Memorial of St. John of the Cross...

     "Father, you endowed John of the Cross with a spirit of self-denial and a love of the cross. By following his example, may we come to the eternal vision of your glory. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen."
     For information about St. John of the Cross, including activities and recipes, click here.

St. Nicholas...

Feast Day: December 06
Born: (around) 270 :: Died: (around) 340

     "St. Nicholas is loved by children all over the world and he is especially well known for Christmas giving. This famous saint was born in Asia Minor, which today is called Turkey. After his parents died, he gave all his money to charity.

     "There are many stories told about kind St. Nicholas.

     "Once a poor man was about to leave his daughters to a life of evil and sin because he did not have the money to get them married. Nicholas heard about his problem. He went to the man's house at night and tossed a little pouch of gold through a window. This was for the oldest daughter.

     "He did the same thing for the second daughter and the grateful father kept watch to find out who was being so good to them.

     "When St. Nicholas came a third time, the man recognized him. He thanked Nicholas over and over again.

     "St. Nicholas also prayed and brought back to life three young boys who had been killed.

     "Later St. Nicholas became bishop. He loved justice. It is said that once he saved three men who had been wrongly condemned to death. He then got their accuser to confess that he had been given money to tell lies about the three men and get them into trouble.

     "He even got thieves to return the goods they had stolen from people.

     "St. Nicholas died in Myra, and a great basilica was built over his tomb. Many churches were dedicated in his name.

     "When his remains were brought to Bari, in Italy, this city became a famous shrine for pilgrims from all over Europe.

     "Nicholas is the patron of sailors and prisoners. Along with St. Andrew, he is also the patron of Russia."

     Source: Holy Spirit Interactive, Kids Zone, Saint of the Day
     For more about St. Nicholas, including activities and recipes, click here, from Catholic Culture. Thanks for the link, Sam.

St. Francis Xavier...

     Today is the memorial of St. Francis Xavier. Read about him, here, from Holy Spirit Interactive, Kids Zone.
     May you always feel the protection of the risen Lord.

The Feast of Saint Jerome...

     Today, we celebrate the Feast of Saint Jerome. For information about the life of Saint Jerome, click here, from Holy Spirit Interactive, Daily Saints.

     Did you know that Saint Jerome once removed a thorn from the paw of a lion, and the lion became his pet.