St. Simon Stock
Carmelite Friar, Receiver of the Brown Scapular from Our Lady of Mount Carmel
📖 Life of St. Simon Stock
Although little is known about St. Simon Stock's early life, legend has it that the name "Stock," meaning "tree trunk," derives from the fact that, beginning at age twelve, he lived as a hermit in a hollow tree trunk of an oak tree. This early life of solitude and prayer prepared him for his later vocation as a Carmelite friar.
As a young man, Simon went on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land where he encountered a group of Carmelites. Deeply moved by their way of life and spirituality, he joined their order and later returned to Europe with them. This journey marked the beginning of his lifelong commitment to the Carmelite Order and its mission.
Simon Stock played a crucial role in the transformation of the Carmelite Order from a hermit order to one of mendicant friars. He founded many Carmelite communities, especially in university towns such as Cambridge, Oxford, Paris, and Bologna, helping to establish the order's presence in centers of learning and intellectual life.
In 1254, Simon was elected Superior-General of the Carmelite Order in London, a position that allowed him to guide the order through a period of significant change and growth. His leadership was marked by wisdom, humility, and deep devotion to Our Lady.
Simon Stock's lasting fame came from a miraculous apparition he experienced in Cambridge, England, on July 16, 1251, at a time when the Carmelite Order was being oppressed. In this vision, the Virgin Mary appeared to him holding the brown scapular in one hand, giving him a powerful sign of her protection and favor for the Carmelite Order.
🌟 Legacy of St. Simon Stock: Guardian of the Brown Scapular
The Brown Scapular Devotion
St. Simon Stock's most enduring legacy is the Brown Scapular devotion, which he received directly from Our Lady of Mount Carmel. The scapular consists of two pieces of cloth, one worn on the chest and the other on the back, connected by straps passing over the shoulders. This devotion has become one of the most popular and beloved Marian devotions in the Catholic Church.
Our Lady's Promise
During the apparition, Our Lady gave Simon Stock these words: "Receive, my beloved son, this scapular of thy Order; it is the special sign of my favor, which I have obtained for thee and for thy children of Mount Carmel. He who dies clothed with this habit shall be preserved from eternal fire. It is the badge of salvation, a shield in time of danger, and a pledge of special peace and protection."
Transformation of the Carmelite Order
Simon Stock's leadership was instrumental in transforming the Carmelite Order from a hermit order to a mendicant order of friars. His work in establishing communities in university towns helped the order adapt to the changing needs of the Church and society, while maintaining its deep spiritual roots and Marian devotion.
Universal Devotion
The Brown Scapular devotion that Simon Stock received has spread far beyond the Carmelite Order. Today, millions of Catholics worldwide wear the scapular as a sign of their devotion to Our Lady and their trust in her protection. The Church has approved eighteen different kinds of scapulars, with the Brown Scapular of Mount Carmel being the most well-known and widely used.
📅 Feast Day
Feast of St. Simon Stock
Liturgical Celebration
The feast of St. Simon Stock is celebrated on May 16th. This date commemorates his death and his entrance into eternal life, where he continues to intercede for all who wear the Brown Scapular and seek Our Lady's protection.
Scapular Investiture
On this feast day, many Catholics choose to be invested with the Brown Scapular, receiving it for the first time from a priest. This is a special day to renew one's devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel and to remember the promises associated with wearing the scapular.
Modern Relevance
In today's world, St. Simon Stock's feast day serves as a reminder of Our Lady's constant protection and the power of Marian devotion. It's a day to pray for all who wear the scapular and to remember the importance of living a life of prayer and devotion to Mary.
🛡️ Patronage
Primary Patronages
- • Brown Scapular Devotion: Patron of scapular wearers
- • Carmelite Order: Patron of Carmelite friars and nuns
- • University Students: Patron of those in higher education
- • Hermits: Patron of those living in solitude
- • Pilgrims: Patron of those on spiritual journeys
- • England: Patron of the English Carmelites
Special Intentions
- • Scapular Protection: Intercession for scapular wearers
- • Marian Devotion: Help in growing closer to Our Lady
- • Academic Success: Help for students and scholars
- • Religious Life: Guidance for those discerning vocations
- • Spiritual Growth: Help in deepening prayer life
- • Order Protection: Protection for religious orders
🙏 Prayers
Prayer to St. Simon Stock
"O glorious St. Simon Stock, who received the Brown Scapular from Our Lady of Mount Carmel, intercede for us that we may always wear this sign of her protection with devotion and love.
Help us to understand the great privilege of being clothed with this scapular and to live our lives in a manner worthy of Our Lady's promises. May we, like you, be faithful servants of Mary and devoted children of Mount Carmel.
Through your intercession, may we be preserved from eternal fire and receive the special peace and protection that Our Lady promised to all who wear her scapular. Amen."
Prayer for Scapular Wearers
"St. Simon Stock, patron of the Brown Scapular, pray for all who wear this sign of Our Lady's protection.
Help us to be faithful to the promises we made when we received the scapular and to live as true children of Mary. May the scapular be for us a shield in danger and a pledge of eternal salvation. Amen."
Short Prayer
"St. Simon Stock, pray for all who wear the Brown Scapular!"
Related Saints
St. Teresa of Avila
Carmelite reformer and Doctor of the Church, known for her mystical writings and reform of the Carmelite Order.
St. John of the Cross
Carmelite mystic and Doctor of the Church, co-founder of the Discalced Carmelites with St. Teresa.
St. Thérèse of Lisieux
Carmelite nun known as the "Little Flower," Doctor of the Church, and patron of missions.