Hello and welcome to Saint Stories for Kids, a weekly podcast full of fun stories and

facts about the holy men and women that have come before us. I'm your host Chantel Barros.

Saint Stories for Kids is brought to you by Shining Light Dolls. Discover award-winning

Catholic Dolls books and more. Catholic Mom designed, Catholic Kit approved.

Visit W.W. shining Light Dolls to learn more.

And sign up to receive free coloring page printables while you're there.

Today we'll be telling the story of St Simon's Doc, whose feast is celebrated on May 16th.

St Simon was one of the early priors of the Carmelite Order that lived during the 13th century.

Simon was very devout even as a child, with a special love for the Blessed for Mary.

As a teenager, St Simon became a hermit and it's said that he lived in the hollow trunk of a

giant tree, which is actually why he's known as St. Simon Stock, stock meant tree trunk.

During his early life it's said that the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to him many times

and visions and guided and advised him, including telling him to join the Carmelite order.

St. Simon Stock became an ordained priest at age 40, and traveled to the Holy Land to live in the

founding house on Mount Carmel.

After living there for several years he returned to Europe to help establish the

Carmelite Order there. He also introduced the Brown Scapular to the order.

St Simon Stock is the patron saint of

Bordeaux, France. Now it's time for our story. This is impossible, said St Simon as

he threw up his hands in frustration.

The friar he was talking with frowned.

I know Simon, I know things have become hard.

...