Theresa Weeks
English 155
December 10, 2012
Christine A. Neilson
Mythological and Modern-Day Heroes Paper
(indent)One of the most well known figures in Christianity history is that by the Roman Catholic Church, Saint Nicholas of Myra. His fame has grown throughout the centuries through stories and legends of his life and deeds. Through these accounts (comma: prepositional phrase) we come to the understanding of why he is so loved and believed as the true protector and helper of those less fortunate or in need (St. Nicholas Center, n.d.).
Saint Nicholas was born around the third century A.D. in Patana, which is a city in the ancient district of Lycia in southern Asia Minor (Encyclopedia of World Biography, 2004). Though, his parents were well to do, they reared him with a more humble and holy lifestyle. His parents died during an epidemic when he was at a young age. Nicholas did not squander away his parent’s inheritance. Instead, he used his entire inheritance to help the needy, the sick, and suffering. (new paragraph/new thought) One of the stories told is that of a poor man who had three daughters. During this period in time the father had to offer prospective suitors a dowry. Naturally, the larger the dowry the better off a young woman could have a chance in a finer suitor. So with this in mind, if a woman did not have a dowry she would unlikely marry and their destiny would be to be sold into slavery. One day bags of gold appeared at the home of this Christian family (on separate occasions) to which provided each of the daughter’s a much needed dowry (The Catholic Encyclopedia, n.d.).
Nicholas dedicated his life to God and serving others and because of this he was made a Bishop of Myra. Bishop Nicholas’ fame grew and spread throughout the globe for his generosity to those less fortunate, love for children, and for his concern for sailors and ships, and even more. But, with this fame and