USCCB - Advent Calendar

Images courtesy of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception and the nativity scene above is from the Christmas special "Christmas Eve from the National Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi, San Francisco". The Christmas special will be showing on ABC-TV stations around the country, check your local listing.

New Line Cinema

back to calendar

December 6, 2008

Learn more about this
saint by listening to
the podcast from
Franciscan Radio

Feast of St. Nicholas

CNS / Saints for Today

The historical Nicholas was a fourth-century bishop of Myra in Lycia in Asia Minor. The legendary Nicholas reportedly saved three girls from prostitution by throwing three bags of gold for dowries in their window at night. He was said to have attended the first church council at Nicaca in 325. As patron of children he is the source for Father Christmas and Santa Claus. In 1087 Italian merchants stole his reputed relics and enshrined them at Bari, which explains why he sometimes is called Nicholas of Bari.

Read: Daily Readings from the New American Bible (NAB)
Pray: Pray for the bishops of the United States. May they, like St. Nicholas, be joyful shepherds of the faithful.
Reflect: Use the discussion questions on p. 436 of the USCCA for reflection.; View the Daily Reflections on today's readings brought to you by the Catholic Communication Campaign
Act: In the tradition of St. Nicholas, leave small treats in children's shoes.; Discuss your concerns about poverty in your region with a friend or family member and invite them to take action with you.