Saints and the Liturgical Year

[grateful_child]

May 1, 2012 - Tuesday, 4th Week of Easter:

Opening Prayer at Mass:
“Grant, we pray, almighty God,
that, celebrating the mysteries of the Lord’s Resurrection,
we may merit to receive the joy of our redemption.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

May 1 - St. Joseph the Worker (Memorial):

Opening Prayer at Mass:
“O God, Creator of all things,
who laid down for the human race the law of work,
graciously grant
that by the example of Saint Joseph and under his patronage
we may complete the works you set us to do
and attain the rewards you promise.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

“This feast was instituted in 1955 by Pope Pius XII and is celebrated on May 1, which corresponds to the day labor is honored in many countries. In the Gospel Christ was called ‘the son of the carpenter.’ Human labor, no matter how ordinary, can be sanctified, which in turn can sanctify oneself and others, making each of the faithful a participant in Christ’s work of redemption.” (Daily Roman Missal, MWTF.)

For more on St. Joseph the Worker and other saints of the day, see links:
www.americancatholic.org/Features/Saints/saint.aspx?id=1370
EWTN - www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/J/stjoseph.asp
Odhiambo - forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=622273&page=37

 

[grateful_child]

May 2, 2012 - Wednesday, 4th Week of Easter

Opening Prayer at Mass:
“O God, life of the faithful,
glory of the humble, blessedness of the just,
listen kindly to the prayers
of those who call on you,
that they who thirst for what you generously promise
may always have their fill of your plenty.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

May 2 - Saint Athanasius, Bishop and Doctor of the Church (Memorial):

Opening Prayer at Mass:
“Almighty ever-living God,
who raised up the Bishop Saint Athanasius
as an outstanding champion of your Son’s divinity,
mercifully grant,
that, rejoicing in his teaching and his protection,
we may never cease to grow in knowledge and love of you.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unityof the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

“St. Athanasius (297-373), Bishop of Alexandria, Egypt, was a great champion of the Faith against the Arian heresy at the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea. He suffered persecution, including seventeen years of intermittent exile, for resisting to compromise in the essentials of the Faith. He wrote many outstanding apologetical works.” (Daily Roman Missal, MWTF.)

For more on St. Athanasius and other saints of the day, see links:
EWTN - www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/A/stathanasius.asp
Odhiambo - forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=622273&page=38

 

[grateful_child]

May 3, 2012 - Thursday, 4th Week of Easter:

Opening Prayer at Mass:
“O God, who restore human nature
to yet greater dignity than at its beginnings,
look upon the amazing mystery of your loving kindness,
and in those you have chosen to make new
through the wonder of rebirth
may you preserve the gifts
of your enduring grace and blessing.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

May 3 - Saints Philip and James, Apostles (Feast):

Opening Prayer at Mass:
“O God, who gladden us each year
with the feast day of the Apostles Philip and James,
grant us, through their prayers,
a share in the Passion and Resurrection
of your Only Begotten Son,
so that we may merit to behold you for eternity#
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

“Like Sts. Peter and Andrew, St. Philip was from Bethsaida, in Galilee. According to tradition he was crucified at Hierapolis in Phrygia, where he had preached the Gospel. He introduced St. Bartholomew (Nathanael) to Christ. Christ declared to St. Philip, ‘Whoever has seen me has seen the Father … I am in the Father and the Father is in me’ (Jn 14:8,11).”

“St. James was a cousin of Our Lord. He is often called St. James the Less because of St. Mark’s reference to him as ‘the younger’ (Mk 15:40). As Bishop of Jerusalem, St. James wrote an Epistle of the New Testament. He was thrown from the terrace of the Temple and then stoned to death. Sts. Philip and James are named in the Roman Canon (Eucharistic Prayer).” (Daily Roman Missal, MWTF.)

For more on Sts. Philip and James and other saints of the day, see links:
EWTN - www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/P/stphilip.asp
EWTN - www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/J/stjamesthelesser.asp
Odhiambo - forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=622273&page=38

 

[grateful_child]

May 4, 2012 - Friday, 4th Week of Easter:

Opening Prayer at Mass:
“O God, author of our freedom and of our salvation,
listen to the voice of our pleading
and grant that those you have redeemed
by the shedding of your Son’s Blood
may have life through you
and, under your protection,
rejoice for ever unharmed.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unityof the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

May 4 - St. Godehard of Hildesheim:
St. Godehard was a bishop. He died in 1038 and was canonized in 1131 by Pope Innocent II. He is the patron invoked against fever, dropsy, gout, childhood sicknesses, etc.

