Nicholas of Tolentino

Nicholas of Tolentino (c. 1245 in Sant'Angelo in Pontano in the Marche, † September 10, 1305 in Tolentino ) was a monk and preacher of the Augustinian Hermits. He is a saint of the Catholic Church canonized by Pope Eugene IV 1446. Rhetorically gifted, he found his sermons with great popularity. Between the 16th and 18th century, he was one of the most popular saints in Europe.

Life

Nicholas joined in 1250 at the monastery of the Augustinian Hermits in Sant'Angelo. His sermons, which he held in Sant Angelo and the surrounding churches of the brands that attracted great crowds of the faithful. 1275 he went to Tolentino, where he worked until his death and was soon revered as a saint by the people because of him attributed miracles. Nicholas led an ascetic life. In addition to his preaching, he devoted himself especially to the poor and the sick.

Nicholas died on September 10, 1305 in Tolentino. Over his grave a basilica was built. Today his remains are kept in an illuminated glass shrine in the crypt of the basilica.

The records of John XXII. 1325 introduced canonization are received, a summary of it was Eugene IV as the basis for its decision.

Legends

According to legend, St. Nicholas followed a radiant star that illuminated his figure. Nicholas fed on vegetarian. When one day a roasted chicken was set before him, he hit the cross over the roast and the bird rose into the air and flew away. Nicholas used to waive his bread and carried it instead - against the will of his superiors - beaten in a cloth to the poor. When he was discovered, he opened the cloth, and the bread had turned into roses. This rose miracle, a walking legend is told also of the St. Elizabeth of Thuringia and Elizabeth of Portugal.

Patronages

Nicholas is the patron saint of Tolentino, the co-patron of Bavaria, Venice, Rome, Genoa, Antwerp, Córdoba and Lima; of the shipwrecked, prisoners, freedom; for their daily bread.

Iconography

Nicholas is shown in the black cassock of the Augustinian hermits with a star on his chest or above him, a lily, a bag with money or bread, a cross or a book in his hand.