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Saint Simeon Stylites the Younger

Saint Simeon Stylites the Younger Memorial

24 May
formerly 3 September

Profile

Son of Saint Marthe. Simeon’s father died when the boy was five years old, and he became the ward of a monk named John who lived nearby. When Simeon was seven, the two moved onto platforms at the top of pillars in order to ensure their solitude. Word spread about the sanctity and wisdom of the pair; they attracted so many pilgrims and would-be disciples that at age 20, Simeon came down from his pillar to hide in the mountains. Ten years later there were more would-be students, and this time Simeon decided to help them; he built a monastery for them, and in it placed a pillar for himself. Ordained at age 35; the bishop climbed onto the platform to impose his hands. Simeon celebrated Mass on his platform, and the monks climbed a ladder to receive Communion. Healer and miracle worker, he spent 69 of his 76 years living off the ground.