São Simão Stock

Feast day: May 16

Saint Simon Stock was a 12-year-old teenager when he left his family's castle in the city of Kent, England, to begin his life as a hermit. He then went to live in a hollow oak tree in the woods near Oxford, where he spent twenty years dedicated to prayer, contemplation and penance. This story inspired great devotion to the holy scapular , a symbol of Our Lady's protection and dedication to Jesus Christ.

A dream that changed the destiny of São Simão Stock

One night, Simon had a dream about the Virgin Mary. She told him to join the monks who would come from the monastery of Mount Carmel and told him about the Order of Carmelites , the first founded in honor of her and one of the oldest in the Church. Simon obeyed and returned to the castle to train as a theologian and be ordained a priest.

The role of Saint Simon Stock in the Carmelite Order

In the year 1213, the Carmelites finally arrived in England and Simon Stock joined the Order. Due to his virtues, capabilities and love of the order, the brothers appointed him as a collaborator in the direction of the order. He was then elected vicar general of all Carmelite provinces in Europe.

The Order was going through a difficult time and to save the Order, Father Simão Stock sent emissaries to Pope Honorius III. Furthermore, he called on all Carmelites to pray to Our Lady for the urgent intentions of the Order.

Devotion to the holy scapular

During deep prayer, Saint Simon Stock had a vision of Our Lady of Mount Carmel surrounded by angels. She showed him the holy scapular of the Order and said to him: “This will be the privilege for you and all the Carmelites; whoever dies wearing it will be saved.” From then on, devotion to the holy scapular spread throughout Christendom.

Devotion to the Scapular is a tradition originating from the Carmelite Orders

Saint Simon Stock passed away at almost one hundred years of age, in the city of Bordeaux, France. The liturgical celebration of Saint Simon Stock was officially instituted by the Church for the day of his death.

Saint Simon Stock was an example of dedication and devotion to religious life. His legacy is an example of how faith in God can move mountains and perform miracles.