For more on St. Godehard and other saints of the day, see links:
EWTN - www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/G/stgodehardofhildesheim.asp
Odhiambo - forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=622273&page=38

 

[grateful_child]

May 5, 2012 - Saturday, 4th Week of Easter:

Opening Prayer:
“O God, who in the celebration of Easter
graciously give to the world
the healing of heavenly remedies,
show benevolence to your Church,
that our present observance
may benefit us for eternal life.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives ad reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

May 5 - St. Hilary of Arles
St. Hilary of Arles was a bishop. He was born around 401 and died in 449.

For more on St. Hilary and other saints of the day, see links:
EWTN - www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/H/sthilaryofarles.asp
Odhiambo - forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=622273&page=38

 

[grateful_child]

May 6, 2012 - 5th Sunday of Easter

Opening Prayer at Mass:
“Almighty ever-living God,
constantly accomplish the Paschal Mystery within us,
that those you were pleased to make new in Holy Baptism
may, under your protective care, bear much fruit
and come to the joys of life eternal.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

May 6 - St. Eadbert:

St. Eadbert was a bishop who lived in 7th century England. He died in 698.

For more on St. Eadbert and other saints of the day, see links:
EWTN - www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/E/steadbert.asp
Odhiambo - forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=622273&page=38

 

[Amiciel]

May 6, 2012 - 5th Sunday of Easter

Opening Prayer at Mass:
“Almighty ever-living God,
constantly accomplish the Paschal Mystery within us,
that those you were pleased to make new in Holy Baptism
may, under your protective care, bear much fruit
and come to the joys of life eternal.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

Today’s Readings: Acts 9:26-31; 1Jn 3:18-24; Jn 15:1-8 (The Vine and the Branches.)

Excerpts from today’s Euchalette:

“The claim, 'Without me, you can do nothing,’ would sound empty or offensive … Yet, when it comes from Jesus, we have to admit that it is simply true. In our spiritual life, in fact, we are absolutely dependent on him. Just asGod is the only source of grace, so is JESUS CHRIST the only ‘channel’ through which divine grace reaches us. Just as we have no alternative sources of life, aside from the Creator, so we have no ‘alternative ways’ of reaching out to Him and enjoying the fullness of His saving love, except through Christ, the only Savior of mankind. He is the one and only Mediator. (See 1Tim 2:5.)” (p. 4.)

“We share in God’s life by being united with Jesus. Such a life-giving union started out at baptism, when we became part of him - members of his Body, thereby beginning to enjoy the fruits of his passion, death and resurrection. Jesus’ union and solidarity with us caused him suffering and death. Our union and solidarity with him produces in us happiness and salvation. Such is the vital meaning of us being branches of the fruitful vine that Jesus is.” (p.4.)

“But our union with Jesus can be broken because of our weakness. It does get broken whenever we sin. This should never happen. Instead, we should steadily aim not only at preserving our union with Jesus, but actually at increasing it because such a union is not static, but dynamic and vital. We call it a COMMUNION, and it brings about a mutual ‘inhabitation’: He is in us, and we are in Him. (See Jn 15:4.) …” (p. 4.)

“The preservation and growth of our union with our Lord Jesus Christ can happen only on one condition: that we keep his commandments. (See 1 Jn 3:24.) Then shall we bear the abundant fruits of the new life inaugurated by Jesus with his resurrecdtion, especially the fruits of peace, and the genuine love of neighbor which expresses itself ‘in deeds and truth and not merely inwords’ (1 Jn 3:18, 19.)…” (p.4.)

 

[Amiciel]

Today’s Readings: Acts 9:26-31; 1Jn 3:18-24; Jn 15:1-8 (The Vine and the Branches.)

