St. Nicholas - A Saint for Advent this year

On December 6th, the liturgical calendar of the Church notes an Optional Memorial for St. Nicholas, a Bishop. St. Nicholas is one of the most popular saints of the Church.  Folklore and legend describe him as a strong defender of the Faith with a heart for children. On this latter point, St. Nicholas is typically associated with Santa Claus and sometimes St. Nicholas and Santa Claus are described as one in the same person but the research that is available draws this latter notion into question. That said, there are many stories of his care for children by providing them with sustenance and saving them from the dangers of life.

St. Nicholas lived in the 4th century, and therefore little is known for certain about this saint. He was born in the village of Patara in Asia Minor, an area that was under Greek governance at that time. His parents were wealthy and they raised him to be a devout Christian. He is known to have taken the Gospels to heart especially the words of Jesus to sell one’s possessions and provide for the needs of the poor. After Nicholas’ parents died in an epidemic, he used his inheritance to assist those who were sick or in need.  He devoted his life to serving God and while he was still very young, Nicholas was made Bishop of Myra. Bishop Nicholas is known in legend and lore for his generous support of those in need, his love of children, his care for sailors and ships, and his devotion to the Catholic Faith.

This legacy of charity to those in need, love of children, care for those who work in professions that support the operational functioning of our society, and commitment to the Faith are worthy virtues to ponder and appropriate as the Season of Advent begins this year.

The Season of Advent is designated as a penitential Season – a time to prepare spiritually for the coming of Christ at Christmas and in the fullness of time. It is a time to take stock and particularly this year, when the expressions and rituals of our Faith have been challenged by the health precautions we needed to take to curtail the spread of this pandemic, Advent provides us with the chance to focus the weeks of preparation on our spiritual lives.  Through prayer, ritual, acts of penitential preparation, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation, in the words of the Catechism, Advent unites the faithful of the Church to the desire of St. John the Baptist:

When the Church celebrates the liturgy of Advent each year, she makes present this ancient expectancy of the Messiah, for by sharing in the long preparation for the Savior's first coming, the faithful renew their ardent desire for his second coming. By celebrating the precursor's birth and martyrdom, the Church unites herself to his desire: ‘He must increase, but I must decrease.’" CCC #524

It is this Faith dwelling in our hearts and lived in our lives that inspires charity to those in need, love of children and all people, and care for another.

CHARITY - Charity supports those living in our midst who lack the sustenance to enjoy a basic quality of life.  Homelessness and mental health issues often render people in circumstances that they might never have thought possible. I am grateful for so many in the Diocese who support either in person or through the gift of financial sustenance, the needs of those who are sorely challenged by unstable housing, employment, or poor health.

​LOVE - Love for children bursting forth with new life and youth awakens the soul to exuberance and vitality.  It is sometimes said that Christmas is a time for children.  And it is a magical time for children.  However, it is also a time that reconnects people with the memories from childhood and the desire to share the story from that First Christmas in Bethlehem with our youth, the now and the future of our Church.  In many ways, where life may have wearied the adult, Advent reawakens the inner child connecting us to the excitement on children faces and the anticipation of great joy in the words of Luke’s gospel:

But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord." ~ Luke 2:10-11

CARE - Care for those who look after our community in ways that are evident and hidden is a sign of respect and gratitude. There are so many heroes and saints in our midst.  Workers and professionals have faced many challenges brought on by the pandemic and the disastrous effects of climate change. Early in the pandemic, I am told that people spontaneously thanked others for coming to work. As the pandemic time persists and the spirits grow weary, perhaps the Faith in our hearts will inspire us to speak a kind word to another. A gentle word and our care are much appreciated acts of encouragement and support.

​During this Season of Advent, may God who calls you to prepare for the coming of His Son, inspire you with His peace, hope, love, and joy!

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Written by Most Rev. William T. McGrattan, Bishop of Calgary
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Dec. 3, 2021