Born in 1417, Nicholas grew up with great faith and a desire to be a soldier.

He joined the Army at the age of twenty-one, where he distinguished himself. He married at thirty and he and his wife, Dorthea, had ten children. 

In 1459, he became a counselor and judge, donating his time selflessly to the community. He also spent much of his private time growing his relationship with The Lord and had a strict regimen of fasting and contemplative prayer. 

In 1467, at the age of fifty, he had a vision that showed him his worldly concerns had consumed his spiritual life. With the permission of his wife and children, Nicholas felt called to retire from the world and become a hermit. 

He gained a reputation as a spiritual advisor, and many sought him out, requesting his prayers. 

After thirteen years of living as a hermit, a dispute arose between Swiss delegates of the urban and rural communities and a civil war looked imminent. Nicholas was called upon to settle this dispute. Which he did successfully. After it was resolved he returned to his hermitage. 

One of his prayers is included in the Catechism of the Catholic Church because it guides us in how best to use all created things: 

“My Lord and my God, take from me everything that distances me from you. 

My Lord and my God, give me everything that brings me closer to you. 

My Lord and my God, detach me from myself to give my all to you.”

He died in 1487 on his 70th birthday with his wife and children by his side. 

St. Nicholas of Flue, please pray for us.