S AINT S wit h the c c
ANDIE ANDREWS EISENBERG
Copyright © 2023 Andie AndrewsEisenberg
All rightsreserved.
Scripture texts in this work are taken from the New American Bible, revised edition © 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C. All RightsReserved.
Traditional Catholic blessings included in this work, unless otherwise noted, are taken from the Rituale Romanum (Roman Ritual) translated from Latin to English by Philip T. Weller, S.T.D., The Bruce Publishing Company,1946.
Excerpts from the English translation of The Roman Missal © 2010, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rightsreserved.
Cover art credit: Phecs/iStock/Getty Images, Tribalium/iStock/Getty Images, Hennadii/iStock/Getty Images, gmast3r/iStock/GettyImages.
Back cover author photo, Jillian O’Connor.
ISBN: 978-0-8294-5537-3
Library of Congress Control Number:2023932336 Printed
With gratitude...
To St. Isidore the Farmer, whose example of patience, humility, and faith inspired me to keep my hand to the plow of research and writing in the hope of bearing fruit that willlast.
To farmers everywhere, faithful stewards of God’s creation and coworkers with Christ, who feed the world and help to renew the face of theearth.
To Our Lady of Guadalupe, who reminds me in every season that roses in winter arepossible.
Preface
I’veoftenwonderedhowmanyChristianpublishershavehadmanuscripts slippedundertheirnoseswiththepostscript,“Godtoldmetowritethis.”As awriter,Iknowit’sriskybusinesstoactuallysayso.However,inthelegendary wordsofayouthfulGeorgeWashington,whohimselfwasfirstandforemosta farmer before becoming a president, I cannot tell a lie.
Threeyearsago,myhusbandandImovedwestwardfromourtidysuburbanhomeinNewJerseytoasmallfarm“inthecountry,”whereIcouldretire myQuarterHorse,plantagarden,keepasmallflockofchickens,andperhaps raiseadairygoatortwo.Thepropertywasdwarfedbyrollingacresoffarmlandthatemphasizedwewereahobbyfarm,notthe“realdeal.”Butitwas ourlittleplotofparadise,oratleastweprayeditwouldbecomesooncewe reclaimed the land and the barn from decades ofneglect.
Thatfirstyearwewerecoveredinpoisonivyandregretas,armedwith machetes,shovels,andrakes,wehackedawayatbramblesandwildvines.We tilledandreseededthesoil,hopingthepasturegrasseswouldgrowandprovide fortheneedsofouranimals.Weranwaterlinesandplantedvegetablegardens thatwerepromptlydevouredbyinsectswe’dneverseenbefore.Ourgoatsdug intheirclovenhoovesandrefusedtoeattheweeds.Welostourfirstsixhens toafox,andIweptasIpluckedmulticoloredfeathersfromthewind.The barnfloodedfivetimesthatfirstyear,andwithpickaxesinhand,wedugdeep trenchesandmadepeacewiththerain.Therewassomuchrainthosefirsttwo yearsthatthelocalfarmershadahardtimeproducinghayfitforhorses.The priceincreasedtotendollarsperbale,andwhileIfeltbadformywallet,I feltworseforthefarmers.Myappreciationformyagriculturalneighborsgrew bythedaywitheveryvictoryanddefeatweexperiencedonourlittlefarm, knowingwhateverwefelt,theyfelttoagreaterdegree.Ibecameincreasingly
xiiFarming and Homesteading with the Saints
humbledbyandthankfulfortheirtenacityinbringingforthgiftsfromthe earth and for their faithful stewardship of creation, and remain deeplyso.
OneFridayafternoonasIsatbeforetheBlessedSacramentinadoration, IlamentedthelackofinspirationIfeltformynewestwritingproject.Creativelyblockedandbereftatthethoughtofneverwritingagain,Isulkedin theshadows,tappedmyfootimpatiently,andsaid,“Okay,Lord,maybeI’m supposed to write something else. What do you want me towrite?”
Farming and Homesteading with theSaints.
