Born in Asia Minor in the third century, St. Nicholas was raised in a devout, wealthy Christian family. He lost his parents to an epidemic at a young age, after which he used all his inheritance to help the needy, the suffering, and the sick. A citizen of Patara had lost all his money, and his three daughters struggled to find suitors due to their poverty. Learning of their plight, Nicholas responded by discreetly providing a bag of gold through an open window, ensuring each daughter received a dowry. The father, witnessing the last act of kindness, expressed overwhelming gratitude towards his young benefactor. He was appointed as the Bishop of Myra while he was quite young. His fame spread far and wide for his generosity to the needy and his affection for children. Nicholas was exiled and imprisoned during the reign of Diocletian, the Roman Emperor. Upon his release, he attended in AD 325 the Council of Nicaea. St. Nicholas died on December 6, AD 343, in Myra. Several legends exist about the life and deeds of St. Nicholas, all of which portray him as the patron of voyagers and sailors, gift-giver, and protector of children.
St. Nicholas, obtain for us the grace to love and care for our brethren.
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