He then retired to Clairvaux, spending his last days as a simple monk.

In the order, a member starts as simple monk, then becomes elder, under the leadership of an abbot.

He also refused a second time in 1808 and remained a simple monk.

A simple monk had no business with such things.

The elder Symeon was not an ordained priest, but a simple monk who was considered holy by many people.

He was wearing a simple monk's habit.

You can visit the simple monks' cells on the first floor and explore the old flour mill which once brought income to the order.

He was wearing a simple monk's robe and a hood which covered his face, making it impossible to identify him.

How then could he, just a simple monk, hope to be saved from the tortures of hell in the next life?

Why holy sir, I'd thought you but a simple monk.