IletthewordssinkinasIscannedthekaleidoscopeofstained-glasswindows surroundingme,eachoneportrayingtheimageofasaintinbold,triumphant colors.
“I’m a romance writer,” Idemurred.
Thencameforthasubtitleofsortswhichcalledfortheinclusionofpertinentprayers,blessings,andscriptureverses.Inoddedandmulledtheprospect ofcreatingsomethingsimilartoafarmer’salmanacthatcouldhelpthoselike myselfseekingextraprotectionfortheirlandandanimals.Iknewimmediately thatIwouldwritethebook.Ifeltthelastthreeyearshaduniquelyprepared metodosowithloveandrespectformodernfarmersaswellasfortheirtimelesspatronsaints.Iwas,however,completelyunpreparedforthethousandsof hoursIwouldspendsearchingthoughancienttextsthatwerearchivedonline, runningdocumentsthroughtranslationWebsites,andminingtheInternet andotherresourcesforthetiniestreferencethatwouldconnectasainttoa cause.Obscuritybecamemyarchnemesis.Andsincequittingismysuperpower, I marched back into adoration a few monthslater.
“It’s too hard. I want toquit.”
Truetoform,theWordofGodislivingandeffectiveanditcutmetothemarrow: WhatiftheGospelwritershadquit?Whatifallthemonkssittingaloneintheir cellsforyearsandyearstranscribingtheBiblebyhandhadquit?Wherewouldyoube now?Thenhefinishedmeoffwiththis:Thesaintsarecountingonyou.
Andso,IhumblyofferyouFarmingandHomesteadingwiththeSaints.Though
I’mnotahistorianbyprofession,I’vebecomealoverofhagiography—inthiscase, thestoriesofsaintsassociatedwithfarmingandhomesteadingthathavebeen recordedthroughouttime,someaslegends,someashistoricalfact,andsomethat
lieinbetween.Allofthemexistfortheedificationofthefaithful,fortheexultation oftheCatholicChurch,and,mostofall,forthegloryofGod.
FarmingandHomesteadingwiththeSaints isorganizedinfiveparts.Part1 coversthecreatures,critters,birds,animals,andlivestockthatliveonornear thefarm.Part2featuressaintswhosespecialtyisthehumanswhocareforthe animalsandworktheland.Part3profilesthepatronsaintsofplaces.Part4 coversthosepatronsaintswhoareknowntointerveneinmattersconcerning weather. Part 5 contains blessings and prayers for farmers andhomesteaders.
Thisbookmight’vebeenstructuredtoresembleanencyclopediaoryour typicalalmanac,butmyownexperiencesoffarmingandhomesteadingurged adifferentapproach,onethat’smorelikefarmingitself:soulfulandsalutary, sometimespleasantlymeandering,othertimesintenselyfocused,fullofsurprises,andofferingtheoccasionalfenceposttoleanagainsttorest,ponder, marvel,orpray.Hence,Irecommendreadingthisbook,dividedasitisinto farm-friendlysections,astheSpiritmovesyouorasreal-lifecircumstances leadyou.Whatliesaheadaretheindeliblefootprintsandfurrowsofsaints whohavelaboredbeforeus,infields,barns,gardens,pastures,andpaddocks, aswellasintheLord’svineyard.There’snoneedtoplowthroughthepages. Enjoythecompany.Takeapilgrim’sjourney.Praytheblessings.Andtake amoment(ormany!)tocontemplatethelandandanimalsyouloveinthe contextoftheseholymenandwomenwhounderstandourneedsandwant tointercedeforus.Asyouwanderthroughtheirstories,mayyoudiscovera patron saint—or a few—to call yourown.
Theintercessionandexampleofthesaintsofferprotectionfromtheperils andevilsoftheworldaswestriveforheaven.Whetheryou’reafarmer,a homesteader,agardener,orananimallover,Ipraythisbookwillblessyour home,yourfarm,yourfields,yourbarns,youranimals,yourheart,andyour family, and bring forth fruit that willlast. In
August 15,2022
Feast of theAssumption
Prayer to St. Isidore theFarmer
Patron of Farmers and Gardeners
Feast Day: May 15
Dear Isidore, you know how common it is to cultivate theland, for you were employed as a farmlaborer for the greater part of yourlife.
