Saint Nicholas may be the man behind the jolly fellow known as Santa Claus, but his remains in Italy got there through an adventure Santa never dreamed of at the North Pole.
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When we think of St. Nicholas, the legendary figure of Santa Claus may come to mind. But behind the myth is a 4th century bishop who left a mark on the faith of both East and West, and whose relics today rest in a city in southern Italy, Bari.
St. Nicholas was born in Pitara, Asia Minor, and became the bishop of Myra, in modern-day Turkey. He was a shepherd close to the poor, famous for his quiet generosity. Tradition tells us he secretly threw bags of gold into the home of three poor girls, saving them from slavery. He died around the year 343, and his tomb in Myra became a destination for pilgrimages. But the history of his relics is quite adventurous. In the 11th century, with the arrival of the Seljuk Turks and the danger that the remains might be profaned, a group of sailors from Bari decided to take action.
In 1087, they sailed for Myra, entered the basilica guarding the saint's tomb, and brought the bones of Saint Nicholas back to Bari. It was not a simple transfer. It was almost an epic undertaking, one that transformed Bari into a world-famous sanctuary. Here, in the heart of the old city, a magnificent basilica was quickly built to welcome pilgrims from all over Europe. And even today, upon entering the Basilica of St. Nicholas, your gaze is drawn toward the crypt.
It is there, beneath the altar, that the saint's relics rest. As with St. Andrew in Amalfi, a mysterious liquid also exudes from the body of St. Nicholas, the so-called manna of St. Nicholas. It is collected every year, on May 9th, during the celebration of the translation, and the faithful cherish it as a sign of blessing and protection.
The devotion to St. Nicholas is impressive. He is not only the patron saint of Bari, but also of Russia, Greece, sailors, children, and even Reformed thieves. His figure transcends cultural and religious boundaries. Venerated by the Orthodox, Eastern, and Catholic churches, he is a universal saint, a bridge between the churches of the East and the West.
Visiting the crypt in Bari is an intense experience. Pilgrims of every nationality kneel before the sarcophagus. Some sing in Greek, others in Russian, still others in Italian. And in that multifaceted chorus, before the saints' relics, a profound unity is perceived, as if Saint Nicholas continues to do what he always did in life, unite, protect, and give hope.
