Researchers find evidence relic of Santa Claus is AUTHENTIC

Relic dates to the 4th century when St. Nicholas lived.

Most Catholics believe in Santa Claus for their whole life. That's because we recognize that St. Nicholas, a.k.a. "Santa" is a saint of the Catholic Church and therefore resides in communion with God and all the saints. The person who would become Saint Nicholas lived in the 4th century A.D., and scientists have now confirmed that a relic, long storied to belong to the charitable saint, dates from the period in question. 

LOS ANGELES, CA (California Network) - Scientists from Oxford have confirmed that a relic of St. Nicholas dates to the 4th century when the famous saint lived. The scientists conducted radiocarbon testing on the long-venerated bones of the saint and discovered they date back to the time when he lived. 

While this is not conclusive proof the relics belong to St. Nick, it is now more likely than not they are authentic. 

Some relics are unfortunate fakes, crafted during the Renaissance when the sale of such items was profitable. The practice became so bad that the Church eventually banned the practice and ordered the many fakes to be carted to Rome where they were eventually destroyed. 

However, some relics are certainly real. Scientific evaluation of many Catholic relics has revealed that a number of them are authentic, or at least defy explanation. 

A saint is any person whose soul arrives in heaven. There may be millions of saints, but the Church can only recognize some with confidence. Those recognized by the Church are declared saints and added to the canon of the saints. A strict, rigorous, evidence-based process is followed before a person can be recognized as a saint. 

St. Nicholas lived in Myra, in the country known today as Turkey. He was renown for his charity, often giving gifts to the poor and to children. 

We are called to follow his example, and to offer charity to all around us, even if we cannot afford it. Though giving to others, we receive God's blessings.