In your toils, you were blessed to receive God’shelp through Angels in thefields.
O Great Saint, help all farmers andgardeners spiritually to see the wonders God has strewn on thisearth.
Encourage them in theirlabors and help them to feed numerouspeople. Amen.
Traditional Catholic Prayer
For the Animals A Blessing
of Animals
Blessedareyou,LordGod,makerofalllivingcreatures.Youcalledforthfish inthesea,birdsintheair,andanimalsontheland.YouinspiredSaintFrancis tocallthemhisbrothersandsisters.Weaskyoutoblessthispet,thisanimal. Bythepowerofyourlove,enableittoliveaccordingtoyourplan.Blessedare you, Lord our God, in all your creatures!Amen.
(Theanimalisgentlysprinkledwithholywater.)
A Blessing of Sick Animals
The priest, vested in surplice and purple stole,says:
P: Our help is in the name of theLord.
All: Who made heaven andearth.
P: Deal not with us, Lord, as our sinsdeserve.
All: Nor take vengeance on us for ourtransgressions.
P: You, O Lord, will save both men andbeasts.
All: Just as you, O God, show mercy again andagain.
P: You open yourhand.
All: And fill every living creature with yourblessing.
P: Lord, heed myprayer.
All: And let my cry be heard byyou.
P: The Lord be withyou.
All: May He also be withyou.
Let uspray.
God, whosuppliedanimalstolightenman’stoil,wehumblyentreatyouto preservethesecreatures,sincewithoutthemwecannotsubsist;throughChrist ourLord.
All:Amen.
Let uspray.
Wehumblyentreatyourmercy,OLord,prayingthatinyournameandbythe powerofyourblessing+theseanimalsmaybecuredofthediresicknessthat afflictsthem.Letthedevil’spoweroverthembeutterlyabolished,anddoyou, Lord,protecttheirlifeandhealthagainstrecurrentsickness;throughChrist ourLord.
All:Amen.
Let uspray.
Havepityonus,Lord,webegyou,andturnawayeveryscourgefromyour faithful.Ridourbeastsofthedreadsicknessthatisdestroyingthem,sothat wewhoarejustlypunishedwhenwegoastraymayfeelyourgraciousmercy when we repent; through Christ ourLord.
All:Amen.
(Thesickanimalsaresprinkledwithholywater.)
—Traditional FranciscanPrayer
A Blessing of Horses and Other Animals
P: Our help is in the name of theLord.
All: Who made heaven andearth.
P: The Lord be withyou.
All: May He also be withyou.
Let uspray.
God, ourrefugeandourstrengthandsourceofallgoodness,heedtheholy prayersofyourChurch,andgrantthatwefullyobtainwhateverweaskforin faith; through Christ ourLord.
All:Amen.
Let uspray.
200Farming and Homesteading with the SaintsAlmightyeverlastingGod,whohelpedtheillustriousSt.AnthonytheAbbot toemergeunscathedfromthemanytemptationsthatbesethiminthisworld; helpalsoyourservantstogrowinvirtuebyhisnobleexample,andtobedeliveredfromtheever-presentdangersofthislifebyhismeritsandintercession; through Christ ourLord.
All:Amen.
Let uspray.
Lord,lettheseanimalshaveyourblessing+tothebenefitoftheirbeing, andbytheintercessionofSt.AnthonytheAbbotdeliverthemfromallevil; through Christ ourLord.
All:Amen.
An Equestrian’s Prayer to St. Anne
Good St.Anne,motheroftheBlessedVirginMaryandpatronessofhorseback riders,byyourmaternalprayersandmeritsbeforeGod,maywewholoveand ridehorsesbeeversafe,everwise,evercalm,evergentle,andeverjoyfulinour equestrianpursuitsandincaringforourequinefriends.Byyourlovingintercession,mayourhorsesenjoyallthebenefitsofyourprayersandprotection. DearSt.Anne,obtainforusthesefavorsandallthespiritualblessingsweseek through Jesus Christ, our Lord.Amen.
