St. Nicholas of Tolentino (1246-1306) is the patron of boatmen, mariners, and sailors, which is why the early settlers of Gig Harbor chose him to watch over their endeavors.

By the 15th century, multiple accounts from sailors attribute their salvation from storms to St. Nicholas' intercession. Italian artist Giovanni di Paolo painted "Saint Nicholas of Tolentino Saving a Shipwreck" in 1457. A replica of the painting hangs in our vestibule.

St. Nicholas of Tolentino was born in Sant'Angelo, Italy, after his childless parents had made a pilgrimage to the Shrine of St. Nicholas of Myra ("Santa Claus") to ask for a son. He was a studious, kind, and gentle youth who entered the Augustinian community while still a child.

He became a monk at age 18 and a priest at age 23. He had a special love for the poor, and miraculously cured the sick with bread he had prayed over. At the time of his canonization in 1446, over 300 miracles were attributed to him. In addition to being a patron of mariners, he is also Patron of the Souls in Purgatory.