Excerpts from today’s Euchalette:

“We share in God’s life by being united with Jesus. Such a life-giving union started out at baptism, when we became part of him - members of his Body, thereby beginning to enjoy the fruits of his passion, death and resurrection. Jesus’ union and solidarity with us caused him suffering and death. Our union and solidarity with him produces in us happiness and salvation. Such is the vital meaning of us being branches of the fruitful vine that Jesus is.” (p.4.)

Spiritual writers have pointed out that during our life on earth, our love for God can consistently grow, through the help of God’s grace; and this growth can be from intensity to intensity. Upon death, however, our love’s intensity is fixed and we enter eternity with the intensity of our love for God at this point in time.

May we, then, spend life nourishing and nurturing our love for God that it may consistently grow - and reach - the intensity of love which God planned for us when He created us. Staying within God’s love and drawing life from Him as branches draw life from the fruitful Vine (that Jesus Christ is) certainly means we are bound to become fruitful branches ourselves.

 

[grateful_child]

Spiritual writers have pointed out that during our life on earth, our love for God can consistently grow, through the help of God’s grace; and this growth can be from intensity to intensity. Upon death, however, our love’s intensity is fixed and we enter eternity with the intensity of our love for God at this point in time.

May we, then, spend life nourishing and nurturing our love for God that it may consistently grow - and reach - the intensity of love which God planned for us when He created us. Staying within God’s love and drawing life from Him as branches draw life from the fruitful Vine (that Jesus Christ is) certainly means we are bound to become fruitful branches ourselves.

The saints are great witnesses to this truth, Amiciel. Years - even centuries - after their death, their lives continue to inspire and encourage us! And how many people have received physical and material blessings through their intercession, especially through the Blessed Mother!

 

[grateful_child]

May 7, 2012 - Monday, 5th Week of Easter:

Opening Prayer at Mass:
“May your right hand, O Lord, we pray,
encompass your family with perpetual help,
so that, defended from all wickedness
by the Resurrection of your Only Begotten Son,
we may make our way by means of your heavenly gifts.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

May 7 - St. John of Beverley:

St. John of Beverley was an early English Bishop, a contemporary of St. Bede, who lived in the 8th century. He died in the year 721.

For more on St. John of Beverley and other saints of the day, see links:
EWTN - www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/J/stjohnofbeverley.asp
Odhiambo - forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=622273&page=38

 

[grateful_child]

May 8, 2012 - Tuesday, 5th Week of Easter:

Opening Prayer at Mass:
“O God, who restore us to eternal life
in the Resurrection of Christ,
grant your people constancy in faith and hope,
that we may never doubt the promises
of which we have learned from you.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

May 8 - St. Peter of Tarantaise:

St. Peter of Tarantaise was an archbishop of the 12th century. He became a superior of a Cistercian house at Tamie in the Alps. He died in 1174.

For more on St. Peter of Tarantaise and other saints of the day, see links:
EWTN - www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/P/stpeteroftarantaise.asp
Odhiambo - forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=622273&page=39

 

[grateful_child]

May 9, 2012 - Wednesday, 5th Week of Easter;

Opening Prayer at Mass:
“O God, restorer and lover of innocence,
direct the hearts of your servants towards yourself,
that those you have set free from the darkness of unbelief
may never stray from the light of your truth.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

May 9 - St. Pachomius:

St. Pachomius was an abbott and bishop, born in Egypt in 292 and died in 348, in Egypt.

For more on St. Pachomius and other saints of the day, see links:
EWTN - www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/P/stpachomius.asp
Odhiambo - forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=622273&page=39

 

[grateful_child]

May 10, 2012 - Thursday, 5th Week of Easter:

Opening Prayer at Mass:
“O God, by whose grace,
though sinners, we are made just
and, through pitiable, made blessed,
stand, we pray, by your works,
stand by your gifts,
that those justified by faith
may not lack the courage of perseverance.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with youin the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

May 10 - St. Damien de Veuster, Priest (Optional Memorial, Dioceses of the United States):

Opening Prayer at Mass:
“Father of mercy,
who gave us in Saint Damien
a shining witness of love for the poorest and most abandoned,
grant that, by his intercession,
as faithful witnesses of the heart of your Son Jesus,
we too may be servants of the most needy and rejected.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

“Born in Belgium, St. Damien (1840-1889) joined the Fathers of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary in 1860. In 1873, he requested to go to the leper colony at Moloka’i, where he spent the rest of his life; … later he contracted leprosy.” (Daily Roman Missal, MWTF.)