—Andie AndrewsEisenbergA Blessing of Cattle, Herds, and Flocks
P: Our help is in the name of theLord.
All: Who made heaven andearth.
P: The Lord be withyou.
All: May He also be withyou.
(Thehorsesoranimalsaresprinkledwithholywater.)Let uspray.
LordGod,Kingofheavenandearth,WordoftheFatherbywhomweremade allcreaturesdestinedforoursustenance;webegyoutolookwithfavoronour lowlycondition;andasyouhavegivenusassistanceinourworkandinour needs,somayyoubless,+shield,andwatchovertheseanimals(thisanimal) withyourmercyandheavenlycare.Andtous,yourservants,bepleasedto giveeverlastinggracetogetherwithcreatureneeds,thusenablingustopraise and glorify and offer thanks to your holy name; through Christ ourLord.
All:Amen.
(Theanimalsaresprinkledwithholywater.)
A Blessing of Fowl or Any Kind of Bird
P: Our help is in the name of theLord.
All: Who made heaven andearth.
P: The Lord be withyou.
All: May He also be withyou.
Let uspray.
God, authorofallnature,who,amongthemanycreatedspecies,alsobrought forthwingedcreaturesfromtheprimevalwatersfortheuseofmankind;from whichNoah,oncomingoutoftheArk,offeredyouapleasingholocaust; whocommandedyourpeople,deliveredfromEgyptthroughMoses,yourservant,toeatthesewingedcreatures,separatingthecleanfromtheunclean; wehumblyentreatyoutobless+andtosanctifythisfleshofcleanbirds,so thatallwhoeatthereofmaybefilledwithyourbounteousblessing,andmay deserve to come to the feast of everlasting life; through Christ ourLord.
All:Amen.
(Thebirdsaresprinkledwithholywater.)
202Farming and Homesteading with the SaintsA Blessing of Bees and Their Hive
P: Our help is in the name of theLord.
All: Who made heaven andearth.
P: The Lord be withyou.
All: May He also be withyou.
Let uspray.
LordGodalmighty,whomadetheheavensandtheearth,andalllivingthings intheairandonlandfortheuseofmankind;whoordered,throughtheministersofholyChurch,thatcandlesmadefromtheindustryofbeesshouldbe lightedduringthesolemnmysteryinwhichthemostsacredbodyandblood ofJesusChrist,yourSon,isconfectedandconsumed;sendyourholyblessing +uponthesebeesandthesebeehives,causingthemtomultiplyandtoproduceandtobekeptfromharm,sothattheiryieldofwaxcanbeturnedto yourhonor,tothatoftheSonandHolySpirit,andtothevenerationofthe blessed Virgin Mary; through Christ ourLord. All:Amen.
(Thebeesandhivesaresprinkledwithholywater.)
Prayer to St. Anthony for Lost Animals
Dear St. Anthony, please comearound, [insert animal’sname] is lost and cannot befound!
—Traditional CatholicPrayer
Deprecatory Blessing against Pests
The priest, vested in surplice and a purple stole, comes to the field or place of infestation andsays:
O God, our ears have heard, our fathers have declared tous.
—Psalm 43:1
All: Glory be to theFather.
P: As it was in thebeginning.
All: Arise, Lord, help us; and deliver us for your kindness’sake.
P: Our help is in the name of theLord.
All: Who made heaven andearth.
P: Lord, heed myprayer.
All: And let my cry be heard byyou.
P: The Lord be withyou.
All: May He also be withyou.
Let uspray.
Weentreatyou,Lord,bepleasedtohearourprayers;andeventhoughwerightly deserve,onaccountofoursins,thisplagueofmice(orlocusts,worms,etc.),yet mercifullydeliverusforyourkindness’sake.Letthisplaguebeexpelledbyyour power,andourlandandfieldsbeleftfertile,sothatallitproducesredoundto yourgloryandserveournecessities;throughChristourLord.
All:Amen.
