DARLINGTON — “In gratitude for the wonder of God’s creation,” Bishop Donald J. Hying of Madison concelebrated Mass on May 15, the Feast Day of Ss. Isidore and Maria, the patron saints of farmers and producers of food, fuel, and fiber at Holy Rosary Church in Darlington.
The host parochial administrator of St. Isidore the Farmer Pastorate, Fr. Chris Gernetzke, joined the bishop along with Fr. Mick Moon, a retired priest of the Diocese of Madison; Fr. Greg Ihm, parochial administrator of St. Dominic Pastorate in southwest Wisconsin; and Fr. Cristian Valenzuela Arenas, SJS, and Fr. Milot Frederique, SMM, parochial vicars of the St. Isidore Pastorate.
The pastorate serves the communities of Darlington, Belmont, Gratiot, Shullsburg, South Wayne, Calamine, Elk Grove, Seymour, and Truman.
In his homily, Bishop Hying said, “It is a joy to celebrate this Mass in honor of Isidore and his wife Maria” who lived more than 900 years ago in Spain. They attended daily Mass, trusted God, and worked very hard as day laborers in the fields.
“Farming is still a lot of hard, hard work,” said the bishop.
Speaking especially to the young children of Holy Rosary School, he said whatever we do we need to do it to the best of our ability and not be afraid of hard work.
The bishop spoke of the wonders of God’s creation. “Think of all that needs to happen for plants to take root and grow. Good seed, good soil, and enough rain and heat of the sun, but not too much or too little of the rain or the sun.
“With one little seed, we see how God works, quietly and secretly. All sorts of things are going on below the ground and suddenly it explodes. Jesus gives us that image of how God works in our hearts. All sorts of graces and mysteries need to come together for Jesus to grow in our hearts.”
He encouraged all to “cultivate seeds in our hearts” by good works, prayer, Mass, and the sacraments.
Addressing the children, Bishop Hying said, “God is the treasure for us. He loves us absolutely. You are in school so the Lord can plant the seed. You can become a saint like Isidore and Maria. That is what the Catholic school is all about.”
No doubt many farmers were out in the fields on the warm, sunny day of the Mass.
Those attending the Mass prayed for farmers and others who are involved in the production of food.
“Bless all the farmers in the diocese who sweat and work to grow food so the world can live,” prayed the bishop.
Farming requires a lot of faith. Farmers plant the seed and do their part with God’s help.
Bishop Hying recalled his time in the Dominican Republic living among the poor.
He said the world can produce enough food so all can eat, but human selfishness and natural disasters prevent some people from getting the food they need. “We pray that all God’s children have enough food.”
Dr. Ann Lucas, a family practitioner from Darlington and Platteville, served as the lector.
The Mass concluded with the singing of “All Creatures of Our God and King”.
Following the Mass, Bishop Hying went outside to bless seeds, farm implements, and animals brought to the church parking lot to be representative of those of the entire diocese.