WILKES-BARRE – On the morning of December 6, there was a special excitement in the air at Saint Nicholas-Saint Mary School.
For many years, that particular day on the calendar has been among the most highly anticipated by students of all ages.
The reason?
Each year, Saint Nicholas visits their school – going to each classroom – and leaving candy and treats behind for each student.
Second-grader Timothy Ellenburg said he knew Saint Nicholas was in the building when he heard bells ringing in the hallway.
When Saint Nicholas walked into his classroom, Ellenburg admitted being really excited.
“He asked us about what Saint Nicholas did and what our favorite candy was,” the young student explained.
When Saint Nicholas left Ellenburg’s classroom, students found KitKats and Sour Patch Kids inside their shoes, which were lined up neatly in the hallway.
“He is a nice and joyful guy and he’s especially kind to kids,” Ellenburg added.
Over the years, the visit of Saint Nicholas has helped to showcase the beloved saint who was known for his generosity and love, especially for children. On his Feast Day, students are reminded that they can carry that spirit of giving and compassion into the world, just as Saint Nicholas did.
“It reminds us to be kind and do things like he does,” sixth-grader Griffin Matusiewicz said. “It reminds us that a lot of people don’t have money or houses and we should be grateful for what we have.”
Chris Tigue, principal of Saint Nicholas-Saint Mary School, said the tradition of Saint Nicholas visiting the school began many years ago and is a great way to celebrate one of the patron saints of their school.
“We use the opportunity of any saint feast day to increase our faith, to learn what that saint taught us, and is still teaching us through the ages, and to incorporate that into our lives,” Tigue said.
The legend of Saint Nicholas is one of generosity, compassion and miracles. He was the bishop of Myra in Lycia (now Turkey) and used his inheritance to help the needy.
“Nicholas was very in touch with the needs of his people. He would do many things under the darkness of night, he would use this as cover, so the idea of leaving a treat in the children’s shoes is reflective of that old tradition,” Tigue added.
John Rose, a lifelong parishioner of Saint Nicholas Church, had the honor of playing the role of Saint Nicholas this year.
“Saint Nicholas is certainly someone that the students can relate to,” Rose said.
As Rose traveled from classroom to classroom, he was struck by how much the students knew about their patron saint and he feels they truly understood the primary message of the day.
“The primary message is, everybody likes to receive gifts, but not everybody does and when there are people that don’t have the opportunity to receive gifts, and you have the opportunity to help them, that is what can be heartwarming and what the Catholic faith is all about,” Rose said.