Codice prodotto: L10339
Memorial Day: February 3
When did St. Simeon live: 1st century BC - 1st century AD
BIOGRAPHY:
Saint Simeon lived in Jerusalem as a righteous and God-fearing man, longingly awaiting the "consolation of Israel." It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Messiah with his own eyes. When Jesus' parents brought the child to the temple for presentation, Simeon was guided there by the Spirit and immediately recognized the promised Redeemer in the infant. He took the child in his arms and praised God with the famous hymn "Nunc dimittis," declaring that he could now depart in peace, having seen the salvation of the world. His life was characterized by deep trust in God and prophetic foresight, particularly when he foretold Mary the suffering of her son. After this fateful encounter in the temple, he passed away as a blessed elder, fulfilled by the divine promise.
PATRONAGE:
St. Simeon is the patron saint of children and the elderly. He is invoked for a good death and to obtain offspring. Furthermore, he serves as the patron saint of the city of Zadar.
SYMBOLISM, DEPICTION:
The symbols of St. Simeon are the Christ Child in his arms, identifying him as the "God-receiver" and symbolizing the light of the world, as well as the book, which serves as a foundation for the child and symbolizes the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the Word of God made flesh. The depiction as an elderly man with a long beard emphasizes his lifelong patience, wisdom, and the completion of his long wait for the Messiah.
PATRON SAINT OF:
Simeon, Simon, Simone, Simona, Symeon, Shimon, Ximeno, Jimeno, Semen, Siemen, Simke, Simmel, Simmy, Simo, Simonas, Simonetta, Simonide, Szymon, Simion, Simen.