|
Saint for the Day - July 16 - St. Simon Stock
Simon was born in the
county of Kent, England, and left his home when he
was but twelve years of age, to live as a hermit in
the hollow trunk of a tree, whence he was known as
Simon of the Stock. Here he passed twenty years in
penance and prayer, and learned from Our Lady that
he was to join an Order not then known in England.
He waited in patience till the White Friars came,
and then entered the Order of Our Lady of Mount
Carmel. His great holiness moved his brethren in the
general chapter held at Aylesford, near Rochester,
in 1245, to choose him prior-general of the Order.
In the many persecutions raised against the new
religious, Simon went with filial confidence to the
Blessed Mother of God.
As he knelt in prayer in the White Friars' convent
at Cambridge, on July 16, 1251, she appeared before
him and presented him with the scapular, in
assurance of her protection. The devotion to the
blessed habit spread quickly throughout the
Catholic world. Pope after Pope enriched it with
indulgences, and miracles innumerable put their seal
upon its efficacy. The first of them was worked at
Winchester on a man dying in despair, who at once
asked for the Sacraments, when the scapular was laid
upon him by St. Simon Stock. In the year 1636, M. de
Guge, a cornet in a cavalry regiment, was mortally
wounded at the engagement of Tobin, a bullet having
lodged near his heart. He was then in a state of
grievous sin, but had time left him to make his
confession, and with his own hands wrote his last
testament.
When this was done, the surgeon probed his wound,
and the bullet was found to have driven his scapular
into his heart. On its being withdrawn, he presently
expired, making profound acts of gratitude to the
Blessed Virgin, who had prolonged his life
miraculously, and thus preserved him from eternal
death. St. Simon Stock died at Bordeaux in 1265.
Saint for the Day - St. Simon Stock
Read about the Saint for today - July 16 and spare a thought for family or friends who might suffering from ill health or are experiencing times of trouble.
|
Daily Reflection
|
To enjoy the privileges of the
scapular, it is sufficient that
it be received lawfully and worn
devoutly. How, then, can any one
fail to profit by a devotion so
easy, so simple, and so
wonderfully blessed? "He that
shall overcome, shall thus be
clothed in white garments, and I
will not blot out his name out
of the book of life, and I will
confess his name before My
Father and before His angels"
(Apoc. iii. 5) |
|
Saint for the Day Website
We hope that you gain spiritual knowledge and inspiration reading about the saint for today - July 16. An online Catholic resource providing a short Reflection for the year ahead. Use these short, inspiring words to request guidance or assistance for yourself and for the sake of others. |
