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| San Nicola di Bari, ora pro nobis |
Born in the Lycian city of Patara in the third century, Saint Nicholas dedicated his life to God and served as Bishop of Myra until his death in 343 AD.
Many miracles were attributed to him and his tomb became a popular destination for pilgrims.
In 1087, after Myra fell under the control of the Seljuk Empire, Barese mariners spirited his relics back to Bari before they could be desecrated.
The translation of his relics to the Basilica di San Nicola was cause for celebration and each May 9th, with great fanfare, the Barese reenact his arrival by taking a statue of the Saint out to sea and back again.
One of the Elaephori, or oil-exuding saints, the miraculous manna is reputed to have preternatural healing properties.
In celebration, I'm posting A Prayer For Children. The accompanying photo was taken at Saint Dominic RC Church in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, New York. Evviva San Nicola di Bari!
A Prayer For Children
God, our Father, we pray that through the intercession of Saint Nicholas you will protect our children. Keep them safe from harm and help them grow and become worthy of Your sight. Give them strength to keep their Faith in You, and to keep alive their joy in Your creation. Through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen
