Nicholas of Tolentino
Saint Nicholas of Tolentino OSA | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1245 Sant'Angelo in Pontano, Italy |
| Died | September 10, 1305 (aged 59–60) Tolentino, Italy |
| Venerated in | Catholic Church |
| Canonized | June 5, 1446, Vatican by Pope Eugene IV |
| Major shrine | Basilica di San Nicola da Tolentino, Tolentino, Italy |
| Feast | September 10 |
| Attributes | bird on a plate in the right hand and a crucifix on the other hand; basket of bread; lily or a crucifix garlanded with lilies; star above him or on his breast |
| Patronage | animals; babies; boatmen; dying people; mariners; holy souls; sailors; sick animals; souls in purgatory; watermen; La Aldea de San Nicolás, Spain; Barranquilla, Colombia; In the Philippines: Banton, Ajuy, Cabatuan, Guimbal, Lambunao, Capas, La Huerta, Cupang, Macabebe, Mariveles, Surigao City, Sinait, San Nicolas, Tibiao, Tobias Fornier, and the Dioceses of Cabanatuan, Mati, Surigao and Tandag. |
Nicholas of Tolentino, OSA (Latin: S. Nicolaus de Tolentino, c. 1246 – September 10, 1305) known as the "Patron of Holy Souls", was an Italian Catholic mystic who is invoked as an advocate for the souls in Purgatory, especially during Lent and the month of November. He was a member of the Augustinians, whose churches today, together with those of the Discalced Augustinians, hold weekly devotions to St. Nicholas on behalf of the suffering souls. November 2, All Souls' Day, holds special significance for the devotees of St. Nicholas. He was canonized in 1446.