St Simon Stock, Carmelite, memoria, 16th May

Corrado Giaquinto, 'St Simon Stock'

Simon, an Englishman, died at Bordeaux in mid-thirteenth century. He has been venerated in the Carmleite Order for his personal holiness and his devotion to Our Lady. A liturgical celebration in his honour was observed locally in the 15th century, and later extended to the whole Order. ....'It was this rule of our Saviour, a rule of utmost holiness, that some of our predecessors followed of old. They tarried long in the solitude of the dessert, concious of their own imperfection. Sometimes however - though rarely - they came down from the dessert, anxious, so as not to fail in what they regarded as their duty, to be of service to their neighbours, and sowed broadcast of the grain, threshed out in preaching, that they had so sweetly reaped in solitude with the sickle of contemplation. (Fragment of the reading from 'The Flaming Arrow' Ch. 6 by Nicholas of Narbonne, Prior General, after Discalced Carmelite Proper Offices for 16th May) 

Father, you called Saint Simon Stock to serve you in the brotherhood of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Through his prayers help us to live in your presence and to work for man's salvation. Grant this through our Lord. (Morning Prayer from Discalced Carmelite Proper Offices for 16th May)