St. Simeon the Stylite | The Saint Who Lived on a Pillar for 37 Years

About this sermon

St. Simeon Stylites was one of Christianity’s most extraordinary ascetics. Known as the “Pillar Saint,” he reportedly spent 37 years living and praying atop a column near modern-day Aleppo, Syria. As a young shepherd, Simeon already possessed an intense longing for union with Almighty God. He entered a monastery seeking solitude and discipline, but his severe asceticism exceeded even that of his fellow monks. After withdrawing into the wilderness, he lived in a hut, a cave and among the rocks before eventually climbing a pillar to escape the distractions of the world. Yet God transformed Simeon’s search for solitude into a public ministry. Crowds journeyed into the desert seeking his prayers, spiritual counsel and healing. Emperors, tribal leaders and people of other religions came to hear him. Through his preaching, asceticism and many reported miracles, St. Simeon became a radiant witness to the presence of God. Literally raised above the world, he teaches us to rise above temptation, distraction and worldly confusion. His pillar was not an escape from charity; it became a place from which he shared the fruits of prayer with everyone who approached him. May the prayers of St. Simeon Stylites help us seek God with greater discipline, courage and perseverance. 🙏 St. Simeon Stylites, pray for us! 00:00 Opening prayer 00:24 Feast of St. Simeon Stylites 00:59 The famous “Pillar Saint” 01:06 His youth as a shepherd 01:46 Entering the monastic life 02:01 His extraordinary asceticism 02:18 Solitude in a hut and cave 02:36 Life among the desert rocks 02:50 Crowds seek his prayers and counsel 03:28 Accepting God’s will 03:43 Climbing the pillar 03:58 His unusual life draws greater crowds 04:16 Teaching from atop the column 04:31 A light set upon a mountain 04:39 Emperors and tribal leaders seek his advice 04:56 Miracles and healings 05:11 Thirty-seven years on the pillar 05:19 St. Simeon near Aleppo, Syria 05:35 What would we ask the Pillar Saint? 06:02 The enduring witness of St. Simeon 06:17 Rising above the world and temptation 06:34 Sharing the fruits of prayer 06:47 God blesses us through his example 07:12 Closing prayer and blessing Please say 3 Hail Marys for the priest. 🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴 ✝️ SUPPORT THE MISSION 🙏 Donate https://sensusfidelium.com/donate-support/ 📬 Free Catholic Newsletter https://sensusfidelium.com/newsletter/ 📰 Read on Substack https://sensusfidelium.substack.com/ ──────────────────── 📺 WATCH & READ 📺 Sensus Fidelium App https://sensusfidelium.tv/ 📚 Sensus Fidelium Press https://sensusfideliumpress.com/ 👕 Official Merchandise https://sensusfidelium.com/merchandise/ ──────────────────── 🤝 PARTNER WITH US 📣 Advertise on Sensus Fidelium https://sensusfidelium.com/advertise-with-sensus-fidelium/ 🎤 Invite Steve Cunningham to Speak https://sensusfidelium.com/speaking/ ⛪ Parish Formation & Consultation https://sensusfidelium.com/for-parishes/ ──────────────────── 🌎 CATHOLIC COMMUNITY ✝️ Trusted Catholic Businesses https://sensusfidelium.com/catholic-businesses/ 🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴 #SaintSimeonStylites #SimeonStylites #PillarSaint #OrthodoxSaints #CatholicSaints #LivesOfTheSaints #ChristianHistory #Monasticism #DesertFathers #ByzantineCatholic #SensusFidelium