Blessed Isidore De Loor (of Saint Joseph), was born on April 15, 1881 in Vràsene, a village in East Flanders, the Diocese of Gent (Belgium). The son of farmers he found joy as he worked on the farm, in his contemplative prayer and in praying the Stations of the Cross. He was an exemplary young man who was a diligent and beloved catechist in the local parish. At the age of twenty six he entered the Passionist novitiate of Ere and professed religious vows as a Brother on September 13, 1903.
He offered his humble and generous service in various communities leading a life of intense prayer and penance. As a result of his charity and simplicity, combined with diligence and recollection of spirit; his sincere and calm nature, and constant dedication; and his humble and silent presence he earned the admiration of his confreres and all those who came to know him. He always sought to do God’s will, to which he totally abandoned himself. He structured his day with this in mind and in it he found peace and serenity. It was his life plan that he expressed on the eve of his religious profession. “I wrote, I am about to make my profession solely to fulfill the will of God”. This passionate quest was the attitude that found its source with the Founder who recommended “total transformation according to the divine good pleasure.” Isidore was known by all as the “good brother … the brother of the will of God “.
In 1911, his right eye was removed due to an incurable disease. The illness, as expected, degenerated into bowel cancer. Isidore did not lose his peace and wrote: “If God has so willed this I will bear it without moaning and groaning. All that God wants! We must do the will of God in all things. Alone I could not endure this suffering, but with the Lord is possible. Spiritually I am extraordinarily happy in my state of being. We must accept our sufferings in union with Jesus who for us to surrendered himself to the will of the Father. I wish only to totally sacrifice myself for the good of souls and the spread of devotion to Jesus Crucified “. Consumed by pleurisy and cancer after a month of atrocious pains he endured his suffering as an opportunity to be conformed more and more fully to Jesus Crucified. He died on October 6, 1916 at the age of thirty-five. Pope John Paul II declared him “Blessed” on September 30, 1984.
Prayer
Lord God, in Blessed Isidore’s spirit of humility and work you have given us an example of a life hidden in the shadow of the Cross. Grant that our daily work will be a praise to you and a loving service to our brothers and sisters. Through Christ our Lord.