St. Nicholas of Myra

The bishop whose secret generosity became Santa Claus, and who (tradition says) confronted Arius at Nicaea.

The story

Orphaned and wealthy, Nicholas secretly dropped bags of gold through a poor man's window to save his three daughters from prostitution. As bishop of Myra he suffered under Diocletian, saved three innocent men from execution, and is said to have attended the Council of Nicaea. His relics rest in Bari, Italy.

What Nicholas teaches

Give in secret, and let the Father who sees in secret reward you (Mt 6:4).

Patronage

children, sailors, the falsely accused, Greece, Russia.

Prayer

St. Nicholas, friend of children and the poor, teach us the joy of hidden generosity. Amen.