The feast of St. Nicholas, December 6, has become one of this season's most important holy days. This 4th Century bishop from the city of Myra, in southern Turkey, was a tireless defender of the faith and of his people. St. Nicholas is one of the most important saints in the Eastern Orthodox Church. It's said that there are more Catholic churches named after St. Nicholas worldwide than any other saint, except the Blessed Virgin. In the U.S., our Santa Claus custom evolved from a secularized St. Nicholas tradition, originally brought to this country by German immigrants, who called him "Sankt Nikolaus". Nicholas suffered imprisonment and torture during the Roman persecution of the early Church. When Christianity was legalized by the Emperor Constantine, he joined the difficult task of helping to grow the newly-liberated Church. As a bishop, he was a tireless shepherd of his flock and utterly devoted to his faith. After his death in 342, so many miracles had been attributed to him, that he became the patron saint of many causes: Children, women seeking husbands, sailors, travelers and more.
For more on the life of St. Nicholas, read St. Nicholas: The Original Santa Claus from our Catholic Update series. More information can also be found in Saint of the Day, edited by Fr. Leonard Foley, O.F.M. and revised by Fr. Pat McCloskey, O.F.M.
Remember that Christmas isn't just one day. The Church prepares us for Christ's coming starting on the first Sunday of Advent; then ends the holy season on the Solemnity of the Baptism of the Lord.
For the Christmas season Sister Wendy on the Art of Christmas by art historian Sister Wendy Beckett, known to television viewers around the world. For family reading, there's Bambinelli Sunday by Amy Welborn. In this beautifully illustrated children's book, young Alessandro learns about sharing, comfort, generosity, and forgiveness. The story centers on events leading up to Bambinelli Sunday, an Italian tradition during Advent.
As we prepare for the coming of the Lord in our midst, would you consider sending $50, $75, or $100? Your tax-deductible donation in any amount helps us pay the costs of all of our publishing outreaches, including this e-newsletter.
Use our secure online donation form or mail a donation payable to the Franciscans, Franciscan Media, 28 W. Liberty St., Cincinnati, OH 45202. If you prefer, you may phone in a credit-card donation for our evangelization ministries at 513-241-5615 or, in the U.S., 800-488-0488.
No comments:
Post a Comment