Fresco showing St. Nicholas, Church of
St. Nicholas, Myra (Demre, Turkey) Photo: St Nicholas Society/JMR
Nicholas' tomb in Myra became a popular place of pilgrimage. Because of
the many wars and attacks in the region, some Christians were concerned
that access to the tomb might become difficult. For both the religious
and commercial advantages of a major pilgrimage site, the Italian cities
of Venice and Bari vied to get the Nicholas relics. In the spring of
1087, sailors from Bari succeeded in spiriting away the bones, bringing
them to Bari, a seaport on the southeast coast of Italy. An impressive
church was built over St. Nicholas' crypt and many faithful journeyed to
honor the saint who had rescued children, prisoners, sailors, famine
victims, and many others through his compassion, generosity, and the
countless miracles attributed to his intercession. The Nicholas shrine
in Bari was one of medieval Europe's great pilgrimage centers and
Nicholas became known as "Saint in Bari." To this day pilgrims and
tourists visit Bari's great Basilica di San Nicola.
Through the centuries St. Nicholas has continued to be
venerated by Catholics and Orthodox and honored by Protestants. By his
example of generosity to those in need, especially children, St.
Nicholas continues to be a model for the compassionate life.
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