Saint Simon Ballachi

Besides being the feast of Sts. Elizabeth and Zachary, we also celebrate St. Simon Ballachi today. He was the son of Count Ballachi, and was trained as a soldier and in administration since he was expected to take over the family estates one day. Although he had two uncles who were archbishops and a younger brother who was a priest, it was against his family's wishes that Simon also join the clergy. Nevertheless he became a Dominican lay brother at the age of 27.
Simon was put to work in the garden of the friary, which he loved, though it was completely new to him. He saw God in everything and prayed constantly. He lived simply, strictly followed the Dominican rule, and was an excellent catechist to children. Penitentially speaking, he wore an iron chain around his waist for 20 years, ate only bread and water during Lent, and would often give up sleep in order to pray more. Simon was also a visionary, receiving visits from the devil, Sts. Catherine of Alexandria, Dominic de Guzman, Peter Martyr, and the Blessed Virgin Mary. When he was 57, Simon became blind, but he never despaired. He used his extra free time for prayer. (1240-1319, Italy.)