Desert Lights Christmas Galerie

“Am I not here, who am your Mother?
Are you not under my shadow and protection?
Am I not the fountain of your joy?”

“The three most important religious celebrations in Central and South America are Christmas, Easter, and December 12, the feast-day of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Her appearance in the center of the American continents has contributed to the Virgin of Guadalupe being given the title “Mother of the Americas.”

Read the story of Juan Diego and his vision of The Lady at “Mary Our Mother.”

St. Nicholas rescuing murdered children Artist: Elisabeth Jvanovsky

St. Nicholas is listed on Catholic.org as being the Patron Saint of Pawnbrokers and Bakers, but many more know of him as the pre-cursor Santa.  Supposedly a helluva a gift bringer, the early Santa Claus’ishness starts to emerge and takes.

Born in Patara, Lycia, today’s south coast of Turkey,  Nicholas went on to do astonishing, and unverifiable feats for the Lord.  Rescuing children, amateur stuff, Nicholas could raise them from death.  He saved ships at sea and freed innocents.

Nicholas died in Myra, Turkey in 302 and was enshrined.  When the Saracens took over the region,

The original tomb of St. Nicholas at the basilica in Myra.

the Italians were afraid his bones and relics would be lost to them and had everything moved to Bari, Italy.   Everything was smuggled out and on May 9, 1087, a new resting place was found, suitable Shrine erected and still stands today.

This Saint has a tremendously rich story that stretches from Constantinople  to Russia.An excellent source of informational lore and fact is to be found at  the beautifully done site, St. Nicholas Center.