Saint of the Day – 26 July – St Simeon (Died 1016) Monk at the Monastery of Saint-Benoît-sur-Po, Hermit, Pilgrim, Miracle-worker. Simeon of Armenian origin died in Mantua, Italy in 1016). Also known as – Simeon of Polirone.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “In the Monastery of St Benedict near Mantua, St Simeon, Monk and Hermit, who was renowned for many miracles and at an advanced age rested in the Lord.”
Little is known of Simeon’s early life but, at some time, he left his homeland and spent some years living as a Hermit in Palestine.
After this, he is known to have visited Rome, where his exoticism
led to his harassment by a Roman mob. Papal intervention calmed this situation. By order of Pope Benedict VII, Simeon was examined and found to be totally devout and completely orthodox.
In the following period, Simeon travelled across Italy, France and Spain visiting the Holy Shrines and Tombs of the Saints. Simeon then returned to northern Italy, joining a Benedictine Monastery near Mantua, where he became known for his kindness and generosity. He died in Mantua in 1016.
He was renowned for his piety and heroic charity and for numerous miracles performed during life and after death.
His cult was approved by Pope Benedict VIII in 1024 and Leo IX also approved his Sainhood in 1049. In 1913 Simeon’s Relics were solemnly exposed. His Tomb was a site of numerous miracles which contributed to his Canonisation in 1049. A locla noble, Marchese Boniface III of Montferrat, later rebuilt a local Church and dedicated it in Simeon’s honour.
AnaStpaul 