St. Simon Stock (1165–1265) was a Carmelite priest who received the Brown Scapular from the Blessed Virgin Mary. Our Lady told him that everyone who wore the Scapular devoutly would enjoy her special protection.
There’s so much more to know about this incredible saint, although historians struggle to separate fact from fiction.
According to early accounts, 12-year-old Simon Stock (whose last name means “tree trunk”) decided to be a hermit. Scouring the forest for a suitable dwelling, he came across the hollow trunk of a mighty oak tree and took up residence there.
His diet was simple: water, wild apples, herbs and roots. He spent most of his time in prayer and penance.
The Carmelites trace their origins back to the Old Testament prophet Elijah, who founded a religious community on Mt. Carmel in the Holy Land. At the time of St. Simon, Carmelites were still living there, but many were venturing to the saint’s native England.
Our Lady purportedly appeared to St. Simon, told him of the new arrivals and asked him to join the ancient order. St. Simon compiled, leaving his quiet life as a hermit behind.
3. He became Prior General of the Carmelites.
Around 1256 the Carmelite Order elected St. Simon as their Superior General. He was now one of the most influential religious in Europe, adamantly defending the legitimacy of his order. The Carmelites were seeking official recognition from the Church, but their mysterious origins caused some mistrust among other clergy.
4. He visited Mt. Carmel.
This is no surprise given his order’s historic roots on the holy mountain. He took part in the general chapter of the Carmelites there in 1237, although many Carmelites left the area because of persecution and traveled to Europe. There is still a Carmetlite monastery on the mountain.
St. Simon died in the Carmelite monastery at Bordeaux, France in 1265 at the age of 100. As early as 1435, there was a Liturgical Office composed in his honor and recited in Bordeaux. In 1564, the entire Carmelite order began celebrating liturgies in his honor.
Priests can celebrate an optional memorial for St. Simon on May 16.