St. Damien is the patron of Hawaii, of people with leprosy, people with HIV and AIDS, of outcasts.

For more on St. Damien and other saints of the day, see links:
EWTN - www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/D/stdamienofmolokai.asp
Odhiambo - forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=622273&page=39

May 10 - St. Antonius of Florence:
St. Antonius of Florence was an archbishop and Confessor. He died in 1459 and was canonized in 1523. He is patron against fever.

For more on St. Antonius:
EWTN - www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/A/stantoniusofflorence.asp

 

[grateful_child]

May 11, 2012 - Friday, 5th Week of Easter:

Opening Prayer at Mass:
“Grant us, Lord, we pray,
that, being rightly conformed to the paschal mysteries,
what we celebrate in joy
may protect and save us with perpetual power.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

May 11 - St. Francis of Girolamo:

St. Francis of Girolamo was born in 1642 near Taranto, Italy. He joined the Jesuit Order at Naples and later became a famous preacher. He died in 1716 and was canonized in 1839.

For more on St. Francis and other saints of the day, see links:
EWTN - www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/F/stfrancisofgirolamo.asp
Odhiambo - forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=622273&page=39

 

[grateful_child]

May 12, 2012 - Saturday, 5th Week of Easter:

Opening Prayer at Mass:
“Almighty and eternal God,
who through the regenerating power of Baptism
have been pleased to confer on us heavenly life,
grant, we pray,
that those you render capable of immortality
by justifying them
may by your guidance
attain the fullness of glory.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

May 12 - Saints Nereus and Achilleus, Martyrs (Optional Memorial):

Opening Prayer at Mass:
“Grant, we pray, almighty God,
that we, who know the great courage
of the glorious Martyrs Nereus and Achilleus
in confessing you,
may experience their loving intercession for us in your presence.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

“Sts. Nereus and Achilleus were Roman soldiers during the reign of the Emperor Trajan in the first century AD. According to tradition they were martyred when they embraced the true Faith and consequently left the military.” (Daily Roman Missal, MWTF.)

For more on Sts. Nereus and Achilleus and other saints of the day, see links:
catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=4820
Odhiambo - forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=622273&page=39

May 12 - Saint Pancras, Martyr (Optional Memorial):

Opening Prayer at Mass:
“May your Church rejoice, O God,
confident in the intercession of the Martyr Saint Pancras,
and by his glorious prayers
may she persevere in devotion to you
and stand ever firm.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

“At fourteen, St. Pancras (d.304) was martyred during the reign of Diocletian. He was buried on the Via Aurelia, where Pope Symmachus erected a basilica over his tomb.” (Daily Roman Missal, MWTF.)

St. Pancras is the patron of children; invoked against cramp, false witness, headaches …
EWTN - www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/P/stpancras.asp

 

[grateful_child]

May 13, 2012 - 6th Sunday of Easter:

Opening Prayer at Mass:
“Grant, almighty God,
that we may celebrate with heartfelt devotion these days of joy,
which we keep in honor of the risen Lord,
and that what we relive in remembrance
we may always hold to in what we do.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

May 13 - Our Lady of Fatima:

Opening Prayer at Mass:
“O God, who chose the Mother of your Son to be our Mother also,
grant us that, persevering in penance and prayer
for the salvation of the world,
we may further more effectively each day the reign of Christ.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

“The Blessed Virgin Mary is venerated under this title following apparitions to three shepherd children in Portugal in 1917. The message of Fatima includes a call to conversion of heart, repentance from sin, and dedication to the Blessed Virgin Mary, especially through praying the Rosary.” (local Ordo.)

For more on Our Lady of Fatima and other saints of the day, see links:
EWTN - www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/O/ourladyoffatima.asp
Odhiambo - forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=622273&page=39

May 13 - St. John the Silent:

St. John the Silent was a bishop of Armenia. He died in 558.
www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/J/stjohnthesilent.asp

 

[grateful_child]

May 14, 2012 - Monday, 6th Week of Easter:

Opening Prayer at Mass:
“Grant, O merciful God,
that we may experience at all times
the fruit produced by the paschal observances.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

May 14 - Saint Matthias, Apostle:

Opening Prayer at Mass:
“O God, who assigned Saint Matthias
a place in the college of Apostles,
grant us through his intercession,
that, rejoicing at how your love has been allotted to us,
we may merit to be numbered among the elect.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

“After the Ascension of Our Lord, St. Peter proposed the disciples select an Apostle to take the office of Judas Iscariot. The choice was St. Matthias (d.64). He worked for the faith in Palestine and was stoned to death.” (Daily Roman Missal, MTWF.)

