St Nicholas was born in Asia Minor. God glorified him by an endless number of miracles, and the Church, remembering the power he exercised over flames, makes us pray that we may, through his intercession, be preserved from the flames of hell (Collect).Having become archbishop of Myra, he took part in the Council of Nicaea, which condemned Arianism.
When still a youth, he discreetly threw alms in at a window to save the honour of three young girls, an act still commemorated nowadays in "Santa Claus" when children thank St Nicholas for presents found on the hearth. He died in 324. His relics are preserved at Bari (Italy).
Statuit ei Dominus testamentum pacis, et principem fecit eum: ut sit illi sacerdotii dignitas in aeternum. * Memento, Domine, David, et omnis mansuetudinis ejus.
The Lord made to him a covenant of peace, and made him a prince: that the dignity of the priesthood should be to him for ever. * O Lord, remember David: and all his meekness.
(Ecclesiasticus 45:30 and Psalm 131:1 from the Introit of Mass)
Deus, qui beátum Nicoláum Pontíficem innúmeris decorásti miráculis: tríbue, quaesumus; ut ejus méritis et précibus a gehénnæ incéndiis liberémur.
O God, who didst adorn by the working of countless miracles the holy bishop Nicholas: grant, we beseech Thee, that by his merits and prayers we may be delivered from the flames of hell.
(Collect)
From the Catholic Encyclopaedia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11063b.htm
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