Feast of the Beato Simeon Maria Cardon

Beato Simeon Maria Cardon, ora pro nobis

May 14th is the Feast of Blessed Simeon Maria Cardon, Cistercian priest and Martyr. Between May 13th and 16th in 1799, Blessed Simeon Maria Cardon and five companions were massacred in the Gothic Abbey of Casamari by a band of French Revolutionary soldiers returning northward after the Napoleonic invasion of the Kingdom of Naples. In search of plunder, the drunken ruffians looted the friary and desecrated the chapel. As the horrified friars desperately attempted to recover the Consecrated Hosts strewn across the sanctuary floor they were murdered in cold blood.

The Blessed Martyrs are Father Simeon Cardon of Cambrai, died on May 14th; Father Domenico Maria Zawrel, killed on May 13th; Brother Maturino Maria Pitri, killed on May 13th; Brother Albertino Maria Maisonade, killed on May 13th; Brother Modesto Maria Burgen, killed on May 13th; and Lay Brother Zosimo Maria Brambat, died from his wounds on May 16th. 

In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to Blessed Simeon Maria Cardon. Evviva Beato Simeon Maria Cardon!

Prayer to Blessed Simeon Maria Cardon

All powerful, ever living God, You gave Blessed Simeon Maria Cardon the courage to witness to the Gospel of Christ, even to the point of giving his life for it. By his prayers help us to endure all suffering for love of You and to seek You with all our hearts, for You alone are the source of life. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.
 

May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.