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Feast Day: July 18
Death: July 18, 1482
Saint Szymon of Lipnica, also known as Szymon of Lipnicza or Szymon z Lipnicy, was born around the year 1437 in Lipnica Murowana, Malopolskie, Poland. He came from a poor but devout family, being the son of Grzegorz and Anna. At the age of 17, in 1454, Szymon left his small hometown to pursue studies at the Uniwersytet Jagiellonskiego in Kraków. During his time at the university, Szymon had a life-changing experience. He attended a sermon given by the renowned Saint John Capistran, which deeply moved him and planted the seed of a religious vocation in his heart. Inspired by Saint Capistran's preaching, Szymon began to seriously contemplate joining the religious life and becoming a priest. In 1457, at the age of 20, Szymon earned his bachelor's degree. Fueled by his desire to serve God, he entered the Franciscan Friars Minors (Observants) at the convent of Saint Bernard in Stadom, Poland, where he made his vows as a religious in 1458. Szymon's devotion to Saint Bernardine of Siena influenced his preaching style deeply, and he became known as a powerful and inspiring preacher. After his ordination to the priesthood around 1460, Father Szymon was assigned to the Franciscan convent at Tarnów, Poland, followed by a return to the convent in Stadom. It was during this time that he actively spread popular devotions, particularly fostering devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus among the faithful. Father Szymon had a particular connection to Saint Bernardine of Siena, and he assisted in the transfer of Saint Bernardine's relics to Aquila, Italy, on May 17, 1472. In 1478, he attended the Franciscan General Chapter held in Pavia, Italy, demonstrating his commitment to the Franciscan order. Szymon's desire to deepen his faith and draw closer to the roots of Christianity led him on pilgrimages to the Holy Land and the tombs of Saint Peter and Saint Paul in Rome. Tragically, Saint Szymon lived and died during a plague epidemic in Kraków, Malopolskie, Poland. He dedicated himself to caring for the sick, responding to the outbreak with compassion and selflessness. While tending to the afflicted, he contracted the disease himself and passed away on July 18, 1482. Szymon of Lipnica is often depicted in art as a Franciscan friar giving food to a poor man or celebrating Mass around dying people. His representation reflects his dedication to the Franciscan ideals of humility, charity, and devotion to the well-being of others. Saint Szymon's cultus was confirmed on February 24, 1685, by Blessed Pope Innocent XI. Later, on December 20, 2005, Pope Benedict XVI re-confirmed and acknowledged his beatification. Finally, on June 3, 2007, Pope Benedict XVI canonized Saint Szymon of Lipnica at Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome, Italy. The canonization miracle associated with Saint Szymon occurred in 1943, when a woman was miraculously cured through his intercession. While his intercession is sought for various needs, there is no particular patronage attributed to Saint Szymon of Lipnica. His feast day is celebrated on July 18, though it is also listed as July 15 on some calendars and July 30 on others, reflecting different local traditions.