blessed simon of todi

Blessed Simon is a model of humility and obedience, even in the face of obvious injustices.

Simon Rinalducci was born in Todi (Perugia), Italy, in the second half of the thirteenth century and joined the Augustinian Order about 1280. He devoted himself particularly to the study of theology and was engaged in the ministry of preaching with great success. He was also prior provincial of the Province of Umbria as well as prior of several monasteries. At the general chapter held at Rimini in 1318, he was the object of serious but unjust charges by some of his fellow religious. The great historian and recorder of events, Jordan of Saxony, recalls this episode in his book Life of the Brethren:

There was a man in our Order of great holiness and greatly revered, Brother Simon of Todi. He was a lector, and was prior of many houses, as well as prior provincial. At a chapter meeting at which I was present, though he himself was not, some serious accusations were made against him by certain rivals of his before the prior general. The accusations were accepted at face value, and as a result he had to suffer many troubles and some very insulting reproaches. Nonetheless he knew that by your endurance you will save your soul, and so he patiently endured all the heavy charges brought against him, for the sake of him who suffered insult and terrors for us. At length he was appointed as preacher in Bologna on account of his very pleasant manner of speaking, and there he provided the people with abundant instruction by his teaching and with very beneficial guidance by the example of his life. In the course of a public sermon he predicted his death before it occurred, and had a happy departure from this life.

He also was distinguished in the diocese by many miracles. In May 1311, the bishop of Terni gave the Augustinians of his see a church in the diocese chiefly at the request of, and in appreciation for, Simon, whom he held as his very dear friend.

Simon died at Bologna in the monastery of Saint James the Great on 20 April 1322, and here his remains are venerated. The memory of Simon is celebrated by the Augustinian Family on 20 April.