Saint Nicholas
Saint Nicholas was bishop of Myra, in Lycia, in the beginning of the fourth century. His humility and extraordinary charity and tenderness to the poor acquired for him such a reputation of sanctity and influence with God that, even during his lifetime, his name was frequently invoked by his people in moments of danger. Once especially, when a fisherman’s bark was on the point of sinking, the sailors cried, “Bishop of Myra, save us!” Immediately one who bore the outward guise of Saint Nicholas appeared, walking on the water, and led the boat safely to land. The sailors went to return thanks to the bishop, who humbly replied, “It was not I.” Saint Nicholas died about 327. He is the original of the great Santa Klaus, so dear to childish hearts.
St Nicholas of Myra (The real “Santa” Claus”) 6th December
“Kindness is the greatest gift you can give.”
“The joy of giving is greater than anything you can receive.”
“True wealth is found in the richness of the heart.”
“Saint Nicholas reminds us that true leadership in the Church is rooted in compassion, prayer, and sacrifice.”
https://youtube.com/shorts/aU-tAtn9wr4
St. Nicholas of Myra
Feast Day: December 6
Patron of:
- Children
- Sailors
- Merchants
- The falsely accused
- The poor
- Brides and young women
- Many cities and countries around the world
Who He Was
St. Nicholas (270–343 AD) was the Bishop of Myra (in modern-day Turkey). He became famous for his generosity, miracles, and protection of the poor.
His charity—especially giving gifts privately to help those in need—later inspired the tradition of Santa Claus.
Why He Is Important
- Defender of the oppressed: He helped the poor, rescued the innocent, and provided dowries for young women.
- Protector: Sailors and travelers prayed to him for safety.
- Miracle worker: Known for numerous miracles during his life and after his death.
- Orthodox Catholic bishop: He attended the Council of Nicaea and defended the true faith against the Arian heresy.
1206 St. Nicholas 2p LETTER 20251125Prayer to St. Nicholas for Help in Every Need
O blessed St. Nicholas, gentle bishop and protector of all who call upon you,
stretch out your hand toward me in my need.
Intercede for me before the throne of God,
that my prayers may rise with confidence and be heard in mercy.
Guide me, strengthen me, and keep me safe.
Amen.
Prayer to St. Nicholas for Families
Saint Nicholas, guardian of children and defender of families,
watch over our home with your loving care.
Protect us from harm, keep peace among us,
and help us live in kindness and generosity.
Amen.
Prayer to St. Nicholas for Children
Good St. Nicholas, friend of children,
place your hands upon all little ones today.
Bless their laughter, guide their steps,
and keep them safe from every danger.
Amen.
Prayer for Protection
St. Nicholas, mighty wonderworker,
shield me from every evil influence,
from danger, harm, and all that threatens my peace.
Surround me with God’s protection.
Amen.
Prayer for Peace in the Home
Holy Nicholas, bringer of peace and gentleness,
calm our fears and heal our divisions.
Fill this home with charity, patience, and hope.
Amen.
Prayer for Financial Help
St. Nicholas, generous giver to the poor,
I ask your prayer for my financial needs.
Help me to trust God’s providence
and to receive the help I need today.
Amen.
Prayer for Healing
Good St. Nicholas,
whose prayers brought comfort to the suffering,
intercede for my healing of mind, body, and spirit.
Let God’s grace restore me.
Amen.
Prayer for Travelers
Saint Nicholas, patron of travelers,
be with me on my journey.
Guide my steps, protect my path,
and return me safely home.
Amen.
SPECIAL INTENTION PRAYERS
Prayer for Marriage & Relationships
St. Nicholas, wise counselor,
intercede for unity, forgiveness, and love
in my relationships.
Heal what is wounded
and strengthen what is good.
Amen.
Prayer for Students
St. Nicholas, teacher of truth,
guide my studies, sharpen my mind,
and help me grow in wisdom and virtue.
Amen.
Prayer for the Poor
St. Nicholas, defender of the poor and forgotten,
pray for all who suffer from hunger, loneliness, and poverty.
