Szymon of Lipnica
Szymon of Lipnica was a Polish Catholic priest and a member of the Order of Friars Minor, known for his powerful preaching and advocacy for popular devotions. Inspired by Saint Bernardine of Siena, he dedicated his life to spreading these devotions, particularly the Name of Jesus. He was canonized in 2007 after centuries of veneration and the confirmation of a miracle attributed to his intercession.
- Feast Day
- July 18
- Century
- 15th century
- Country Or Region
- Poland
Key Facts
- ›Szymon of Lipnica was born in Poland around 1437 to Grzegorz and Anna.
- ›He pursued his education at the Jagiellonian college in Kraków and joined the Order of Friars Minor.
- ›He was ordained a priest around 1460 and became a noted preacher, inspired by Bernardine of Siena.
- ›He advocated for and spread popular devotions, such as the Name of Jesus.
- ›He died on July 18, 1482, after contracting the plague while tending to the ILL.
- ›He was beatified in 1685 and canonized as a saint on June 3, 2007.
About Szymon of Lipnica
Szymon of Lipnica was a Polish Catholic priest and a member of the Order of Friars Minor, born around 1437 in Lipnica Murowana. He is recognized for his significant role as a preacher and for his efforts in popularizing religious devotions in 15th-century Poland.
Life and Ministry
Born to a poor but pious family, Szymon pursued his education in Kraków, attending the Jagiellonian college from 1454. His path to the priesthood was significantly influenced by a sermon delivered by John Capistran, which prompted him to join the Order of Friars Minor. He received a bachelor's degree in 1457 and made his vows in 1458, being ordained a priest around 1460. Initially stationed at the Franciscan convent in Tarnów and later at Stradom, Szymon gained renown as a powerful preacher. His preaching was inspired by Saint Bernardine of Siena, and he actively promoted popular devotions, notably the Name of Jesus. Szymon undertook penitential practices, including long fasts and self-scourging, and wore a penitential girdle, adding a second on feasts related to the Mother of God.
Death
Szymon of Lipnica died on July 18, 1482. His death occurred a week after he contracted the plague, which he likely acquired while tending to the sick during an epidemic. He died with his gaze fixed on a crucifix.
Sainthood
The process for Szymon's recognition as a saint spanned centuries. His beatification was celebrated under Pope Innocent XI on February 20, 1685, based on the confirmation of a local and popular veneration, known as "cultus." The cause was later reopened, with Pope Pius XII decreeing its resumption on June 25, 1948. After further inactivity, a diocesan process began in 2000 and concluded in 2002. Pope Benedict XVI declared him Venerable on December 19, 2005, after confirming his heroic virtue. The final step for canonization involved the investigation and confirmation of a miracle attributed to his intercession, a cure that occurred in 1943. This miracle was validated through various stages, culminating in Pope Benedict XVI's canonization of Szymon on June 3, 2007, in Saint Peter's Square.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Szymon of Lipnica born and when did he die?
Szymon of Lipnica was born around 1437 and died on July 18, 1482. His death occurred a week after contracting the plague while tending to the sick during an epidemic.
What was Szymon of Lipnica's religious affiliation?
Szymon of Lipnica was a Polish Catholic priest and a professed member of the Order of Friars Minor, commonly known as Franciscans. He made his vows in 1458.
What is Szymon of Lipnica chiefly remembered for?
He is remembered as a sought-after and noted preacher who took Saint Bernardine of Siena as his inspiration. He was also a strong proponent of popular devotions, which he worked to spread, such as the Name of Jesus.
What were the key steps in Szymon of Lipnica's canonization?
His beatification was celebrated in 1685 by Pope Innocent XI. Centuries later, Pope Benedict XVI declared him Venerable in 2006 and canonized him as a saint on June 3, 2007, after confirming a miracle attributed to his intercession.
Did Szymon of Lipnica undertake any pilgrimages?
Yes, Szymon of Lipnica fulfilled his wish of visiting the tombs of Saints Peter and Paul the Apostle and also went on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. He traveled to Pavia in 1478 for the order's General Chapter and later undertook these journeys.
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