St. Simon Stock, a revered figure in the Carmelite Order, is known for his deep spirituality and transformative leadership. His life is marked by his dedication to the Virgin Mary and his visionary experience that left a lasting impact on Catholic devotion. Here are key facts about his life:
Key Facts About the Life of St. Simon Stock
Early Life:
Born around 1165 in Kent, England.
Lived as a hermit from the age of twelve, residing in a hollow tree trunk, which led to his surname "Stock."
Pilgrimage and Joining the Carmelites:
As a young man, he embarked on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
Joined a group of hermits on Mount Carmel, inspired by their devotion and lifestyle.
Transformation of the Carmelite Order:
Played a crucial role in changing the Carmelites from a hermit order to a mendicant order.
Founded Carmelite communities in university towns such as Cambridge, Oxford, Paris, and Bologna.
Leadership:
Elected Superior-General of the Carmelite Order in 1254 during a chapter held in London.
Visionary Experience:
On July 16, 1251, in Cambridge, England, St. Simon Stock had a vision of the Virgin Mary.
Mary appeared holding a brown scapular, promising protection and salvation to those who wore it with devotion.
Her words to St. Simon: "Receive, my beloved son, this scapular of thy Order; it is the special sign of my favor, which I have obtained for thee and for thy children of Mount Carmel. He who dies clothed with this habit shall be preserved from eternal fire. It is the badge of salvation, a shield in time of danger, and a pledge of special peace and protection."
Legacy:
The brown scapular became a central symbol of Carmelite spirituality, representing Mary’s promise of protection.
St. Simon Stock’s vision and dedication to the Virgin Mary have left a lasting legacy in the Catholic Church.
Celebrated on May 16th in the liturgical calendar.
Canonization:
St. Simon Stock was never formally canonized through the typical papal process.
His veneration grew through popular devotion and recognition by the Carmelite Order.
These facts highlight the significant contributions of St. Simon Stock to the Carmelite Order and his enduring influence on Catholic devotion through the brown scapular.
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On May 16, the Catholic Church celebrates the feast days of several saints. Here is a list of notable saints commemorated on this day:
St. Simon Stock: A Carmelite friar known for his vision of the Virgin Mary, who gave him the brown scapular, symbolizing protection and salvation for those who wear it devoutly.
St. Ubald Baldassini: Also known as St. Ubaldo, he was the Bishop of Gubbio in Italy, known for his piety and dedication to his diocese. He died on May 16, 1160.
St. John Nepomucene: A Bohemian priest and martyr known for his defense of the sanctity of confession. He is the patron saint of bridges and confessors.
St. Andrew Bobola: A Jesuit priest and martyr who evangelized in Poland and Lithuania. He was tortured and killed for his faith in 1657.
St. Brendan: Also known as Brendan the Navigator, he was an Irish monk renowned for his legendary voyage to the "Isle of the Blessed," believed by some to be a pre-Columbian discovery of America.
St. Honoratus of Amiens: The Bishop of Amiens in France, who is invoked for good weather and is the patron saint of bakers and pastry chefs.
St. Abdas of Susa: A bishop and martyr who was killed during the persecutions in Persia.
St. Carantac: A Welsh saint who was a disciple of St. Patrick and worked in Brittany, France.
These saints are remembered for their diverse contributions to the Church, from evangelization and martyrdom to visions and leadership within their communities (Catholic Online) (My Catholic Life!) (Catholic Daily Readings) (The Mystery of Faith).
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