Blessed Simon of Cascia

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 is commemorated on February 16. Simon was born in Cascia, Italy, around 1295, of the distinguished Fidati family. His initial studies were in the natural sciences, which he later gave up for theology and scripture. He entered the Order of Augustinian Hermits at about the age of twenty. It was probably during the time when Simon was completing his theological and philosophical training in accordance with the Order’s programme of study that he encountered the Franciscan divine Angelo da Clareno. This encounter shaped his life thereafter (this was his so-called ‘conversion experience’). From then on, Simon’s main interest centred not on the scientiae saeculares, which formed part of the training, but on the gospel, on preaching, and on the cure of souls. Although Simon studied the Scriptures as well as patristic, monastic, martyrological, and hagiographic works intensively throughout his life, as a simplex frater he renounced holding any academic title or any position of authority within the Order. He worked instead in the churches and convents of the Order, particularly in Rome, Florence, Pisa, Perugia, Siena, Gubbio, and Foligno, as an itinerant preacher and as a counsellor who was held in esteem by both clerics and lay including figures like Tommaso Corsini, Giovanni delle Celle, and Taddeo Gaddi. His model of austerity and strict penances brought him more followers. He was a gifted spiritual advisor and confessor, and spent many 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. He wrote in both Latin and vernacular Italian.