Saint of the day, March 21 – Zeale
March 21 – St. Nicholas of Flue
Born: 1417
Died: 1487
Nationality: Swiss
Attributes: hermit’s garb, walking stick, rosary
Vocation: married, hermit
Patronage: Switzerland, Pontifical Swiss Guard
Canonization: 1947 by Pope Pius XII
Born in 1417 in Switzerland, Nicholas became a devoted husband and father of 10 children. Known for his virtue and moral goodness, he gave selflessly of his time and talent to build up his community, serving in the military and as a councilor. In private, he cultivated his interior life through fasting and contemplative prayer.
When he was about 50-years-old, Nicholas felt called to embrace the life of a hermit and did so with the approval of his wife and children. People came to hear of his sanctity and sought him out to request his prayers and spiritual counsel.
He lived as a hermit for 13 years until a civil war threatened to break out in Switzerland. He was called on to settle the dispute, which he accomplished successfully. Nicholas’ diplomacy prevented a civil war and even strengthened the unity of the country.
He returned to his life as a hermit and died six years later in the presence of his wife and children.
A prayer he wrote is included in the Catechism of the Catholic Church:
My Lord and my God, take from me everything that distances me from you.
My Lord and my God, give me everything that brings me closer to you.
My Lord and my God, detach me from myself to give my all to you.
St. Nicholas of Flue, pray for us.
