Joyous Waikato fiesta honours patron saint of farmers

The highlight of the fiesta was a Mass celebrated at St Joseph’s Church in Morrinsville on May 15. The principal celebrant was Fr Ralph Barcelo, with Fr Ritchie Maguinda concelebrating and Deacon Noel Pedin assisting.

The invitation to the event encouraged people to “come together to give thanks for the gift of labour, the fruits of the earth and the humble example of St Isidore’s life of service and devotion”.

After the Mass, the community came together to share in traditional Filipino food, lechons and other delicacies. The air was filled with lively music and laughter as families and friends gathered to celebrate and bond over good food and warm company.

The St Isidore Fiesta reflected the community’s strong bonds and shared values. As attendees departed, they carried with them memories of a joyous celebration and a renewed sense of connection to one another and to their faith. The event’s success served as a reminder of the importance of community and the role of faith in uniting people.

St Isidore the Farmer is the patron saint of farmers, rural labourers, farms, bricklayers, rural communities and of Madrid in Spain. He was born in Madrid in 1070 and died in 1130. For the greater part of his life, he was employed as a labourer on a farm outside the city.

He showed extraordinary sanctity in the ordinary grind of daily work. He was exceptionally generous to the poor. Though poor himself, he and his wife regularly distributed the little they had to those who were in even greater need. He is also said to have been a man of deep prayer. 

He was canonised in 1622 along with Sts Ignatius of Loyola, Francis Xavier, Teresa of Avila and Philip Neri. Together, the group is known in Spain as “the five saints”.

FULL STORY

St. Isidore Fiesta: A Joyous Celebration of Faith and Fellowship (By C.L. Moncada/Clearly – Catholic Diocese of Hamilton)

Te Awamutu Filipino Catholic Community | Inviting everyone to the celebration of the Feast of St | Facebook (Facebook/Te Awamutu Filipino Catholic community)

Saint Isidore the Farmer | Franciscan Media (Franciscan Media)

Saint Isidore the Farmer – My Catholic Life! (My Catholic Life)