Conquest’s “In the Spirit of Saint Nicholas” project is an early advent initiative aimed at promoting the example of charity that the saints provide for us. This example is embodied in a great way in the patron saint of our project, Saint Nicholas. Obeying Jesus' words to "sell what you own and give the money to the poor," Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man. Bishop Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships. Later, Saint Nicholas was called “Wonder Worker” because of the number of miracles attributed to him, particularly after his death.
The anniversary of his death became a day of celebration, St.Nicholas Day, December 6th. St. Nicholas, lover of the poor and patron saint of children, is a model of how Christians are meant to live. Nicholas put Jesus Christ at the center of his life, his ministry, his entire existence. Families, churches, and schools are embracing true St Nicholas traditions as one way to claim the true center of Christmas—the birth of Jesus. Such a focus helps restore balance to increasingly materialistic and stress-filled Advent and Christmas seasons.