. Having been an orphan himself, he now became the beloved father of orphans. After teaching the children he would delight them with many little gifts.

One day he became very ill and soon realized it was time for him to go to heaven. When he died, his soul was met by angels who conducted him to the throne of God with great joy and glory. The whole city mourned his passing, most of all the little children. But they knew that the saint still loved them from heaven, and so they began to pray to him. Their prayers were answered by thousands of favors, small ones and great ones. In this way the good saint showed us that he did not forget the children and that he still loves them and helps them if only they ask him. That is why little boys and girls everywhere now pray to their beloved SAINT NIKOLAUS.