Feast day of Nicholas of Flüe: 21 March ( 25 September in Switzerland & Germany)
When did St. Nicholas live: 1417 - 1487
Biography:
Nicholas of Flüe was born in 1417 in Switerland as the son of a peasant couple. Together with his wife Dorothea Wissling, he had three children. After having fought in the forces of his canton against Zurich, he started serving as magistrate but refused the position as governor in order to retire and embrace the life of a hermit. He moved to a small cell at Ranft and apparently lived for nineteen years without food except for the Holy Eucharist. Nicholas was known as "Brother Klaus" and gave precious advice to those who sought his help. He died in 1487 and was canonised in 1947.
Patronage: St. Nicholas of Flüe is patron saint of Switzerland and the Pontifical Swiss Guards
Statues and wooden sculptures from Val Gardena representing St. Nicholas of Flühe - portrayal, imagery and emblem: St. Nicholas of Flüe is shown as a hermit with simple religious gown, sandals, a cross with little bell and a trunk at his feet as a symbol for his love of nature.