Saint Nicholas was born in Asia Minor in the Roman Empire during the 4th century. Throughout his life, Saint Nicholas gave freely of his riches. He is considered the saint of children and gifts, and he is remembered annually on December 6th.

Robert Sarah (born 15 June 1945) is a Guinean prelate of the Catholic Church. A cardinal since 20 November 2010, he has been appointed to many prestigious positions throughout his career such as, bishop of Conakry in Guinea, president of the West African bishops' conference, and leader of Congregation for Divine Worship.

Tonight we meditate on Ecclesiasticus Chapter 7 verses 1-4.

An abbot is the title given to the superior of a community of twelve or  more monks. Abbots are in charge of a monastery and control the  monastery's possessions, discipline of the monks, and gives blessings.

A cardinal is a bishop of the Catholic Church with special authority from the pope. Cardinals are assistants of the pope in his liturgical functions, in the care of the poor, the administration of papal finances and possessions, and the synodal disposition of important matters.

In the year 155: Justin Martyr composes his First Apology in Rome. Later  in 156: Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna, disciple of John, and teacher of  Irenaeus, was martyred. Two decades later; between 177 and 180 Irenaeus  became bishop of Lyons, France.