The Real St. Nicholas: Tales of Generosity and Hope from around the World
As the patron saint of pharmacists, brides, prisoners and bakers, Saint Nicholas has become a footnote of history. But as the patron saint of children, he lives on in a spirit of generosity known the world over. This book recounts many of those tales of open-handed bounteousness, beginning with a true story: after the destruction of the World Trade Center, the mayor of Bari, Italy, sent half a million dollars to restore the St. Nicholas church in lower Manhattan, which had been wrecked by falling debris. The cities of Bari and Manhattan both have Nicholas as their patron saint. Other stories, drawn from legends across Europe, speak to the saint's avuncular character and largesse, and to the way his example inspires ordinary people to undertake extraordinary acts of charity. Full-color illustrations and photos of contemporary celebrations of the saint's feast day (December 6) complement the engaging text.Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.