by Clyde Ericson Nolasco
On June 25, the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of San Isidro Labrador of the Diocese of Malolos welcomed the First Class Relic of San Isidro Labrador. The welcome rites was held at the Chapel of Mahal na Señor followed with a procession to the parish church and concluded with the Holy Eucharist presided by Fr. Dario Cabral, the Rector and Parish Priest.
First Class Relic
In 2022, we celebrated the 400th year of canonization of San Isidro Labrador. With this, a forensic study was launched confirming he died when he was between 35- to 45 years old. After which, His Eminence Carlos Cardinal Osoro Sierra of the Archdiocese of Madrid distributed first class relics of the saint to seventeen parishes around the world.
The Diocesan Shrine and Parish of San Isidro Labrador in Malolos and the San Isidro Labrador Parish Makiling, Calamba City of the Diocese of San Pablo, Laguna were the only two Philippine parishes that received the relic.
Fr. Dennis Pineda, OSA of San Isidro Pulilan (right) and Fr. Francis Eugene A. Fadul (left) of San Isidro Makiling, Calamba with Archbishop of Madrid, Carlos Cardinal Osoro Sierra.
The Farmer Saint
San Isidro Labrador or St. Isidore the Laborer is the patron of laborers and farmers. He was from Madrid, Spain.
Legends tell us that his fellow farmers reported him being late for work because of attending the mass in the morning. Upon investigation, the master saw this holy man praying while the angels were plowing the field. In another story, the master saw two angels helping him farm.
He was married to Maria Torribia, another canonized saint who is known as Santa María de la Cabeza. San Isidro’s feast day is every May 15. The Pahiyas festival of Lucban, Quezon celebrated annually in honor of San Isidro Labrador.
Click the link for the welcoming rites of the Solemn Reception:
The relic of San Isidro will be enshrined in the parish and available for veneration.