Carmelite Friar (ca. 1165-1265)
His life
+ Simon was born in County Kent, England. Although we know little about his early life, legend says that he began to live as a hermit when he was twelve-years-old.
+ After living as an itinerant preacher, he traveled to the Holy Land as a pilgrim. After his return to England, he became a Carmelite friar.
+ After living in Carmelite communities in Rome and at Mount Carmel in Palestine, he was elected sixth general of the Carmelite Order. He helped to promote the order in England and throughout Europe. He played an important role in redefining the life and ministry of the Carmelites.
+ During a period of intense struggle for the Carmelite friars, Simon experienced a vision of the Blessed Virgin in which she presented to him the brown scapular of Mount Carmel. Following the vision, on January 13, 1252, the Carmelite Order received a letter of protection from Pope Innocent IV.
+ Saint Simon Stock died in the Carmelite monastery in Bordeaux, France, on May 16, 1265.
Spiritual bonus
The Commemoration of the Blessed Virgin Mary, “Our Lady of Mount Carmel,” is celebrated on July 16.
For reflection
“The Scapular is essentially a ‘habit.’ Those who receive it are associated more or less closely with the Order of Carmel and dedicate themselves to the service of Our Lady for the good of the whole Church.”—Pope Saint John Paul II
Prayer
God of love,
you called Saint Simon Stock to serve you
in the family of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
Through his prayers help us
like him to live your presence and
to work for the salvation of all.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
(Proper collect from the Discalced Carmelite Missal)
Saint profiles prepared by Brother Silas Henderson, S.D.S.
And today we celebrate...