Blessed Simon of Cascia, priest

Simon Fidati was born in Cascia in the central Italian region of Umbria about the year 1295. He joined the Augustinian Order at a young age. As a young priest he became a well-known popular preacher and attracted large crowds wherever he spoke. He would hold his audience spellbound by his words and his fame extended over a wide area. He was also a highly regarded spiritual director and much of his nights would be spent writing letters to all kinds of people who sought his advice.

His success as a popular preacher and spiritual guide gave him a considerable influence on the society of his time though he himself preferred a life of contemplation, prayer and study. Simplicity, poverty and religious obedience were his most striking virtues and he adamantly avoided all positions of authority in the Order or the Church. On one famous occasion he very severely reprimanded a friend who had recommended him for a bishopric. As well as over thirty of his letters two short theological books have been preserved, both deeply scriptural and christocentric.

Simon died in Florence (or possibly Rome) on 2nd February 1348. His remains were later transferred to Cascia and now repose in a crypt chapel in the basilica of St Rita, is now better known compatriot. Pope Gregory XVI confirmed his cult in 1833.