Saint Simon Stock
Stored in Cargo: Saint Simon Stock
| Saint Simon Stock | |
| Feast Day | May 16 |
|---|---|
| Liturgical Class | |
| Patronage | Carmelites, scapular devotees |
| Birthplace | Aylesford, Kent, England |
| Death Place | Bordeaux, France |
| Cause of Death | Natural causes |
| Primary Shrine | Aylesford Priory, Kent, England |
Saint Simon Stock (born 1165) was a 13th-century saint and English Carmelite prior, best known for his association with the Brown Scapular, a devotional symbol of the Order of the Brothers of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel. Tradition credits him with receiving a vision of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who bestowed the scapular with promises of spiritual protection for those who wear it devoutly. As a key figure in the Carmelite Order’s expansion in Europe, Simon played a significant role in establishing the order’s presence in England and beyond. His feast day is celebrated on May 16 in the Roman Catholic Church.
Born in Kent, England, Simon lived during a time of religious and social transformation. His life as a hermit and later as a Carmelite leader reflects the medieval emphasis on asceticism and devotion to Mary. While historical details about his life are limited, his legacy endures through the widespread devotion to the Brown Scapular, which remains a cherished sacramental in the Roman Catholic tradition. Simon’s contributions to the Carmelite Order and his reputed mystical experiences have made him a revered figure in both Roman Catholic and Anglican Communion traditions.
Biography
Birth
Saint Simon Stock was born around 1165 in Aylesford, Kent, England, a region known for its early Christian communities. Little is known about his family or exact circumstances of his birth, as historical records from the period are sparse. Tradition suggests he was born into a family of modest means, possibly with ties to the local gentry.
The name "Stock" may derive from a legend that he lived as a hermit in a hollow tree trunk (or "stock") before joining the Carmelites. His birthplace in Aylesford later became a significant site for the Carmelite Order, with the establishment of a priory that remains a pilgrimage destination.
Early Life
Simon’s early life is shrouded in legend, with few verifiable details. According to tradition, he embraced a life of solitude and prayer at a young age, possibly as a hermit in the forests of Kent. This ascetic lifestyle was common among devout Christians in medieval England, reflecting a desire to emulate the Desert Fathers.
His early exposure to Christian teachings likely came through the local parish or traveling preachers, as Kent was a hub of religious activity. His decision to live as a hermit suggests a deep commitment to spiritual discipline, setting the stage for his later involvement with the Carmelites.
Occupation
Before joining the Carmelites, Simon is said to have lived as a hermit, dedicating himself to prayer and contemplation. This was not a formal profession but a way of life that involved living in isolation, often in natural settings like forests or caves. His reputation for holiness attracted followers, who sought his spiritual guidance.
After joining the Carmelite Order, Simon’s "occupation" shifted to religious leadership. As a prior, he oversaw the administration of Carmelite communities, including the establishment of new houses in England and Europe. His work involved both spiritual and practical responsibilities, such as managing resources and guiding novices.
Vocation
Simon’s vocation was defined by his entry into the Order of the Brothers of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel, likely in the early 13th century. The Carmelites, originally founded in the Holy Land, were transitioning to a mendicant order in Europe, and Simon played a pivotal role in this adaptation. He is believed to have joined the order after encountering Carmelite missionaries in England.
His most significant contribution was his leadership as prior general, during which he expanded the order’s presence and promoted devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The vision of Mary presenting him with the Brown Scapular, though not historically verified, became a cornerstone of Carmelite spirituality, emphasizing his vocation as a Marian devotee.
Death
Saint Simon Stock met his end peacefully on May 16, 1265, in Bordeaux, France, likely during a visit to Carmelite communities in Europe. His death is attributed to natural causes, consistent with old age, as he was approximately 100 years old. He died in a Carmelite monastery, surrounded by his confreres.
His passing marked the end of a life dedicated to the Carmelite Order and Marian devotion. His body was initially interred in Bordeaux, but relics were later transferred to Aylesford Priory in Kent, where he remains venerated as a key figure in Carmelite history.
Significant events
- Joined the Order of the Brothers of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel in the early 13th century.
- Elected prior general of the Carmelite Order, overseeing its expansion in England and Europe.
- Traditionally received the Brown Scapular from the Blessed Virgin Mary in a vision in 1251.
- Established Carmelite houses in Aylesford, Cambridge, and other locations.
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Aylesford, Kent, England
Death location: Bordeaux, France
Notable location:
Notable location:
Notable location:
Notable location:
Notable location:
Parishes
| Saint Simon Stock |
|---|
|
No results |
| This map created from a Cargo query () |
No results
Canonization
Servant of God
The process to recognize Saint Simon Stock as a Servant of God is not documented, as his veneration predates the formal canonization procedures established in the 12th century. His cult likely began shortly after his death in 1265, with the Carmelite Order promoting his holiness.
The initial investigation into his life and virtues would have been informal, conducted by the Diocese of Bordeaux or the Carmelite leadership, focusing on his contributions to the order and his reputed vision of the Brown Scapular.
Venerable
Simon Stock was not formally declared Venerable, as his sainthood was affirmed through pre-Congregation practices. By the late 13th century, his reputation for holiness was widely recognized within the Carmelite Order and among the faithful in England and France.
Beatification
No formal beatification process is recorded for Saint Simon Stock, as his veneration as a saint developed organically. By the 14th century, his feast day was included in Carmelite liturgical calendars, indicating widespread acceptance of his sanctity.
Canonization
Saint Simon Stock was canonized through pre-Congregation processes, likely in the centuries following his death. No specific canonization date, canonizer, or location is recorded, as his sainthood was affirmed by popular devotion and ecclesiastical recognition. His inclusion in the Roman Martyrology and Carmelite liturgical calendars solidified his status as a saint.
Miracles
No specific miracles are documented for Saint Simon Stock’s beatification or canonization, as his veneration predates the formal requirement of miracles. The vision of the Brown Scapular is considered a miraculous event in devotional tradition, though not officially verified.
Miracle for beatification
No miracle is recorded, as Simon Stock’s recognition as a saint occurred before the modern canonization process.
Miracle for canonization
No miracle is recorded for canonization, as his sainthood was established through early Christian tradition.
Other notable miracles
Traditionally credited with receiving the Brown Scapular from the Blessed Virgin Mary in 1251, with promises of spiritual protection for its wearers.
Patronage
Saint Simon Stock is the patron saint of the Carmelites and devotees of the Brown Scapular.
Feast day
Saint Simon Stock’s feast day is celebrated on May 16 in the Roman Catholic Church and by the Carmelite Order.
Veneration
Saint Simon Stock is venerated through the wearing of the Brown Scapular, a sacramental associated with promises of Mary’s protection. Devotees participate in scapular enrollments, novenas, and pilgrimages to sites like Aylesford Priory in Kent, where his relics are kept. His image, often depicting him receiving the scapular, is common in Carmelite churches and homes.
Simon has been depicted in artworks, including medieval manuscripts and Renaissance paintings, emphasizing his role as a Marian visionary. Literature, such as Carmelite hagiographies, portrays him as a model of humility and devotion. His relics and shrines, particularly in Aylesford, are significant pilgrimage sites, influencing Carmelite spirituality and Marian devotion.
Books
Written about the saint
- The Carmelite Tradition: Spirituality, Devotion, Community by Steven Payne
- Saint Simon Stock at Carmelites Australia
Written by the saint
None recorded, as Saint Simon Stock left no known writings.
External links
References
Cite error: <ref> tag defined in <references> has no name attribute.
Cite error: <ref> tag defined in <references> has no name attribute.
Cite error: <ref> tag defined in <references> has no name attribute.