For more on St. Matthias and other saints of the day, see links:
EWTN - www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/M/stmatthias.asp
Odhiambo - forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=622273&page39

 

[Amiciel]

May 13 - Our Lady of Fatima:

Opening Prayer at Mass:
“O God, who chose the Mother of your Son to be our Mother also,
grant us that, persevering in penance and prayer
for the salvation of the world,
we may further more effectively each day the reign of Christ.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

“The Blessed Virgin Mary is venerated under this title following apparitions to three shepherd children in Portugal in 1917. The message of Fatima includes a call to conversion of heart, repentance from sin, and dedication to the Blessed Virgin Mary, especially through praying the Rosary.” (local Ordo.)

EWTN - www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/O/ourladyoffatima.asp

Our Lady of Fatima asked for the consecration of the world to her* Immaculate Heart* to obtain world peace and the conversion of Russia. The feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary is celebrated annually on the Saturday following the 2nd Sunday after Pentecost.
www.ewtn.com/Devotionals/heart/index.htm
www.piercedhearts.org/hearts_jesus_mary/a_hearts_jesus_mary_2010.htm

 

[Amiciel]

May 13, 2012 - 6th Sunday of Easter:

Opening Prayer at Mass:
“Grant, almighty God,
that we may celebrate with heartfelt devotion these days of joy,
which we keep in honor of the risen Lord,
and that what we relive in remembrance
we may always hold to in what we do.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

Excerpt for the 6th Sunday of Easter from the Euchalette (May 29, 2011, p.4):

"Profession of our faith and our love for Christ in words is good and needed. But along with the words - and even more important than them - is our profession of faith and love for him through our lives."

“To respond to Christ’s love for us throughout our life, in constant faithfulness (and not just occasionally!), is a daunting task. And we are weak. We often falter and fall! Jesus knew it, and that is why he promised his disciples (and us) that he would not leave them/us orphaned (see Jn 14:18). He promised to stay with us to the very end to guide and support us. (See Mt 28:20.)”

"Jesus’ presence is made operative in our existence through the action of the Spirit, the supreme Gift of the Risen Lord. Life may be hard for us. We may be misunderstood or even persecuted because of our faithfulness to God. This already happened to Jesus. It will surely happen to us if we remain faithful to him…"

**Occasional failures may occur, but a real disciple keeps rising and struggling, ** in spite of all difficulties from within and from without. In the midst of all difficulties we should keep in mind Jesus’ wonderful promise: 'Whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him … and we willcome to him and make our dwelling place with him’ (Jn 14:21,23)."

“These are words worth remembering and believeing. Their fulfillment will make our life a lasting success.”

 

[grateful_child]

May 15, 2012 - Tuesday, 6th Week of Easter:

Opening Prayer at Mass:
“Grant, almighty and merciful God,
that we may in truth receive a share
in the Resurrection of Christ your Son.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

May 15 - Saint Isidore, the Farmer (Optional Memorial, Dioceses of the United States):

Opening Prayer at Mass:
“Lord God, to whom belongs all creation,
and who call us to serve you
by caring for the gifts that surround us,
inspire us by the example of Saint Isidore
to share our food with the hungry
and to work for the salvation of all people.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.”

“St. Isidore (1070 -1130) was a Spanish laborer who worked near Madrid as a ploughman for a nobleman. Despite his long workday, he never failed to attend daily Mass and to spend time praying before the Blessed Sacrament. He married a maidservant, St. Maria de la Cabeza. Always willing to help their neighbors, they worked with the poor in the slums.” (Daily Roman Missal, MTWF.)

For more on St. Isidore and other saints of the day, see links:
EWTN - www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/I/stisidorethefarmer.asp
Odhiambo - forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=622273&page=39