Commentary by Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Several years ago, William J. Bennett wrote a book entitled, The True St. Nicholas: Why He Matters to Christmas, in which he details the story of this heroic saint and how his story became the foundation for the Santa Claus we know today.
Traditions surrounding Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra and “the real Santa Claus,” whose feast day is December 6, recall his legendary love for God, children, and the poor. Here are some ways to honor the memory of this ancient gift-giver, offsetting the commercialization of Christmas and re-centering the season’s true spirit on Jesus.
by Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Journalist
A Turkish archeologist, who claims that because St. Nicholas spent most of his life in Turkey and once said he did not want to be buried anywhere else, is calling on Turkish authorities to demand the return of his bones from their burial place in southern Italy.
