St. Nicholas

Bishop, Confessor (III Class)

The Bishop of Myra in Asia Minor is one of the most popular oriental saints. The spiritual and temporal needs of his flock were the first object of his pastoral care. This worker of miracles died in 342; his body was eventually enshrined at Bari in Italy.

This morning we woke up early, so John could celebrate St. Nicholas Day a little while with Maria before leaving for Milan. She was very excited to find that St. Nicholas had eaten the cookies she left for him, but he had left some for her too! He also left chocolate coins in her shoes (and some in Katie's shoes as well).

Divine Liturgy was in the main church, and was the only Eucharistic celebration today at the Kartause, so that all the students from both the ITI and Franciscan University could participate. St. Nicholas is a major saint in the Eastern Churches. After Liturgy the children were all called up to the front, and told that if they sang for St. Nicholas, maybe he would come visit them. Sure enough, as you can see below, he came and asked them many questions, as well as asking the parents if their children had been good this year, and then he handed out presents to each of them. Then everyone was able to receive a blessing with oil. After we arrived home this afternoon, Maria told us, "St. Nicholas looks like Br. Basil." Indeed he does.

We hope that John is having a great time in Milan with Max and Rob. Please pray for a safe journey home for them!