FEAST DAY OF ST. NICHOLAS
The true story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas.
Nicholas was born in the third century in the Village of Patara (Turkey). His parents died when he was very young and left him their fortune. Obeying Jesus’ words “sell what you own and give the money to the poor” is how Nicholas lived his life. He used his inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and suffering.
He dedicated his life to serving God and at an early age was made Bishop of Myra. He soon became known throughout the land for his generosity and dedication to helping protect children, sailors, and ships. But Nicholas suffered greatly for his faith and was exiled and imprisoned. He was finally released in 325 AD.
As the legend has it, Nicholas would help those in need. Bags of gold would be found tossed through open windows and found in shoes or stockings drying before the fire. This led to the custom of children hanging stockings awaiting gifts from Saint Nicholas to appear.
In 1823, a popular poem called “A Visit from Saint Nicholas” also known as “The Night Before Christmas” is the story and description of Saint Nicholas bringing toys and sweets to children on Christmas Eve. That is how the legend of Santa Claus was born.
Today we celebrant Saint Nicholas who dedicated his life to serving God.
FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION
The Feast of the Immaculate Conception marks the celebration of the conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the womb of her mother,
St. Anne. It highlights the divine choosing of Mary as the mother of Jesus, even before her birth. Mary was preserved from original sin from the moment of her conception and remained sinless throughout her life. Today, we honor and celebrate the pure and holy existence of our beloved Mother Mary.