St. Simon Stock (1165–1265) is one of the beloved saints of the Catholic Church. Simon Stock was an English Carmelite friar who became the Prior General of the Carmelite Order in the thirteenth century. He is best known for the tradition that the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to him and presented him with the Brown Scapular, promising special graces to those who wore it devoutly. The Church celebrates St. Simon Stock's feast on 05-16.
Catholic Daily brings you the life of St. Simon Stock as part of our commitment to helping Catholics encounter the saints of the liturgical calendar every morning. Whether you are discovering St. Simon Stock for the first time or deepening a long-standing devotion, this page offers biography, prayers, and practical guidance for honoring this holy patron in your daily life.
Early Life and Calling of St. Simon Stock
Simon Stock was an English Carmelite friar who became the Prior General of the Carmelite Order in the thirteenth century. He is best known for the tradition that the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to him and presented him with the Brown Scapular, promising special graces to those who wore it devoutly. Under his leadership, the Carmelite Order established houses at the major university cities of Europe.
The vocation of St. Simon Stock reminds us that holiness is not the exclusive domain of monks and nuns but the universal call of every baptized Christian. The Second Vatican Council's Dogmatic Constitution Lumen Gentium teaches that all the faithful are called to the fullness of Christian life and the perfection of charity — and St. Simon Stock's life is a shining example of that universal call answered with total generosity.
Patron Saint: Carmelites, those who wear the Brown Scapular
St. Simon Stock is honored as the patron saint of Carmelites, those who wear the Brown Scapular. The designation of patron saints is a beautiful expression of the Catholic doctrine of the Communion of Saints — the belief that the saints in heaven are not distant figures from the past but active intercessors who accompany us in our earthly journey.
Those who work in or are associated with Carmelites have traditionally invoked St. Simon Stock's intercession for protection, guidance, and grace in their particular circumstances. The patronage of St. Simon Stock is grounded in the specific details of Stock's life and ministry, which created a lasting bond between this saint and those who share similar callings or needs.
How to Honor St. Simon Stock in Your Daily Life
The Church's tradition offers many beautiful ways to honor St. Simon Stock and seek Stock's intercession:
On the Feast Day (05-16): Attend Mass if possible, as the liturgy on Stock's feast day will often include readings and prayers that illuminate Stock's particular sanctity. Light a candle before an image of St. Simon Stock and spend a few minutes in prayer.
Daily Devotion: Place an image or icon of St. Simon Stock in your home — in your prayer corner, on your desk, or in your car. A simple morning invocation, "St. Stock, pray for us," draws Stock's intercession into your day.
Novena: A nine-day novena to St. Simon Stock can be prayed before the feast day (beginning nine days prior) or at any time of particular need. Many Catholics have reported profound graces through novena prayer.
Study: Read a biography of St. Simon Stock. The lives of the saints are the living commentary on the Gospel — they show us what it looks like to follow Christ in a particular time, culture, and vocation.
Prayer to St. Simon Stock
O glorious St. Simon Stock, whose life was a testament to the love and power of Almighty God, look upon us with mercy from your place before His throne. You who walked the path of holiness with courage and fidelity, intercede for us who struggle in the pilgrimage of faith. Obtain for us from God the graces we most need — especially [state your intention here] — and help us to follow your example of love, courage, and total surrender to God's will. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Feast Day Prayer (from the Roman Missal):Lord our God, you have given us St. Simon Stock as a witness to your goodness and mercy. May we who honor Stock's memory imitate Stock's virtues and one day share Stock's joy in your presence. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
St. Simon Stock in Art and Catholic Tradition
St. Simon Stock has been depicted in Catholic sacred art for centuries. Traditional iconography of the saints communicates theological truths through visual symbols — a language that transcends words and speaks directly to the heart.
Common symbols associated with St. Simon Stock in Catholic art may include:
- A halo or nimbus, indicating canonized sainthood
- Specific objects or instruments associated with Stock's life or martyrdom
- Liturgical vestments corresponding to Stock's state of life (religious habit, episcopal robes, or lay clothing)
- A palm branch, if St. Simon Stock is a martyr
A lesser-known fact about St. Simon Stock: His surname 'Stock' may come from the legend that as a young hermit he lived inside the hollow trunk of a tree.
When praying before an image of St. Simon Stock, allow the symbols to draw your attention to the virtues they represent. Sacred art is not decoration but theology made visible — a window through which the heavenly reality shines into our earthly prayer.