May God provide for their needs
through generous hearts.
Amen.
Prayer for Charity of Heart
St. Nicholas, whose life was filled with giving,
teach me to be generous,
to give freely and joyfully,
and to see Christ in every person.
Amen.
DEVOTIONAL PRAYERS
Morning Prayer to St. Nicholas
Good St. Nicholas,
as I begin this day,
walk with me, guide me,
and help me live with kindness and faith each hour.
Amen.
Night Prayer to St. Nicholas
St. Nicholas, watch over me this night.
Guard my rest, calm my thoughts,
and keep me close to God’s love.
Amen.
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Beloved St. Nicholas,
thank you for your prayers and protection.
Help me to live with gratitude
and to never forget God’s blessings.
Amen.
Prayer to Grow in Holiness
Holy Nicholas,
you served God with humility and joy.
Help me to grow in virtue,
in prayer, in love,
and in the courage to do God’s will.
Amen.
NOVENAS TO ST. NICHOLAS
SHORT 3-DAY NOVENA TO ST. NICHOLAS
Repeat daily for 3 days:
O glorious St. Nicholas,
powerful intercessor before God,
I ask your help in my present need:
(state your intention).
You who showed God’s love through secret giving,
pray for me, that God may grant my request
according to His holy will.
Amen.
St. Nicholas, pray for us!
FULL 9-DAY NOVENA TO ST. NICHOLAS
Daily Novena Prayer
O good St. Nicholas, faithful servant of Christ,
you are our protector and helper in every trouble.
I come to you with confidence and love,
asking your intercession for:
(state your intention).
Teach me to trust God as you did,
to love God as you did,
and to serve God as you did.
Obtain for me the grace I ask
if it is for my salvation.
Amen.
Closing Prayer (daily)
St. Nicholas, pray for us.
Holy Bishop of Myra, intercede for us.
Wonderworker of God, help us.
LITANY OF ST. NICHOLAS
The Litany of St. Nicholas
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of Heaven — Have mercy on us
God the Son, Redeemer of the world — Have mercy on us
God the Holy Spirit — Have mercy on us
Holy Trinity, one God — Have mercy on us
Holy Mary, Mother of God — Pray for us
St. Nicholas, faithful bishop — Pray for us
St. Nicholas, model of charity — Pray for us
St. Nicholas, protector of children — Pray for us
St. Nicholas, friend of the poor — Pray for us
St. Nicholas, defender of justice — Pray for us
St. Nicholas, comforter of the sick — Pray for us
St. Nicholas, guide of travellers — Pray for us
St. Nicholas, helper of the hopeless — Pray for us
St. Nicholas, miracle-worker of God — Pray for us
St. Nicholas, joy of the faithful — Pray for us
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world — Spare us, O Lord
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world — Graciously hear us, O Lord
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world — Have mercy on us
Let us pray:
O God, who blessed St. Nicholas with grace and compassion,
grant that through his prayers we may receive help in our needs
and grow in holiness and charity.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer for the Intercession of St. Nicholas
O St. Nicholas, holy bishop and servant of Christ,
hear my prayer and come to my aid.
Strengthen my faith, deepen my hope,
and increase my love for God and neighbor.
Be with me in trials, guide me in decisions,
and help me always trust in God’s mercy.
Amen.
A Prayer of Impetration to Saint Nicholas
Glorious St. Nicholas, my special patron, from thy throne in glory, where thou dost enjoy the presence of God, turn thine eyes in pity upon me and obtain for me from our Lord the graces and helps that I need in my spiritual and temporal necessities (and especially this favor [mention your request], provided that it be profitable to my salvation). Be mindful, likewise, O glorious and saintly Bishop, of our Sovereign Pontiff, of Holy Church, and of all Christian people. Bring back to the right way of salvation all those who are living steeped in sin and blinded by the darkness of ignorance, error, and heresy. Comfort the afflicted, provide for the needy, strengthen the fearful, defend the oppressed, give health to the infirm; cause all men to experience the effects of thy powerful intercession with the supreme Giver of every good and perfect gift.
