SW News: After a long wait of four decades, the Archdiocese of Madrid in Spain will once again host the exposition of the sacred body of its patron Saint Isidore the Laborer on the occasion of the fourth centenary of his canonization and to prepare for the Holy Year in honor of the saint. The Holy Year will commence on May 15, the feast day, with a solemn Holy Mass celebrated in the Collegiate Church of St Isidore in the Spanish capital by Archbishop of Madrid Cardinal Carlos Osoro.

Believers are expected to throng the Collegiate Church on May 21 at noon when there will be a pilgrim Mass after which the casket containing what was once the incorrupt body of the saint will be opened by the top prelate in the presence of Church dignitaries. Pilgrims can venerate the body of the saint every day from 8 am to 9 pm local time until May 27.

The casket will be solemnly closed and locked on May 29 after vespers. On the same day, there will also be a solemn pilgrim Mass. The Apostolic Penitentiary has announced a plenary indulgence for pilgrims who venerate the sacred remains of the saint provided they fulfil conditions such as sacramental confession, Holy Communion and prayers for the intentions of the Holy Father.

Even before the solemn beginning of the Holy Year on May 15, festivities and events in honor of the saint have started in Madrid. On May 7, the Royal Archconfraternity of St Peter, St Andrew and St Isidore hosted the traditional blessing of the water at the fountain of the saint and it was presided over by the vicar of St Fulgencio and St Bernard Fr Pedro Jose Lamata. The fountain is open to pilgrims from 9 am to 3 pm local time and from 5.30 pm to 9 pm. There will also be an exhibition of the Blessed Sacrament hosted by the Royal Collegiate Church of St Isidore where the body of the saint is kept.

St Isidore was born in AD 1070 and he worked as a laborer during his entire life, which was marked by extraordinary piety, compassion for the poor and the sick and divine manifestations. His wife, Maria Torriba, was also known for her piety. St Isidore died on May 15, 1130, and he was canonized on March 12, 1622, by Pope Gregory XV.

Heavy rain on April 2, 1212, exposed many cadavers in Madrid cemeteries and believers found St Isidore’s body to be incorrupt. It was later moved to the Collegiate Church by the then ruler. Today, it rests in a specially crafted silver casket having nine locks and only the King of Spain has the master key. The opening of the casket can be done only with royal permission by the Archbishop of Madrid.