Feast day: December 6
Saint Nicholas was a bishop, and bishops are often referred to as the shepherds of the people of God in the Church. Accounts credit Saint Nicholas with saving the lives of three daughters who were destined for prostitution because their father could not supply their dowries—the marriage gift to the groom’s family. Saint Nicholas supposedly left three bags of gold in the middle of the night, thereby rescuing the daughters from a life of sin. This legend led to Saint Nicholas being named the patron saint of children, and it includes the custom of giving treats to children in honor of his feast day. (From Take Ten: Daily Bible Reflections for Teens [Saint Mary’s Press])
(Image © Vicki Shuck/Saint Mary's Press)