Saint Nicolas... St.Nicholas

16 décembre 2008 - Paru dans http://www.bobdylan.com/#/user/4240

St. Nicholas
Artist: Susan Seals


Used by permission
All rights reserved

16 décembre 2008 - Paru dans http://www.bobdylan.com/#/user/4240

The true story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas, who was born during the third century in the village of Patara. At the time the area was Greek and is now on the southern coast of Turkey. His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young. Obeying Jesus' words to "sell what you own and give the money to the poor," Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man. Bishop Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to the those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships.

Under the Roman Emperor Diocletian, who ruthlessly persecuted Christians, Bishop Nicholas suffered for his faith, was exiled and imprisoned. The prisons were so full of bishops, priests, and deacons, there was no room for the real criminals—murderers, thieves and robbers. After his release, Nicholas attended the Council of Nicaea in AD 325. He died December 6, AD 343 in Myra and was buried in his cathedral church, where a unique relic, called manna, formed in his grave. This liquid substance, said to have healing powers, fostered the growth of devotion to Nicholas. The anniversary of his death became a day of celebration, St. Nicholas Day.
Through the centuries many stories and legends have been told of St. Nicholas' life and deeds. These accounts help us understand his extraordinary character and why he is so beloved and revered as protector and helper of those in need.

http : //www.stnicholascenter.org/Brix?pageID=38

Décembre 2008

Quelque part, un décembre d’une année où j’étais enfant, j’ai entendu parler de Saint Nicolas. Il me semble me souvenir que c’est ma grand-mère qui parlait de ça. Il y avait aussi des représentations de lui de temps à autre dans mes livres d’images; je le trouvais beau. Une grande barbe blanche, une mitre et de beaux habits.

Quand on portait attention à ce Saint Nicolas, on aurait dit que l’on s’intériorisait, on aurat dit que la fête à venir prenait une allure sacrée et nous engageait à porter une attention toute particulière à ceux qui, autour de nous étaient dans le besoin.

Ma grand-mère maternelle était ma marraine. Quand je pense à ça aujourd’hui, ce Saint-Nicolas prend une dimension toute particulière. Je ne savais pas alors que j’avais été adoptée et que ma grand-mère devait bien y penser un peu quand elle me parlait avec révérence de celui qu’elle plaçait bien au-dessus de quelqu’autre fabuleux personnage.
Je me demande qui a bien pu lui parler de ce Saint Nicolas si européen, elle qui avait vécu bien simplement son enfance dans le village des Éboulements, en Charlevoix.

Lise Tremblay Thibodeau
Décembre 2008