A portrait of St. Nicholas of Flüe
St. Nicholas of Flüe
1417 – 1487
Feast
March 21 · XV c.
Patron of
Switzerland · Peace · Fathers · Councilors
Order
Hermit / Layman
Swiss layman and hermit (1417-1487), "Bruder Klaus," Obwalden farmer, soldier, magistrate, and councillor; with his wife Dorothea's consent left their ten children at age 50 to become a hermit at Ranft. His mediation in 1481 prevented civil war among the cantons (the Stanser Verkommnis), preserving the Swiss Confederation. Patron of Switzerland; canonized 1947 by Pius XII.
Life & Times
Born: 1417 · Died: 1487 · From: Switzerland.
Patronage
St. Nicholas of Flüe is invoked as the patron of switzerland, peace, fathers, councilors. Those in these callings or circumstances often turn to this saint in prayer.
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About Catholic Saints
Catholic saints, including St. Nicholas of Flüe, are Christians whom the Catholic Church has formally recognized as having lived lifes of heroic holiness and who now dwell with God in heaven, offering an example of faith for those still on their earthly journey. Catholics don't worship saints, but ask them to pray to God with us and for us — much as one might ask a trusted friend to pray for them — trusting that those closest to God can join their voices to ours before Him. Discover more saints in the Catholic Shop Saints section.