The story of Saint Nicholas by Pauline O

The story of Saint Nicholas by Pauline O’ Shea

Early life St. Nicholas was born in 271 AD and died around December 6, 342 or 343 AD near the Asia Minor (Turkey) town of Myra, . where he later became Bishop.

His life • He performed many good deeds and was a friend to the poor and helpless, and upon his death, myths soon sprang up about him all around the Mediterranean Sea.

Patron saint His tomb in Bari in Italy • He was soon named as the patron saint of sailors, and when Myra was overthrown, his bones were transported by sailors to Bari, a port in Italy, where a tomb was built over the grave and became the centre of honour for St. Nicholas.

Down the chimney • The reason today's Santa Claus drops gifts down chimneys is because Saint Nicholas did this. More than a thousand years ago Saint Nicholas gave people gifts in secret. Those who received his gifts never knew his identity. Saint Nicholas was a shy, humble, loving person. He didn't want to be praised for his generosity

St. Nicholas Day • Saint Nicholas Day is usually on the 6 th of December. It is a festival for children in many European countries. The American Santa Claus, and the Canadian and British ‘Father Christmas’ comes form the legends about St. Nicholas. • ‘Santa Claus’ comes from the Dutch sinterklaas

St. Nicholas and Ireland • According to local Irish legend, Saint Nicholas is buried in County Kilkenny. The grave is said to be in the ruined Church of St Nicholas. The church is all that remains of the medieval village, Newtown Jerpoint.

How did St. Nicholas get to Ireland? • The tale tells of a band of Irish-Norman knights from Jerpoint, travelling to the Holy Land to take part in the Crusades. As they headed home to Ireland, they seized St Nicholas' remains, bringing them back to Kilkenny, where the bones were buried.