Heroic achievers and simple folk

Our Teresa was canonised in 1622 along with three other Spaniards, Ignatius, Francis Xavier, and Isidore the Farmer (1080-1130 – feast day today).  These individuals are a wonderful example of the huge expanse of sainthood in the Church.  On the one hand Ignatius, the ex-soldier and founder of a movement that was to have a massive influence in the Church and the world, Francis Xavier, a giant in the global mission of the Church, Teresa the great teacher of prayer and foundress of an Order that revolutionised so many people’s spiritual lives; and on the other hand, Isidore - a simple farm labourer all his life.  ‘Isidore would rise early to visit a church and he prayed for long periods while he was guiding the plough. He would spend his holidays on visits to local shrines. One story about him is that his employer, John, who had accused Isidore of arriving late for work, had a vision of a second team of white oxen led by angels ploughing alongside Isidore. Another story tells that while Isidore was giving half of a bag of corn he had on his back to the birds, his yield of flour kept miraculously increasing.  After his death, stories of miracles continued. He is said to have guided King Alphonsus of Castile to make a surprise attack to defeat the Moors. In 1615 King Philip III of Spain was cured of mortal fever through bringing the body of St Isidore from the Church of St Andrew, Madrid, into the king’s room. Because of this, King Philip then petitioned the Holy See for his canonisation.’ [Courtesy of catholicireland.net]

Intercessions

Cancer: Brian Davis, Bernard (and wife Angela caring for him), Jacqui, Fr Jon Bielowski (Plymouth Diocese), Catherine, Alex (43 with five children), Sister Daranee Teapthong, Theresa K

Brian (recovering from Pneumonia)

Kevin (heart attack)

William Gove (recovering from stroke)

Illness:  Katy Keeling

Siena, Elara – sick children

David OCDS – housebound

Grace – troubling ailments, job difficulties, family (deceased mother and health of father)

Mark – brain infection

Michael, Kira – vulnerable youngsters

Defence of the unborn and the elderly

We are asked to pray for the Diocese of Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand, as the Northern Mission celebrates its centenary. The process of selecting a new bishop continues.