Amen.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be
V. Pray for us, O blessed Nicholas.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray
O God, who has glorified blessed Nicholas, thine illustrious Confessor and Bishop, by means of countless signs and wonders, and who dost not cease daily so to glorify him; grant, we beseech Thee, that we, being assisted by his merits and prayers, may be delivered from the fires of hell and from all dangers. Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Prayer to St. Nicholas as Patron Saint
God of joy and cheer,
we thank you for your servant,
the good bishop Nicholas.
In loving the poor,
he showed us your kindness;
in caring for your children,
he revealed your love.
Make us thoughtful
without need of reward
so that we, too, may be good followers of Jesus.
A Prayer to Saint Nicholas of Myra
O good St. Nicholas,
you who are the joy of the children,
put in my heart the spirit of childhood,
which the gospel speaks, and teach me to seed happiness around me.
You, whose feast prepares us for Christmas,
open my faith to the mystery of God made man.
You good bishop and shepherd,
help me to find my place in the Church
and inspire the Church to be faithful to the Gospel.
O good Saint Nicholas, patron of children, sailors and the helpless,
watch over those who pray to Jesus, your Lord and theirs,
as well as over those who humble themselves before you.
Bring us all in reverence to the Holy Child of Bethlehem,
when true joy and peace are found.
Amen.
St. Nicholas Day Prayer
Loving God, we thank you for
the example of St Nicholas,
who fed the hungry,
brought hope to the imprisoned,
gave comfort to the lost,
and taught the truth to all.
May we strive to imitate him
by putting you first in all we do.
Give us the courage, love and strength
of St Nicholas, so that, like him,
we may serve you through loving
our brothers and sisters.
Amen.
A Prayer for Children
God, we pray that through the
intercessions of St. Nicholas
you will guide and protect our children.
Keep them safe from all harm
and help them grow to become
loving disciples of Jesus in your sight.
Give them strength to always mature
into deeper faith in you,
and to keep alive joy in your creation.
Through Jesus Christ Our Lord.
Amen.
During Advent
Good St Nicholas,
Help us prepare for the miracle of the coming of Jesus.
Help us not to be blind to the gifts of getting ready.
Help us be sincere in the greetings we send and receive, with love and prayer.
Kind St. Nicholas, protect us from shoppers’ fatigue, stress, overspending, yet help us to be kind and generous of heart to all, especially those who are alone, financially poor and fearful.
May our celebration of your feast lead others to see the true meaning of giving and receiving and to guide all people to
the greatest of all gifts, even Jesus Christ, prince of peace and child of Mary, Our Lord and only savior.
Amen.
Prayer to Saint Nicholas
Saint Nicholas, faithful disciple of Jesus Christ, pray for us.
Saint Nicholas, example of Christian love, pray for us.
Saint Nicholas, helper of the poor and needy, pray for us.
Saint Nicholas, champion of orphans and widows, pray for us.
Saint Nicholas, protector of those who sail at sea, pray for us.
Saint Nicholas, defender of the true faith, pray for us.
Saint Nicholas, patron of children around the world, pray for us.
Saint Nicholas, secret giver of gifts, pray for us.
Saint Nicholas, the great wonderworker, pray for us.
Saint Nicholas, our friend in Heaven, pray for us.
Amen.
Key facts about the real St. Nicholas
- Full name: Nicholas of Myra (or Nicholas of Bari after his relics were moved)
- Born: around 270 AD in Patara (modern-day Turkey), in a Greek-speaking region of the Roman Empire
- Died: December 6, 343 AD (traditional date) in Myra, Lycia (now Demre, Turkey)
- Occupation: Bishop of Myra
- Feast day: December 6 (Western churches) and December 19 (Eastern Orthodox, because of calendar differences)
Historical evidence
- Attended the First Council of Nicaea in 325 AD (some traditions say he slapped Arius during the debate—though that story is probably legendary).
- Was imprisoned during the persecution under Emperor Diocletian.
He is the primary historical inspiration for Santa Claus:
Dutch “Sinterklaas” → American “Santa Claus” → modern jolly, red-suited gift-bringer (shaped by 19th–20th century poems, illustrations, and advertising).
