Nicholas was a bery generous man, known for his charity and wisdom, who gve away his inherited wealth to those in need. One of the most widely shared stories is how he helped a poor family with three daughters. The family had no money and could not provide a dowry for the girls to be married. Therefore, the girls would be sold into slavery. Nicholas learned about this. One night after the family was asleep; he rode by the house on his horse disguised in a hood cloak, and tossed a bag of gold through the window. He did this three consecutive nights to provide for each of the three daughters.
He died on December 6, 340 and was buried in Myra. In 1087 religious soldiers from Italy took the remains of St. Nicholas back to Bari, Italy where they built a church in honor of him - the Basilica of San Nicola. This greatly increased his popularity in Europe, with pilgrims from all over the world coming to to visit his shrine. Each of them took his legend back to their native countries where, as his fame spread it took on the characteristics of each country. One thing common to all however, the traditional image of the Bishop's mitre, long flowing robes, red cape, and white beard.
My daughter has a collection of ceramic pieces that help remind us the St. Nicholas was a believer in Jesus and he lived his life trying to follow His Lord and Savior.
