WORLD - Yule Be Sorry

Sicily Dec 14 2021

A bishop in Italy “threw soot down his own chimney” when he claimed that Santa Claus does not exist.

Antonio Stagliano also told a religious festival in Sicily recently that the famous red costume worn by “Jolly Ol’ St Nicholas” was invented by Coca-Cola for publicity.

The Roman Catholic diocese of Noto insisted that Stagliano did not mean to dash the dreams of children just two weeks before Christmas.

Communications director, the Rev Alessandro Paolino, posted on the diocese's social media platform stating that Stagliano was merely trying to interpret in his own way on the true meaning of Christmas.

He said Stagliano only suggested that the manner in which Christmas is celebrated nowadays is linked to consumerism.

Several parents in the diocese accepted Stagliano's attempt to focus on the true meaning of Christmas while others criticised him for interfering with family traditions and celebrations, and crushing the spirits of children.

Santa Claus is associated with St Nicholas of Bari, a bishop of Greek descent, who gave gifts to the poor but was persecuted by a Roman emperor, Diocletian.

St Nicholas became famous for his generosity to those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships.

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