On Trending with Timmerie, Fr. Richard Hendrick, O.F.M. Cap., introduces the real St. Nicholas: a 4th‑century bishop of Myra in Turkey. As a young man he prayed with the Desert Fathers, and the Church honors him as a “thaumaturge,” a wonderworker whose life was, as Fr. Richard says, “suffused with miracles.”
Nicholas was born into a wealthy family around 270 A.D., but his true riches were hidden acts of mercy. Hearing that three women were about to be sold into slavery because their father had no dowries, he slipped bags of gold to them by night. Another story tells of a butcher whose barreled “pork” was really murdered Christian children; Nicholas prayed for and blessed them, and the children were restored to life, which is why icons show him with a wooden barrel.
Over time, devotion to this miracle‑working bishop spread across the Christian world. In Holland, children put out shoes or stockings, trusting that “Sinterklaas” had visited with small gifts by morning. Dutch settlers carried that custom to America, where Sinterklaas became “Santa Claus” and his red‑and‑white look echoed the appearance of an Eastern bishop’s vestments.
As Timmerie sums up, St. Nicholas is not a myth but a saint who lives with Christ in Heaven and still powerfully intercedes for us – even as a patron of broadcasters. This year, when you see Santa everywhere, ask the real St. Nicholas to help you love the poor, defend the truth, and give generously and quietly for love of Jesus.
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