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Tinian marks San Isidro Fiesta
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Posted on Jun 05 2004
The Catholic faithful on Tinian recently celebrated the San Isidro Fiesta at the San Isidro chapel, which is located in a quiet area near an ancient latte site in Marpo Valley.
San Isidro, also known as “The Farmer” was celebrated on the island with the usual activities associated with fiestas: the crowning of a king and queen, entertainment, raffle, cockfight and of course a feast to satisfy all those who partake in the celebration.
This year’s king and queen are Joseph M. Lizama Jr. and Ina Aquino.
The fiesta was in honor of St. Isidro, who was born in Madrid, Spain, in the latter half of the 12th century. For the greater part of his life, he was employed as a laborer on a farm outside the city. Many marvelous happenings accompanied his lifelong work in the fields and continued long after his holy death. He was favored with celestial visions and, it is said, the angels sometimes helped him in his work in the fields. St. Isidro was canonized in 1622. In 1947, he was proclaimed the patron of the National Rural Life Conference in the United States.
The saint has become associated with a particular prayer that is said in his name. It goes: “God, through the intercession of St. Isidro, the holy Farmer, grant that we may overcome all feelings of pride. May we always serve You with that humility which pleases You, through his merits and example.” (Joey C. Charfauros)
