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Saint
Isidore The Farmer |
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Saint Isidore The Farmer was born in Madrid,Spain of poor parents. When he was old enough to work he was employed as a farm laborer for a wealthy estate owner. He remained with that one employer for his entire life. Isidore's whole life was a model of Christian perfection. He would rise early to attend daily Mass, and all day long, while guiding the plow, he would communicate with God, with his guardian angel or with the holy saints. It is said the angels sometimes helped him in his work in the fields. He would often share his meals with those poorer than himself, often reserving only scraps for he and his wife. He was married to a pious woman named Maria. They had only one son who died in youth. Both were most charitable and ever-willing to help neighbors in distress and the poor in the city slums. One snowy winter day, as he was carrying sacks of corn to be ground, he saw a number of birds perched on bare branches. Isidore opened the sack and, in spite of the jeers from a companion poured out half it's contents on the ground. When, however, they reached their destination the sack proved to be still full and the corn, when ground, produced double the usual amount of flour. Saint Isidore died on May 15, 1130, which is his feast day. He was cannonized in March, 1622.
Parish History
Saint Isidore The Farmer Parish was established by Bishop Celestine Damiano, Diocese of Camden, on February 9,1962. It is fitting for Saint Isidore The Farmer Parish to be located in Vineland, since our community has a strong agricultural heritage. The property was donated by the Hall sisters. Our founding pastor, Msgr. Edward McDaid, began working to get Saint Isidore's on a sound foundation. Early masses were celebrated in the auditorium of Memorial school. The parish hall and rectory were dedicated in 1964. The hall was utilized for Mass, and many other parish functions. Our church was dedicated in 1969. Over the years our parishioners have worked with our priests to steadily improve the grounds and facilities as they continue to be a source of pride to the family of Saint Isidore The Farmer Parish. |
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Prayer to Saint Isidore
Dear Saint Isidore, we give glory to God for the beauty of your life, your devotion to your wife and child and your goodness to the poor and pray that we too may follow your holy example of compassion and of love especially for those who are in need. AS one who worked the land and thus dignified in particular the labor of farmers, we ask your blessings upon those who till the soil and provide for the tables of us all. May your great love for the Church and your daily attendance at Mass be an example for our families. May we too be deeply grateful for the gift of our Catholic faith and for the marvel of Christ's sacrifice. Finally, Saint . Isidore, we ask you to pray that our families be truly faith filled, devoted to God and the Church and to the Blessed Mother of God. We ask all this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. |
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