Saint Simon Stock

Biography

Saint Simon Stock, also known as Simon Anglus or Simon the Englishman, is a revered figure in the Catholic Church. Born around 1165 in Aylesford, County Kent, England, little is known about his early life. However, according to legend, at the age of twelve, he chose to live as a hermit in a hollow oak tree. This led to the belief that his surname, Stock, is derived from the old English term for tree trunk. Simon's spiritual journey brought him to become an itinerant preacher and a pilgrim to the Holy Lands. However, his visit was cut short when invading Muslims expelled Christians, forcing him to return to England. Soon after, Simon joined the newly arrived Carmelite Order and dedicated himself to a life of prayer and penance. Finding himself called to a deeper level of commitment, Simon pursued further studies in Rome, Italy, and Mount Carmel. His perseverance and devotion led to his election as the sixth general of the Carmelites in 1247 when he was approximately 82 years old. In this position, Simon played a crucial role in expanding the influence of the Carmelite Order throughout England, southern and western Europe. Under his leadership, new Carmelite houses were established in Cambridge, England, in 1248, followed by Oxford in 1253, Paris, France, in 1260, and Bologna, Italy, also in 1260. Additionally, Simon revised the Rule of the Order, transforming them from hermits into mendicant friars. Despite the successes and growth of the Carmelite Order, they faced significant challenges and oppression from various quarters, including the clergy and other religious orders. In their distress, the friars turned to their patroness, the Virgin Mary, for solace. According to tradition, in response to their prayers, Mary appeared to Simon and bestowed upon him the brown Scapular of Mount Carmel. She declared, "This shall be the privilege for you and for all the Carmelites, that anyone dying in this habit shall be saved." Further support came to the Order on January 13, 1252, when Pope Innocent IV issued a letter of protection, shielding them from harassment and persecution. Saint Simon Stock is often depicted in the representation of a Carmelite friar holding a scapular or receiving it from the Blessed Virgin. He is also shown surrounded by and praying for souls in purgatory, underscoring his devotion to intercession. In his later years, he was known as an elderly man in a Carmelite habit, ardently engaged in prayer. Although Saint Simon Stock was never formally canonized, he has been venerated by the Carmelites since at least 1564. The Vatican has approved the celebration of his feast day on May 16th. Saint Simon Stock is considered a patron saint of Bordeaux, France. He passed away on May 16, 1265, while on a visit to the Carmelite monastery in Bordeaux, France. His remains were eventually laid to rest in the Carmelite friary in Aylesford, England, with his skull being transferred there in 1951. Saint Simon Stock's life exemplified unwavering dedication to the Carmelite Order and devotion to the Virgin Mary. His spiritual leadership and commitment to reform have left a lasting impact on the Church, particularly among the Carmelites, who continue to honor his memory and seek his intercession.