View source for Saint Nicholas of Flüe

{{Saints
|SaintName=Saint Nicholas of Flüe
|SaintStage=Saint
|FeastDay=March 21
|SaintBirthDate=1417-03-21
|SaintBirthPlace=Flüeli, near Sachseln, Switzerland
|SaintDeathDate=1487-03-21
|DeathPlace=Flüeli, near Sachseln, Switzerland
|SaintCauseOfDeath=Natural Causes
|NotableAddress1=Brother Klaus Chapel, Flüeli-Ranft, Switzerland
|BeatificationDate=1649
|Beatifier=Pope Innocent X
|Canonized=Yes
|CanonizationDate=1947
|Canonizer=Pope Pius XII
|Profession=Soldier, Hermit, Mystic, Counselor
|ReligiousAffiliation=Roman Catholic
|Patronage=Switzerland, Council of State of Switzerland, difficult marriages, large families, separated spouses
|Attributes=Bearded, hermit's robe, crucifix, hermitage, three knots symbolizing his vow of poverty, chastity, and obedience
|PrimaryShrine=Brother Klaus Chapel, Flüeli-Ranft, Switzerland
}}
'''Saint Nicholas of Flüe''', known in German-speaking countries as "'''Bruder Klaus'''," was a Swiss hermit and ascetic who is venerated both as a national hero and a saint. Born into a peasant family, he initially pursued a military career, serving in various campaigns. After marrying and having ten children, he experienced a profound spiritual awakening, leading him to live as a hermit from 1467 until his death. 

His life was marked by visions and mystical experiences, and he was known for his wisdom and for resolving disputes, including helping to prevent civil war in Switzerland. His hermitage became a place of pilgrimage, and his influence extended to both the spiritual and political spheres of his time.

==Biography==

=== Birth ===
Nicholas of Flüe was born on March 21, 1417, in Flüeli, near Sachseln, in what is now Switzerland.

=== Early Life ===
He grew up in a pious peasant family, receiving only basic education but showing early signs of deep religiosity.

=== Occupation ===
Before his religious life, Nicholas served as a soldier and later as a councilor, demonstrating leadership and bravery in various military campaigns.

=== Vocation ===
After a transformative vision in 1467, he left his family and worldly life to become a hermit, dedicating himself to prayer and fasting in the Ranft gorge.

=== Death ===
Nicholas met his end peacefully from natural causes on March 21, 1487, in Flüeli, on his 70th birthday.

==Significant events==

* Served in the Old Zürich War and other conflicts, gaining respect for his courage and leadership.
* Renounced his public life to become a hermit, living in extreme austerity yet becoming a spiritual advisor to many.
* Played a crucial role in the Diet of Stans in 1481, where his advice helped prevent a civil war in Switzerland.
==Significant locations==
{{SaintMapSimple}}

==Parishes==

{{Saint parish map|Where=Saint Nicholas of Flüe|zoom=7|Saint=Saint Nicholas of Flüe}}

==Canonization==

=== Servant of God ===
The process to recognize him as a Servant of God began with the local veneration and miracles attributed to him post-mortem.

=== Venerable ===
Declared Venerable for his life of heroic virtue, though specific dates are not well-documented.

=== Beatification ===
Beatified in 1649 by Pope Innocent X, based on his life of sanctity and the miracles attributed to his intercession.

=== Canonization ===
Canonized in 1947 by Pope Pius XII, recognizing his sanctity, influence, and the continued miracles reported at his shrine.

==Miracles==

Specific miracles for canonization are not widely detailed, but his life was surrounded by:

=== Miracle for beatification ===
Not specifically documented, but his sanctity and posthumous miracles were recognized.

=== Miracle for canonization ===
Not specifically documented; however, the canonization process often involves miracles not publicly detailed.

=== Other notable miracles ===
Numerous healings and visions associated with his hermitage and relics.

==Patronage==

Saint Nicholas of Flüe is the patron saint of Switzerland, the Council of State of Switzerland, difficult marriages, large families, and separated spouses.

==Feast day==

His feast day is celebrated on March 21.

==Veneration==

He is venerated through pilgrimages to his hermitage in Flüeli-Ranft, which includes the Brother Klaus Chapel. His influence extends beyond Catholicism, touching Swiss cultural identity. His life has inspired various artworks, literature, and even modern architecture, like the Bruder-Klaus-Kapelle by Peter Zumthor.

==Books==

=== Written about the saint ===
* "Brother Klaus: The Life of Saint Nicholas of Flüe" by G. R. Evans
* Various hagiographies in German, such as "Bruder Klaus" by Robert Durrer.

=== Written by the saint ===
No known writings by Saint Nicholas of Flüe exist.

==External links==

* [https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=222 Catholic Online - Saint Nicholas of Flüe]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicholas_of_Flue Wikipedia - Nicholas of Flüe]
* [https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11068a.htm Catholic Encyclopedia - St. Nicholas von Flüe]

==References==

{{Reflist}}