December 6

St. Nicholas

A fourth-century Bishop of Myra known for his extraordinary generosity — he secretly provided dowries for three poor girls by tossing bags of gold through their window at night, the origin of Santa Claus. He attended the Council of Nicaea in 325. He is the patron saint of children, sailors, and pawnbrokers.

Why it matters for your parish: The historical figure behind Santa Claus — an extraordinary opportunity to reclaim and explain the saint behind the cultural icon. High cultural resonance in December.

Graphics for this saint are coming soon.