Let uspray.
AlmightyeverlastingGod,thedonorofallgoodthings,andthemostmerciful pardonerofoursins;beforewhomallcreaturesbowdowninadoration,those inheaven,onearth,andbelowtheearth;preserveussinnersbyyourmight, thatwhateverweundertakewithtrustinyourprotectionmaymeetwithsuccessbyyourgrace.Andnowasweutteracurseonthesenoxiouspests,may theybecursedbyyou;asweseektodestroythem,maytheybedestroyedby you;asweseektoexterminatethem,maytheybeexterminatedbyyou;so
thatdeliveredfromthisplaguebyyourgoodness,wemayfreelyofferthanks to your majesty; through Christ ourLord.
All:Amen.
204Farming and Homesteading with the SaintsFor the Farm
Blessing of a Home or Farmhouse
P: Our help is in the name of theLord.
All: Who made heaven andearth.
P: The Lord be withyou.
All: May He also be withyou.
Let uspray.
LordGodalmighty,bless+thishomeorfarmhouse,thatitbetheshelterof health,purity,andself-control;thatthereprevailhereaspiritofhumility,goodness,mildness,obedience,andgratitudetoGodtheFather,Son,andHoly Spirit.Maythisblessingremainonthisplaceandonthosewholivehere.
All:Amen.
Another Blessing of a Home or Farmhouse
P: Our help is in the name of theLord.
All: Who made heaven andearth.
P: The Lord be withyou.
All: May He also be withyou.
Let uspray.
God theFatheralmighty,weferventlyimploreyouforthesakeofthishomeand itsoccupantsandpossessions,thatyoumaybless+andsanctify+them,enrichingthembyyourkindnessineveryway.Pouroutonthemheavenlydew,aswellas anabundanceofearthlyneeds.Mercifullylistentotheirprayersandbepleasedto bless+andsanctify+thishome.Withinthesewallsletyourangelsoflightpreside andstandwatchoverthosewholivehere;throughChristourLord.
All:Amen.
(Thehomeorfarmhouseissprinkledwithholywater.)The Blessing of a Stable for Horses, Cattle, and Other Animals
P: Our help is in the name of theLord.
All: Who made heaven andearth.
P: The Lord be withyou.
All: May He also be withyou.
Let uspray.
LordGodalmighty,whowilledthatyouronly-begottenSon,ourRedeemer, beborninastable,andlieinamangerbetweentwobeastsofburden;we begyoutobless+thisstableandtodefenditfromallspiteandwickedness ofthedevil.Letitbeahealthfulshelterforhorses,cattle,andotheranimals, safefromeverykindofassault.Andastheoxknowshismasterandtheassthe mangerofhislord,sograntthatyourservants,madeinyourimageandonly alittlelowerthantheangels,towhomyouhavesubjectedallsheepandoxen andcattleofthefields,maynotbelikesenselessbeasts,likethehorseorthe mulewhoarewithoutunderstanding.Butletthemacknowledgeyoualoneas Godandthesourceofallgood.Letthemfaithfullypersevereinyourservice, showyougratitudeforfavorsreceived,andthusmeritgreaterbenefitsinthe future; through Christ ourLord.
All:Amen.
(Thestableandtheanimalsthereinaresprinkledwithholywater.)
212Farming and Homesteading with the SaintsThe Blessing of Crosses to Be Set in Fields and Vineyards
(Performed on the Feast of the Finding of the Holy Cross, September 14, or on the next Sunday.)
P: Our help is in the name of theLord.
All: Who has made heaven andearth.
P: The Lord be withyou.
All: And with yourspirit.
Let uspray.
Almighty,everlastingGod,Fatherofallconsolationandkindness,throughthe meritsofthebitterpassionofyouronlySon,ourLordJesusChrist,whichhe wassokindastoundergoforussinnersonthewoodofthecross,blessthese crosses,whichyourpeoplewilltakefromheretosetingardens,vineyards, fields,orotherplaces,sothatthefarmsonwhichtheyaresetupmaybefree fromthecrushingofhail,theviolenceoftornadoes,thepowerofstorms,and fromeverydisturbanceoftheenemy.Maythentheirproducebebroughtto fullripeness,andgatheredinhonorofyournamebythosewhotrustinthe poweroftheholycrossofthesameJesusChrist,yourSon,ourLord,wholives and is King with you for ever andever.
