BLESSED SIMON OF LIPNICZA (SIMON DA LIPNICZA). — Franciscan priest, disciple of St. John of Capestrano, born at Lipnicza (Cracow), died 18 July 1482.
A student at Cracow, he entered the Order of St. Francis in 1453 after hearing the preaching of St. John of Capestrano, together with his fellow students the Blessed John of Dukla and Ladislaus of Gielnów. In the Order he shone for virtue and zeal. He served as master of novices, guardian and provincial. He promoted devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus and to the Blessed Virgin, who appeared to him several times. His favourite motto was: “Pray, work and hope.” In 1482, after returning from a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, he died of the plague while exercising his charity. His cult was approved by Innocent XI on 24 February 1682.