MARIA STEIN, Ohio (November 15, 2021) – On Sunday December 5th at 2pm, children and their families are invited to meet in the Adoration Chapel at Maria Stein Shrine for a special visit from St. Nicholas. He will share details about his life and how his generosity mirrored that of Jesus’s self-giving.

“Greenville resident Tim Nealeigh will again assume the role of St. Nicholas for this event”, stated Matthew Hess, Shrine Director of Ministry, “He does an excellent job bringing to life this fourth century bishop for the delight of children and adults alike. We are thrilled to have St. Nicholas make an appearance at the Shrine this year.”

Before entering the Chapel, children may leave their shoes in the hallway – perhaps St. Nicholas will leave treats inside! The day will then continue with crafts, cookies and hot cocoa.

“This is one of our most exciting annual events at the Shrine” stated Susie Bergman, Marketing Director for the Shrine, “each year it continues to grow and get even better, thanks to our numerous volunteers. In conjunction with the event, we contact parishes all over Ohio and Indiana to share our St. Nicholas Coloring Contest with their Religious Education teachers. The teachers use the coloring contest to talk about St. Nicholas’s life and ministry with their students”.

After they are returned to the Shrine, the children’s coloring pages decorate the first-floor hallway, where children can search for their artwork when they visit. The coloring contest page is available on the Shrine website, where it can be printed, or copies are available at the main entrance of the Shrine. Prizes will be awarded per grade.

The St. Nicholas Celebration is $10 per child and reservations are required. Each child must be accompanied by an adult. To register visit mariasteinshrine.org. Spaces are limited!

The Maria Stein Shrine of the Holy Relics provides faith nourishment and spiritual renewal through opportunities for prayer and pilgrimage and inspiration from the lives of the saints. People from around the world visit the shrine to explore and enjoy this environment rich in holiness and history. The Relic Chapel is home to the second largest collection of relics of the saints in the United States.