All:Amen.
The Blessing of an Automobile, Wagon, orTractor
P: Our help is in the name of theLord.
All: Who has made heaven andearth.
P: The Lord be withyou.
All: And with your spirit.
Let uspray.
Lendawillingear,LordGod,toourprayers,andblessthisvehiclewithyour holyrighthand.Directyourholyangelstoaccompanyit,thattheymayfree thosewhorideinitfromalldangers,andalwaysguardthem.Andjustasby yourdeaconPhilipyougavefaithandgracetothemanofEthiopiaashesat inhischariotreadingtheSacredWord,so,pointouttoyourservantstheway ofsalvation.Grantthat,aidedbyyourgrace,andwiththeirheartssetongood works,theymay,afterallthejoysandsorrowsofthisjourneythroughlife, merit to receive eternal joys, through Christ ourLord.
All:Amen.
(Theautomobile,wagon,ortractorissprinkledwithholywater.)
For Weather and Other Difficulties
A Prayer for Good Weather
Almightyever-livingGod,whohealsusthroughcorrectionandsavesusby yourforgiveness,granttothosewhoseekyourfavorthatwemayrejoiceatthe goodweatherforwhichwehope,andalwaysusewhatinyourgoodnessyou bestowforthegloryofyournameandforourwell-being.ThroughourLord JesusChrist,yourSon,wholivesandreignswithyouintheunityoftheHoly Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.Amen.
—The Roman Missal of the Catholic Church, #36
A Prayer for Rain
OGod,inwhomweliveandmoveandhaveourbeing,grantus sufficientrain,sothat,beingsuppliedwithwhatsustainsusinthis presentlife,wemayseekmoreconfidentlywhatsustainsusforeternity. ThroughourLordJesusChrist,yourSon,wholivesandreignswithyou in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.Amen.
—The Roman Missal of the Catholic Church, #35
A Prayer for an End to Storms
OGod,towhosecommandsalltheelementsgiveobedience,wehumbly entreatyou,thatthestillingoffearsomestormsmayturnapowerful menaceintoanoccasionforustopraiseyou.ThroughourLord,Jesus Christ,yourSon,wholivesandreignswithyouintheunityoftheHoly Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.Amen.
—The Roman Missal of the Catholic Church, #37
A Prayer for Protection against Storms
JesusChrist,aKingofGlory,hascomeinPeace.+Godbecameman,+and theWordwasmadeflesh.+Christwasbornofavirgin.+Christsuffered. +Christwascrucified.+Christdied.+Christrosefromthedead.+Christ ascendedintoHeaven.+Christconquers.+Christreigns.+Christorders.+ MayChristprotectusfromallstormsandlightning.+Christwentthrough theirmidstinPeace,+andtheWordwasmadeFlesh.+Christiswithuswith Mary.+FleeyouenemyspiritsbecausetheLionoftheGenerationofJuda,the RootDavid,haswon.+HolyGod!+HolyPowerfulGod!+HolyImmortal God! + Have mercy on us.Amen.
—This prayer originated in a convent and church in Lisbon, Portugal. It was ordered to be published by Pope Innocent, III, 1198-1216.
At a Time of Earthquake
OGod,whosettheearthonitsfirmfoundation,sparethosewho arefearfulandshowfavortothosewhoimploreyou,sothat,withall dangersofearthquakeentirelygone,wemaycontinuetoexperience yourmercyandserveyouinthankfulness,safeunderyourprotection.
ThroughourLordJesusChrist,yourSon,wholivesandreignswithyou in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.Amen.
