Simon of Cascia
Encyclopedia
Blessed Simon of Cascia (or Simeone Fidati) (c. 1295–1348) was an ascetic and preacher from Cascia
, Italy
. In his early days, he was influenced by the Spiritual Franciscan Angelo Clareno da Cingoli. He entered the Order of Augustinian Hermits at a young age, where he was known as a model of monastic virtue and for his learning. His initial studies were in the natural sciences, which he later gave up for theology and scripture.
He began his preaching ministry in 1318, and was renowned as a brilliant preacher in places such as Perugia
, Bologna
, Siena
, and Florence
. His model of austerity and strict penances brought him more followers. He was sought after as a confessor and spiritual advisor, and he spent many sleepless nights writing letters to those seeking his guidance.
His desire for a spiritual life of study, prayer and solitude caused him to reject all episcopal appointments. He often sought council from the Benedictine Camaldolese monk, Bl Silvester of Valdiseve
.
The origin and influence of his writings have sparked some debate among scholars, both literary and theological. His most significant writing, The Works of Our Savior (De Gestis Domini Salvatoris), is believed to have influenced the 16th century reformer Martin Luther
.
He also worked to reform those involved in prostitution, converting many and founding a "house of penance" for them. In Florence, he founded a woman's convent, and a refuge for unmarried mothers.
Simon was beatified by Pope Gregory XVI
in 1833.
Cascia
Cascia is a town and comune of the Italian province of Perugia in a rather remote area of the mountainous southeastern corner of Umbria. It is about 21 km from Norcia on the road to Rieti in the Lazio .-History:...
, Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
. In his early days, he was influenced by the Spiritual Franciscan Angelo Clareno da Cingoli. He entered the Order of Augustinian Hermits at a young age, where he was known as a model of monastic virtue and for his learning. His initial studies were in the natural sciences, which he later gave up for theology and scripture.
He began his preaching ministry in 1318, and was renowned as a brilliant preacher in places such as Perugia
Perugia
Perugia is the capital city of the region of Umbria in central Italy, near the River Tiber, and the capital of the province of Perugia. The city is located about north of Rome. It covers a high hilltop and part of the valleys around the area....
, Bologna
Bologna
Bologna is the capital city of Emilia-Romagna, in the Po Valley of Northern Italy. The city lies between the Po River and the Apennine Mountains, more specifically, between the Reno River and the Savena River. Bologna is a lively and cosmopolitan Italian college city, with spectacular history,...
, Siena
Siena
Siena is a city in Tuscany, Italy. It is the capital of the province of Siena.The historic centre of Siena has been declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site. It is one of the nation's most visited tourist attractions, with over 163,000 international arrivals in 2008...
, and Florence
Florence
Florence is the capital city of the Italian region of Tuscany and of the province of Florence. It is the most populous city in Tuscany, with approximately 370,000 inhabitants, expanding to over 1.5 million in the metropolitan area....
. His model of austerity and strict penances brought him more followers. He was sought after as a confessor and spiritual advisor, and he spent many sleepless nights writing letters to those seeking his guidance.
His desire for a spiritual life of study, prayer and solitude caused him to reject all episcopal appointments. He often sought council from the Benedictine Camaldolese monk, Bl Silvester of Valdiseve
Silvester of Valdiseve
Silvester of Valdiseve was a medieval monk who is not yet recognized as a saint by the Roman Catholic Church, but rather a Blessed. Silvester was christened Ventura and lived in Florence. He was involved in the processing of wool until the age of 40 when he became a monk...
.
The origin and influence of his writings have sparked some debate among scholars, both literary and theological. His most significant writing, The Works of Our Savior (De Gestis Domini Salvatoris), is believed to have influenced the 16th century reformer Martin Luther
Martin Luther
Martin Luther was a German priest, professor of theology and iconic figure of the Protestant Reformation. He strongly disputed the claim that freedom from God's punishment for sin could be purchased with money. He confronted indulgence salesman Johann Tetzel with his Ninety-Five Theses in 1517...
.
He also worked to reform those involved in prostitution, converting many and founding a "house of penance" for them. In Florence, he founded a woman's convent, and a refuge for unmarried mothers.
Simon was beatified by Pope Gregory XVI
Pope Gregory XVI
Pope Gregory XVI , born Bartolomeo Alberto Cappellari, named Mauro as a member of the religious order of the Camaldolese, was Pope of the Catholic Church from 1831 to 1846...
in 1833.
Unpublished
- De cognitione peccati
- Expositio symboli
- De speculo crucis
- De conflictu christiano
- De vita christiana
- De doctrina christiana