Saint Nicholas
Patron Saint of Children, Brides, Newlyweds, Bakers, Pawnbrokers, Sailors

"St. Nicholas was called of Bari, Bishop of Myra in the Fourth Century. He was born at Patara in Lycia (modern Turkey). He was said to be generous to the poor, and special protector of the innocent and wronged. Many stories grew up around him prior to his becoming Santa Claus. Some examples include: upon hearing that a local man had fallen on such hard times that he was planning to sell his daughters, he went by night to the house and threw three bags of gold in through the window, saving the girls. These three bags, gold generously given in time of trouble, became the three golden balls that indicate a pawn broker's shop.

He raised to life three young boys. He induced some thieves to return their plunder. During a voyage he took to the Holy Lands, a fierce storm blew up, threatening the ship. St. Nicholas prayed over it, and the storm calmed.

The accounts are unanimous that St. Nicholas died and was buried in his episcopal city of Myra, and by the time of Justinian there was a basilica built in his honor at Constantinople."

Prayer to St. Nicholas
"O good holy Nicolas, you who brought the joy to children, put in my heart the spirit of childhood about which the Gospel speaks. Teach me how to me to sow happiness around me. Amen."

Prayer to St. Nicholas
"Wonder-working follower of Christ, from your early years you practiced fasting and were outstanding in generosity. You quickly distributed to the poor what you had inherited from your parents. Traveling to Palestine, you became a bishop and dared to preach the Gospel for which you were thrown into prison. As "Santa Claus" you are still loved today. Teach us to be generous like you!"