St. Simeon
Cousin of Jesus, Bishop of Jerusalem, Martyr at Age 120
📖 Life of St. Simeon
In St. Matthew's Gospel, we read of St. Simon or Simeon who is described as one of our Lord's brethren or kinsmen. His father was Cleophas, St. Joseph's brother, and his mother, according to some writers, was our Lady's sister. He would therefore be our Lord's first cousin and is supposed to have been about eight years older than Jesus. This close family connection to the Holy Family gives St. Simeon a unique place in Christian history.
No doubt he is one of those brethren of Christ who are mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles as having received the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. This experience of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit would have been a transformative moment in his life, equipping him for the ministry that lay ahead. St. Epiphanius tells us that when the Jews massacred St. James the Lesser, his brother Simeon upbraided them for their cruelty, showing his courage and commitment to justice.
The apostles and disciples afterwards met together to appoint a successor to James as bishop of Jerusalem, and they unanimously chose Simeon, who had probably assisted his brother in the government of that church. This appointment as the second bishop of Jerusalem placed St. Simeon in a position of great responsibility during a critical period in the early Church's history.
In the year 66, civil war broke out in Palestine as a consequence of Jewish opposition to the Romans. The Christians in Jerusalem were warned of the impending destruction of the city and appear to have been divinely ordered to leave it. Accordingly, that same year, before Vespasian entered Judaea, they retired with St. Simeon at their head to the other side of the Jordan, occupying a small city called Pella. This strategic decision saved the Christian community from the destruction that would soon befall Jerusalem.
After the capture and burning of Jerusalem, the Christians returned and settled among the ruins until the Emperor Hadrian afterwards entirely razed it. We are told by St. Epiphanius and by Eusebius that the church here flourished greatly, and that many Jews were converted by the miracles wrought by the saints. This period of rebuilding and evangelization was a testament to the resilience and faith of the early Christian community under St. Simeon's leadership.
When Vespasian and Domitian had ordered the destruction of all who were of the race of David, St. Simeon had escaped their search. However, when Trajan gave a similar injunction, he was denounced as being not only one of David's descendants but also a Christian, and he was brought before Atticus, the Roman governor. This double identification - as both a descendant of David and a Christian - made him a particular target for persecution.
He was condemned to death and, after being tortured, was crucified. Although he was extremely old - tradition reports him to have attained the age of 120 - Simeon endured his sufferings with a degree of fortitude which roused the admiration of Atticus himself. His martyrdom at such an advanced age is a remarkable testament to his faith and courage, making him one of the most venerable martyrs in Christian history.
🌟 Legacy of St. Simeon: Cousin of Jesus and Martyr Bishop
Exemplar of Family Faith
St. Simeon's legacy is marked by his unique position as a close relative of Jesus Christ and his unwavering commitment to the faith that his cousin preached. His relationship to the Holy Family gives him a special place in Christian history, demonstrating that the call to discipleship extends to all members of the family of God. His life shows that being related to Jesus was not just a privilege but also a responsibility to live and die for the Gospel.
Model of Episcopal Leadership
As the second bishop of Jerusalem, St. Simeon provided crucial leadership during one of the most turbulent periods in the early Church's history. His decision to lead the Christian community to safety in Pella before the destruction of Jerusalem shows his wisdom and pastoral care. His ability to rebuild the Church after the devastation and to lead many Jews to conversion through the witness of the saints demonstrates his effectiveness as a spiritual leader.
Witness of Courageous Martyrdom
St. Simeon's martyrdom at the age of 120 is one of the most remarkable examples of Christian courage in the face of persecution. His willingness to endure torture and crucifixion at such an advanced age, and his fortitude in suffering, which even impressed his Roman persecutor, Atticus, shows the depth of his faith and his complete commitment to Christ. His martyrdom serves as an inspiration for Christians of all ages to remain faithful even in the face of extreme suffering.
Bridge Between Old and New
As a descendant of David and a Christian, St. Simeon represents the bridge between the Old Testament promises and their fulfillment in Christ. His life demonstrates how the Jewish heritage and Christian faith can be united in one person, and how the promises made to David's line find their ultimate fulfillment in the Church. His witness helped many Jews to recognize Jesus as the Messiah and to embrace the Christian faith.
📅 Feast Day
Feast of St. Simeon
Liturgical Celebration
St. Simeon is celebrated on February 18th. This feast day honors his unique position as cousin of Jesus, his leadership as bishop of Jerusalem, and his courageous martyrdom at the age of 120.
Traditions and Customs
On this day, many Catholics pray for family unity, for bishops and church leaders, for the Church in Jerusalem, and for the courage to remain faithful in old age. It's also a day to reflect on the importance of family ties and the call to discipleship that extends to all members of the family of God.
Prayer and Devotion
The feast day is an excellent time to pray for family unity, for church leaders, for the Church in the Holy Land, and to ask for St. Simeon's intercession in finding courage to remain faithful throughout our entire lives.
🛡️ Patronage
Primary Patronages
- • Family Unity: Patron of family relationships and unity
- • Bishops: Patron of episcopal leadership
- • Jerusalem: Patron of the Church in the Holy Land
- • Elderly Faithful: Patron of those who remain faithful in old age
- • Jewish Converts: Patron of Jews converting to Christianity
- • Family of Jesus: Patron of the Holy Family's extended relatives
Special Intentions
- • Courage in Old Age: Helper for elderly Christians
- • Church Leadership: Patron of bishops and pastors
- • Holy Land: Helper for Christians in the Middle East
- • Family Discipleship: Patron of families following Christ
- • Persecution: Helper for those facing religious persecution
- • Jewish-Christian Relations: Patron of dialogue and conversion
🙏 Prayers
Prayer to St. Simeon
"St. Simeon, you who were so closely related to our Lord Jesus Christ and who led the Church of Jerusalem with wisdom and courage, help me to remain faithful to my family and to my faith throughout my life.
You who endured martyrdom at the age of 120, teach me to have the courage to stand firm in my beliefs even in old age and in the face of persecution. Help me to be a bridge of unity and love in my family and community. Amen."
Prayer for Family Unity
"St. Simeon, patron of family unity and cousin of Jesus, pray for all families that they may be united in faith and love.
Help us to follow the example of the Holy Family and to support one another in our journey of faith. May your intercession bring peace and unity to all families. Amen."
Short Prayer
"St. Simeon, pray for us!"