St. Nicholas of Myra
Greek bishop of Myra in Lycia (c. 270-343), present at the First Council of Nicaea (325) according to tradition; legendarily noted for secretly providing dowries for three poor maidens (origin of the Santa Claus tradition through the Dutch Sinterklaas). Relics translated to Bari in 1087, where they remain a major pilgrimage site shared by Catholics and Orthodox.
Life & Times
Born: c. 270 · Died: 343 · From: Myra / Lycia / Turkey; Bari devotion.
Patronage
St. Nicholas of Myra is invoked as the patron of children, sailors, merchants, pawnbrokers, brides, russia. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
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About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. Nicholas of Myra, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.