Saint Nicholas

Feast Day: December 6

St. Nicholas, also known as Nicholas of Myra, was a Christian bishop who lived in the Roman province of Lycia, in what is now modern-day Turkey, during the 4th century. He is one of the most beloved and widely venerated saints in both the Eastern Orthodox and Western Christian traditions. St. Nicholas was born around the year 270 AD in the city of Patara, in Asia Minor. He came from a wealthy family and was raised in the Christian faith.

St. Nicholas is renowned for his extraordinary acts of kindness, generosity, and compassion. One of the most famous stories associated with him tells of how he secretly provided a dowry to three poor sisters to save them from a life of destitution and potential slavery. According to the legend, he threw bags of gold through the girls' window at night, which landed in stockings or shoes drying by the fireplace, giving rise to the tradition of hanging stockings for Christmas.

In addition to his charitable acts, St. Nicholas was known for his strong faith and commitment to the Christian Church. He was consecrated as Bishop of Myra and became a defender of the Christian faith during a time of persecution. St. Nicholas was imprisoned and suffered for his beliefs but remained steadfast in his commitment to Christ.

St. Nicholas died on December 6, 343 AD, and his death is commemorated on this date in the Christian calendar. He was interred in the Church of St. Nicholas in Myra, which became a popular pilgrimage site. Over the centuries, devotion to St. Nicholas spread throughout Europe, and he became the patron saint of various groups and causes, including sailors, children, and merchants.

Patronage:

St. Nicholas is the patron saint of:

Children: St. Nicholas is known for his care and love for children, which is why he is often associated with the modern figure of Santa Claus.

Sailors: Due to his connection to the sea and maritime miracles attributed to him.

Merchants and Shopkeepers: His reputation for generosity and protection of those in need made him a natural patron for merchants and traders.

Repentant Thieves: St. Nicholas is believed to have intervened on behalf of thieves who repented of their crimes.

Feast Day:

St. Nicholas's feast day is celebrated on December 6th in the Western Christian tradition and on December 19th in the Eastern Orthodox tradition. These dates commemorate his death and his entry into heavenly glory.

Prayer to St. Nicholas:

O Holy St. Nicholas,

You who gave to the poor and protected the innocent,

Intercede for us before the throne of God.

Guide us in acts of charity and selflessness,

That we may follow your example of love.

You who watched over sailors in the storm,

Be our protector in times of danger and uncertainty.

Lead us safely through the tempests of life,

And help us find our way to the shores of peace.

Bless our children with your loving care,

And grant us the wisdom to nurture their faith.

Strengthen our hearts, O Nicholas,

To be beacons of hope and kindness in this world.

Amen.

Reflection:

St. Nicholas's life reminds us of the transformative power of selfless love and generosity. In a world often marred by selfishness and materialism, his example encourages us to look beyond our own needs and reach out to those less fortunate. Whether it's through acts of kindness, charity, or simply lending a helping hand to those in need, we can all strive to embody the spirit of St. Nicholas and make the world a better place for others. His unwavering faith and dedication to his beliefs also serve as a reminder that faith can sustain us through life's challenges, and that our convictions should guide our actions and choices. St. Nicholas continues to inspire countless people to this day, urging us to be a source of light and hope in the lives of those around us.

Christ is the reason why we celebrate Christmas.  So, let us put Christ back into Christmas for this is the greatest gift we can have this season.

Saint Jane Frances de Chantal (Jeanne-Francoise Fremyot)

Feast Day:  August 12

Jeanne-Francoise Fremyot was born in 1572 and raised in a Catholic family during the time of the Protestant reformation.  Her mother died before she turned 2.

At age 20, she got married to Baron Christopher de Chantal.  They shared many common interests, loved each other very much and were blessed with 4 children.  After 9 years of marriage,  Christopher was mortally wounded in a hunting accident.  For 9 days, Jane Frances de Chantal suffered intense agony.  She beseeched God to take everything she has in this world save for her husband.  Nevertheless, Christopher died. (Over the course of her life, she experienced the death of her stepmother, her sister and her first 2 children).

However friends and family tried to distract her, Jane was inconsolable.  After months of mourning, her father-in-law invited her to stay with them at Monthelon.  She busied herself with the family estate and continued to carry out her charitable works.  During this time, she had been feeling a strong attraction to religious life.

In the lent of 1604, she received an invitation from her brother to meet the Bishop of Geneva who was coming over to their hometown, Dijon, France to preach.  Jane was deeply touched by Bishop Francis de Sales’ sermon.  Five months later, the bishop became her spiritual director.

Jane Frances de Chantal had everything to live for and yet she chose to be a nun.

Under the direction of Francis de Sales, the Visitation Sisters, a religious order was formed.  The name of the congregation was after the Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth.   A combination of contemplation depicted by the Blessed Virgin’s prayer –The Magnificat (considered as the most spiritual and contemplative canticle ever written) and the charity toward neighbor that Mary showed by serving Elizabeth.  A contemplative in action - the Visitation Sisters share a common life centered on prayer and balanced with action as they go out to care for the poor and the sick.

These years of productivity and accomplishments were also years of spiritual darkness for Jane de Chantal.  She was plague with temptation and for 41 years Jane struggled to fight it.

One of St. Francis de Sales’ advice to Jane was to seek God’s will in her everyday life and to love God’s will.

Jane Frances de Chantal was a beacon to many.  And to St. Vincent de Paul, who began the Sisters of Charity to serve the poor, Jane Frances de Chantal (Jeanne-Francoise de Chantal) was an inspiration.

Patronage:

Saint Jane Frances de Chantal is the patron saint of widows, parents separated from their children, and the Visitation Sisters. Her dedication to family life and her ability to overcome personal hardships make her a source of inspiration for many.

Prayer:

Dear Saint Jane Frances de Chantal,

You who experienced the joys and sorrows of marriage, widowhood, and motherhood,

Help us to find strength in times of trial and to trust in God's providence.

Guide us in our daily lives, that we may show kindness, gentleness, and humility to all we encounter.

Intercede for us, dear Saint Jane Chantal, and grant us the grace to live a life of devotion and service to others, just as you did.

Amen.

Reflection:

* God's love is ineffable.  No one on earth, not even the ones who loved you that most can even come close to God's love for us. God wants us to experience this deep, everlasting love. And once we are captivated by His love, we can't help but love Him back. This love of Christ leads to imitation of Christ.  And serving and loving others is the result of knowing and loving God.
God removed all the things that hinders Jane from experiencing God's indescribable love.  In due course, Jane de Chantal lived this love and became a true disciple of God.

* St. Jane Chantal's life teaches us the importance of faith, resilience, and compassion. She faced personal tragedies and challenges but remained devoted to God and her calling. Her dedication to helping those in need, regardless of their circumstances, reminds us of the profound impact one person can have on the world through acts of love and kindness. As we reflect on her life, let us strive to emulate her virtues of gentleness, humility, and unwavering faith in God's plan for us.