Isidore of Saint Joseph
Isidore of Saint Joseph, born Isidore De Loor, was a Belgian professed religious of the Passionists. Despite suffering from cancer, he served diligently as a janitor and cook, impressing superiors with his strong will and charitable disposition. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1984.
Key Facts
- ›Isidore De Loor was born on April 18, 1881, in East Flanders, Belgium, the eldest of three children.
- ›He worked on his family's farm after his education ended in 1893 and felt a call to religious life.
- ›He joined the Passionists on April 15, 1907, and received the religious name Isidore of Saint Joseph on September 8, 1907.
- ›He professed his solemn vows on September 13, 1908, and later served as a gardener and cook at the Kortrijk convent.
- ›His right eye was removed in June 1911 due to cancer, which later spread, and he died on October 6, 1916, from cancer and pleurisy.
- ›He was beatified by Pope John Paul II on September 30, 1984.
Isidore De Loor
About Isidore of Saint Joseph
Isidore of Saint Joseph, born Isidore De Loor on April 18, 1881, was a Belgian professed religious of the Passionists. He is remembered for his devout life and charitable service, particularly during his struggle with cancer.
Life and Historical Context
Born in East Flanders, Belgium, Isidore De Loor was the eldest of three children to devout parents. After completing his basic education in 1893, he worked on his family's farm. He felt a strong calling to religious life and, after consulting with a Redemptorist priest, decided to join the Passionists. He entered the Passionist convent at Ere on April 15, 1907, and received the religious name Isidore of Saint Joseph on September 8, 1907, after receiving the religious habit. He made his solemn vows on September 13, 1908.
Isidore was transferred to the convent at Kortrijk in 1912, where he served as both a gardener and a cook. He suffered from a painful tumor that affected his sight, and cancer was diagnosed. His right eye was removed in June 1911. Despite the progression of his illness, he continued to serve, taking on the role of convent porter in 1914. During World War I, he willingly offered assistance to visitors seeking help at the convent. His health significantly declined in late summer 1916 as the cancer spread. He died on October 6, 1916, from the intense pains of cancer and pleurisy.
Beatification
The process for Isidore De Loor's beatification commenced under Pope Pius XII on March 15, 1952. Pope John Paul II declared him Venerable on July 12, 1982, recognizing his heroic virtue. The same pontiff officially beatified Isidore of Saint Joseph on September 30, 1984. His remains were exhumed and reinterred in his former convent in 1952.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Isidore of Saint Joseph?
Isidore of Saint Joseph, born Isidore De Loor, was a Belgian member of the Passionist religious order. He lived a life of service and devotion, working in various roles within his community despite battling cancer.
When was Isidore of Saint Joseph beatified?
Isidore of Saint Joseph was beatified on September 30, 1984, by Pope John Paul II. His beatification process began in 1952 under Pope Pius XII.
What was Isidore of Saint Joseph known for?
He was known for his devout nature, hard work, and charitable disposition, even while suffering from a terminal illness. He served his fellow religious as a janitor and cook without complaint.
When and how did Isidore of Saint Joseph die?
Isidore of Saint Joseph died on October 6, 1916, from the violent pains of cancer and pleurisy. His illness had progressed significantly, spreading throughout his body.
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