Today the Catholic Church observes All Souls Day. On this day when we pray for the souls in purgatory, let us look at a Saint who was known for his intercession for the faithfully departed.
Nicholas of Tolentino took his name from St. Nicholas of Myra, at whose shrine his parents had prayed to have a child. He was born in 1245 in Sant'Angelo, Italy, and became an Augustinian Monk at the age of 18. Seven years later he was ordained to the priesthood. In 1274, he was sent to Tolentino where he ministered to the poor and criminals. He is said to have cured the sick with bread over which he had prayed to Mary. He obtained a reputation as a wonderworker.
Nicholas is said to have received visions, including images of Purgatory. Because of these visions, prayer for the souls in Purgatory was an outstanding characteristic of his spirituality.
Many legends have grown up around St. Nicholas. One that I found fun and fantastic is that he was once served a roasted fowl. A vegetarian, Nicholas made the Sign of the Cross over the bird and it revived and flew out the window.
Towards the end of his life he became ill and suffered greatly. He died on September 10, 1305. St. Nicholas is invoked as patron of many things, including animals, babies, boatmen, dying people, sick animals, and souls in Purgatory. His feast day is September 10.
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