The Church celebrates this Thursday, October 6, the Blessed Isidore of Saint Josephpatron saint of people suffering from cancer.Character of the early twentieth century, was born in Belgium, in a family of farmers.
During his youth, he worked in the fields, while cultivating his spirituality. Area that fed by going to the parish choir and also as a catechist in the temples of Saint Gilles and Vrasene.
Likewise, Isidoro de San José enrolled in the ‘Pious union for the weekly Via Crucis’, because he loved to meditate on the passion of Jesus. In this process that was maturing in its first years of existence, he came across a Redemptorist priest who directed him towards the Congregation of the Passion, founded in 1720 by San Pablo de la Cruz.
At the age of 26, the now blessed entered the “Passionist” novitiate of Ere as a religious brother. At the same time, he suffered from the separation of his family, which cost him a serious illness resulting from stress.
Despite everything, in 1907 he took the Passionist habit and in 1908 he made his religious profession. Humility and patience were his virtues, living in rigid poverty. In the convent, he will dedicate himself to the care of the garden and the kitchen.
Serious health problems brought the Blessed closer to God
But despite his young age, health problems soon appeared. In 1911 he had his right eye removed as a result of a tumor. Despite his pain, Isidoro de San José overcame the trance with strength. So much so that the doctor who operated on him exclaimed: “This man must be a saint!”
However, the cancer continued to progress to the intestine. The doctors already warned him that there was little solution. Far from revolting against his fate, he received the news serenely. His suffering was offered to the Lord. His kindness and joy continued as before.
“Can there be a greater treasure than dying peacefully in the peace of the Lord, to enter an eternity of happiness in Heaven, where we will all see each other again thanking God for the goodness and mercy that he has shown us?”, He reflected on his last days of life.
He died in the Belgian town of Courtrai away from his relatives, since the Germans had occupied Belgium during the First World War.John Paul II beatified him on September 30, 1984.
Omella prays for cancer patients
The president of the Spanish Episcopal Conference, Cardinal Juan José Omella, He recalled that Blessed Isidoro de San José is the patron saint of all cancer patients, and he prayed for all the people who are experiencing this trance: “I pray for them and for their speedy recovery. And I also pray for all those who cross the threshold of this life so that God receives them in his Mercy ”, he has also expressed. Archbishop of Barcelona on his Twitter account.
Today we remember Blessed Isidoro de San José, patron saint of all cancer patients. He prayed for them and for their speedy recovery. And I also pray for all those who cross the threshold of this life so that God receives them in his Mercy.
— Card. Juan José Omella (@OmellaCardenal) October 6, 2022
Humble, patient and generous: this was Blessed Isidro de San José, patron saint of cancer patients