Saint Nicholas

Virtue: kindness

By Jenee Chude

Saint Nicholas (Nik-oh-luss) was born in Turkey around the year 280 and grew up as an only child. When his parents died, Nicholas gave all his money to the poor and began helping people any way he could. He even earned some gold and gave it to a poor family. Once he raised to life three young men who had been executed and saved three sailors from drowning. Saint Nicholas didn’t keep all his money or spend it on fun stuff that he didn’t need. Instead he gave it away to people who needed help. Nicholas became a priest and then bishop. He was as kind to people he didn’t know as he was to those he did know. When he was arrested along with other Christians during a persecution, he was thrown into jail and tortured. Eventually Nicholas was released and died about the year 345. His heroic life and deeds became legendary, and people called him Santa Claus because he always gave money or gifts to the poor. His feast is celebrated on December 6^th.

Your Turn

Saint Nicholas helped everybody. Next time you see someone without a lunch, offer a cookie, or if you see a person looking lonely, go say hi!

Pledge

Dear Lord, please help me to be nice to people who need a helping hand or a friend. Help me to learn to love them the same way I want to love you.