Saint Isidore!

My mom was born and raised on a farm in Northeast Oklahoma. Every year, my parents and I spent our vacation time with my grandmother, uncle and aunt on the farm. It was definitely a nice change of pace and being able to experience farm life on a daily basis was a wonderful experience. Serving in a rural diocese and in farming communities gives me a wonderful appreciation for what farmers and their families go through as they live their vocation. Farming takes a lot of faith and trust. The farmer can do their part by tilling the soil, planting the seed, and doing the jobs that need to be done, but when it comes to the weather and making sure everything falls right, that is up to God. Today, the Church in the United States celebrates the patron saint of farmers, Saint Isidore. As the biography states: "Isidore was a pious layman who would pray for long periods while guiding his plow. He often spent holidays on pilgrimage to local shrines. There are legends about angels assisting him in his farm labors. He was caring toward animals and generous to the poor. Isidore's wife, Maria de la Cabeza, is also a saint. He is patron of Madrid, of farmers, and of rural communities" (Magnificat, 198). Another source said that Isidore is the patron of the National Rural Life Council for the United States. We can say that Isidore is a tremendous example of stewardship because he took care of the gifts and resources that God gave to him. We are called to be good stewards of God's creation and bear fruit in everything that we do. May God bless our farmers, their families, all who work the land, and their crops. May God provide the weather and conditions needed to produce an abundant harvest. Saint Isidore, Pray for Us!!!