Catholic saints sometimes become popular for strange reasons. Saint Nicholas, bishop of the early Church, may have inspired the legend of Saint Nick, but he bore little resemblance to today’s chubby Santa Claus. Saint Ambrose of Milan may be respected by scholars for his honey-sweet gift with words, but it is a bit odd that this talent would lead him to become known as the patron of beekeepers.
Similarly, it is somewhat disappointing that most Catholics only call upon the brilliant, articulate Saint Anthony of Padua to help them find their car keys. After all, Saint Anthony can do much more for us than help us find items we have lost.
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