Simon Stock
Simon Stock was an English Catholic priest and an early prior of the Carmelite Order in the 13th century. He is chiefly remembered for the tradition that the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to him and gave him the Brown Scapular, a devotion that became strongly associated with him. Popular devotion to Saint Simon Stock is usually linked to devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
- Feast Day
- May 16
- Century
- 13th century
- Country Or Region
- England
Key Facts
- ›Simon Stock was an English Catholic priest and an early prior of the Carmelite Order.
- ›He is traditionally said to have received the Brown Scapular from the Blessed Virgin Mary.
- ›Historical evidence about his life is scarce, with mentions in two 14th-century necrologies.
- ›He is believed to have lived at Aylesford in Kent, where a priory still displays his cranium as a relic.
- ›His feast day is an optional memorial celebrated on may 16.
- ›Simon Stock is the patron saint of the English province of Discalced Carmelites.
English Province of Discalced Carmelites
Brown Scapular
About Simon Stock
Simon Stock was an English Catholic priest and an early prior of the Carmelite Order, living in the 13th century. He is a significant figure in Carmelite tradition, primarily associated with the bestowal of the Brown Scapular.
Life and historical context
The Carmelite Order, which began as a hermit community in Palestine, moved to Europe in the early 13th century and adopted the mendicant friar lifestyle. Simon Stock was born in England and may have been elected Prior General at a London meeting in 1254. Historical documentation of his life is limited, with his reputation for holiness and a trip to Jerusalem attested to in 14th-century necrologies. He is believed to have resided at Aylesford in Kent, a site that hosted the first general chapter of the Carmelites outside the Holy Land in 1247. A priory of Carmelite friars still exists at Aylesford and displays his cranium as a relic.
The Brown Scapular
The tradition of the Blessed Virgin Mary appearing to Simon Stock and giving him the Brown Scapular is central to his veneration. According to tradition, this occurred on July 16, 1251, with Mary promising salvation to those who die wearing the scapular. However, the earliest surviving accounts of Simon's life do not mention this vision, and the first known reference appears over a century later. Scholarly examination has questioned the historicity of this event, noting the absence of the scapular in writings by prominent 14th-century Carmelite authors and the existence of similar stories in other religious orders. Despite historical debates, devotion to the Brown Scapular remains widespread and is encouraged by the Catholic Church as a spiritual means of deepening one's relationship with Mary. Pope John Paul II acknowledged this devotion as a "treasure for the whole Church."
Veneration and Legacy
Simon Stock's feast day is celebrated as an optional memorial on May 16. He is the patron saint of the English province of Discalced Carmelites. The earliest liturgical office in his honor dates from 1435, with celebrations first recorded in Ireland and England in 1458 and throughout the Carmelite Order by 1564. His legacy is intrinsically tied to the Brown Scapular, a devotion that continues to be a significant spiritual practice for many within and outside the Carmelite family.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Simon Stock?
Simon Stock was an English Catholic priest and an early prior of the Carmelite Order who lived in the 13th century. He is venerated as a saint and is closely associated with the Carmelite Order.
What is Simon Stock most famous for?
He is most famous for the tradition that the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to him and gave him the Brown Scapular. This event is a central element of Carmelite devotion and is said to offer protection to those who wear it.
What is the historical evidence for Simon Stock's life?
Historical evidence is scarce. He is mentioned in two 14th-century necrologies that attest to his holiness and a trip to Jerusalem. There is no evidence for him having lived in a hollow tree.
When is Simon Stock's feast day?
His feast day is an optional memorial celebrated on May 16. This date is associated with the devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
Is the story of the Brown Scapular vision historically proven?
Scholarly investigation has raised questions about the historicity of the scapular vision, as the earliest accounts do not mention it and it appears over 100 years after the traditional date of the vision. Some historical documents presented as evidence have been identified as fabrications.
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