In short: A 4th-century generous bishop whose legacy of secret giving evolved into today’s Santa.
How he became Santa Claus
- Dutch settlers brought “Sinterklaas” (St. Nicholas) to America (New Amsterdam/New York).
- 1809: Washington Irving wrote a satirical history mentioning Sinterklaas.
- 1823: Clement Clarke Moore’s poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” (“’Twas the Night Before Christmas”) transformed him into the jolly, reindeer-driving figure.
- 1863–1930s: Illustrator Thomas Nast and later Coca-Cola ads (especially Haddon Sundblom’s red-suited version) cemented the modern Santa image.
Why he became legendary
- Secret gift-giving The most famous story: A poor man had three daughters but no money for their dowries, so they couldn’t marry and faced prostitution or slavery. Nicholas anonymously threw three bags of gold (or three gold balls) through the window (or down the chimney) at night—one for each daughter. This is the origin of the three gold balls symbol sometimes seen on pawn shops (because St. Nicholas is their patron) and the idea of Santa coming down the chimney with gifts.
- Protector of children Several miracles are attributed to him saving children:
- Resurrected three murdered children who had been pickled in barrels by an evil innkeeper/butcher (the basis for the “three children” motif).
- Calmed a storm to save sailors (he’s also patron saint of sailors).
- Generosity and defense of the poor He used his inherited wealth to help the needy, sick, and suffering.
THE SAINTS OF CHRISTMAS
https://saintmichaelusa.org/christmas/
Catholic patron saints especially invoked for financial difficulties, money troubles, and those in material need — along with short notes about why they’re connected to these intentions:
St. Joseph the Worker
– 19th March and 1st May https://saintmichaelusa.org/saint-joseph/
- Patron of: Workers, families, and those seeking employment
- Why: As provider for the Holy Family, he’s trusted for job security, provision, and dignified labor.
- Prayer focus: Faithful work, family stability, and divine providence.
St. Matthew the Apostle
– 21st September https://saintmichaelusa.org/0921-St-Matthew
- Patron of: Bankers, accountants, and financial workers
- Why: As a former tax collector who left everything to follow Christ, he represents conversion from greed to generosity.
- Prayer focus: Trusting God more than wealth and managing resources honestly.
St. Jude Thaddeus
– 28th October https://saintmichaelusa.org/st-jude/
- Patron of: Hopeless or desperate causes
- Why: When financial troubles feel impossible, many turn to St. Jude for hope and perseverance.
- Prayer focus: Confidence in God’s help even when all seems lost.
St. Nicholas of Myra
– https://saintmichaelusa.org/1206-St.Nicholas
- Patron of: The poor and those in need of material aid
- Why: Famous for secretly giving dowries and helping the needy — the original inspiration for Santa Claus.
- Prayer focus: Generosity and relief from crushing debts.
St. Bernadette Soubirous
– 18th February https://saintmichaelusa.org/0218-St-Bernadette
- Patron of: Those living in poverty or struggling financially
- Why: She came from a poor family and bore hardship with humility.
- Prayer focus: Contentment in simplicity and trust in God’s care.
St. Anthony of Padua
– 13th June https://saintmichaelusa.org/0613anthonypadua/
- Patron of: Lost things — including financial recovery
- Why: Many invoke him for lost or stolen money and debts that need repayment.
- Prayer focus: Restoration of what’s been lost, spiritual or material.
St. Cajetan Gaetano Thiene
– 7th August https://saintmichaelusa.org/0807-St-Cajetan
- Patron of: The unemployed and those seeking financial stability
- Why: He co-founded a bank to help the poor avoid usury and trusted totally in Divine Providence.
- Prayer focus: Trust that God will supply material needs through honest work.
St. Homobonus
– 13th November https://saintmichaelusa.org/1113-St-Homobonus
- Patron of: Businesspeople and merchants
- Why: A wealthy cloth merchant who gave much of his income to charity and treated his employees with fairness.
- Prayer focus: Ethical business practices and generous stewardship.
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