Category: St. Nicholas

A listing of prayers and devotions to St. Nicholas for his powerful prayers and intercession. As Catholics, we believe in the intercession of the saints, who readily pray and assist us from Heaven.

St. Nicholas

About St. Nicholas

St. Nicholas, who lived in the 4th century and inspired the modern figure of Santa Claus, was a Greek bishop known for his exceptional generosity and love for children in what is now Turkey. Born to wealthy Christian parents in Patara, he inherited their fortune but gave it away to help the poor and sick. His most famous act of charity involved secretly providing gold dowries for three impoverished sisters, reportedly tossing bags of gold through their window at night to save them from being sold into slavery. As Bishop of Myra, he attended the Council of Nicaea in 325 CE and was known for defending orthodox Christian doctrine. He developed a reputation for performing miracles, including saving sailors from storms and rescuing three innocent men from execution. His habit of secret gift-giving, especially to children and the poor, led to his being celebrated on December 6th throughout much of Europe, eventually evolving into the tradition of Santa Claus. Though many stories about him blend historical fact with legend, his influence on Christian charity and gift-giving traditions has endured for over 1,700 years.

Prayers & Devotions

Intercession of the Saints

Litany of St. Nicholas

Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of children, and based on the many accounts of his heroic intercession on behalf of children in dangerous situations, is referred to as the Protector of Children. The Litany of St. Nicholas supplicates this saint’s prayers for our needs and to assist in our pursuit for the protection of children.

Litany of St. Nicholas

Prayer Video –Litany of St. Nicholas

Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.

God, the Father of heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, Holy Mother of God,  pray for us.
St. Joseph, pray for us.
Nicholas, Holy Bishop of Myra, pray for us.
Nicholas, Holy Saint in Bari, pray for us.
Nicholas, Patron of children and seafarers, pray for us.
Nicholas, Gift-giver and Wonder-Worker, pray for us.
Nicholas, Friend of the poor and needy, pray for us.
Nicholas, Icon of gentleness and generosity, pray for us.
Nicholas, Model of meekness and charity, pray for us.
Nicholas, Defender of the Christian Faith, pray for us.
Nicholas, Myrrh of the fragrance of Christ, pray for us.
Nicholas, Help of those who suffer wrong, pray for us.
Nicholas, Faithful steward of the mysteries of God, pray for us.
Nicholas, Guide of the penitent sinner, pray for us.
Nicholas, Source of joy and thanksgiving, pray for us.
Nicholas, Saint who points us to the Manger, pray for us.

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord!
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord!
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

Let us pray: May we, aided by the prayers of St Nicholas, be strengthened on our earthly pilgrimage to pray, fast, and advocate for the protection of all children from scandal, abuse, and trafficking. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, God from Age unto Age. Amen.

To learn more about St. Nicholas and for information regarding the Confraternity of St Nicholas, visit the links below:
Confraternity of St Nicholas – confraternityofstnicholas.org/
Brochure – https://confraternityofstnicholas.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2021/12/The-Confraternity-of-St.-Nicholas_Brochure2021.pdf

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