—The Roman Missal of the Catholic Church, #34
A Blessing to Ward off Floods
Thepriest,vestedinsurpliceandstole,accompaniedbythepeople,carriesarelicof theTrueCrosstotheriverorstream,andtheredevoutlyreadsateachoffourdifferentspotsoneoftheintroductionstothefourGospels.AftereachGospelheadds the following verses andprayers:
P: Help us, O God, ourSavior.
All: And deliver us for your name’ssake.
P: Save yourservants.
All: Who trust in you, myGod.
P: Deal not with us, Lord, as our sinsdeserve.
All: Nor take vengeance on us for ourtransgressions.
P: Lord, send us aid from your holyplace.
All: And watch over us fromSion.
P: Lord, heed myprayer.
All: And let my cry be heard byyou.
P: The Lord be withyou.
All: May He also be withyou.
Let uspray.
God,whogivessavinggraceeventothewickedlandwhodonotwillthedeath ofthesinner,wehumblyappealtoyouinglory,askingthatyouprotectwith yourheavenlyaidyourtrustingservantsfromallperilsofflood.Letthemfind inyouaconstantsafeguard,sothattheymayalwaysserveyouandneverbe separated from you through any temptation; through Christ ourLord.
All:Amen.
AndmaytheblessingofalmightyGod,Father,Son,+andHolySpirit, come upon these waters and keep them always undercontrol.
All:Amen.
218Farming and Homesteading with the Saints
The Blessing of a Well
P: Our help is in the name of theLord.
All: Who made heaven andearth.
P: The Lord be withyou.
All: May He also be withyou.
Let uspray.
LordGodalmighty,whosodisposedmattersthatwatercomesforthfromthe depthsofthiswellbymeansofitspipes,grant,wepray,thatwithyourhelp andbythisblessing+impartedthroughourministry,alldiabolicalwilesand cunningmaybedispelled,andthewaterofthiswellmayalwaysremainpure and wholesome; through Christ ourLord.
All:Amen.
(Thewellissprinkledwithholywater.)226Farming and Homesteading with the Saints
A Blessing after the Harvest
OLord,goodFather,whoinyourprovidencehaveentrustedtheearthtothe humanrace,grant,wepray,thatwiththefruitsharvestedfromitwemaybe abletosustainlifeand,withyourhelp,alwaysusethemtopromoteyourpraise andthewell-beingofall.ThroughourLordJesusChrist,yourSon,wholives andreignswithyouintheunityoftheHolySpirit,oneGod,foreverand ever.Amen.
—The Roman Missal of the Catholic Church, #28Sources
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Breviary According to the Rite of the Order of Preachers,1967.
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https://www.crusaders-for-christ.com/uploads/8/9/4/8/8948848/ metropolitan_second_reader_-_with_comprehension_activities.pdf.
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and Homesteading with the Saints
The Roman Missal © 2010, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation.
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About the Author
AndieAndrewsEisenbergisarecreationalhorsebackrider,certifiedequine massagetherapist,screenwriter,cowgirlpoet,novelist,blogger,sheepfarmer, andnovicehomesteader.Severalyearsago,shemovedfromsuburbiatoasmall hobbyfarminNewJerseysothatHook,herbelovedQuarterHorsegelding andmuseforoneofhernovels,couldcomehometolivewithherhappilyever after.ShehassincemovedalittlefartherafieldtoMiddleTennessee,whereshe homesteadswithhertractor-happyhusband,Ed,andtwentyhens,twosassy mares,asmallflockofsheep(www.allsaintsvalaisblacknosesheep.com),and agregariousGoldenRetriever/farm-dog-in-training.Whenshe’snotwriting, Andiecanbefoundkickingupdustwhiledancingwithhorses,tendinggardens,chasingchickens,cuddlinglambs,mendingfences,sweepingthebarn, feeding her family, and finding 101 uses for baling twine around thefarm.
CULTIVATE YOUR FAITH WHILE CULTIVATING THE LAND
Everyone who works the soil, whether on a prairie, the outskirts of a small town, in a city garden, or in your own yard, can use inspiration and blessings to help get through the endless work and daunting challenges. Who better to look to for examples of strength, courage, and faith than the heavenly companions who have been there themselves?
In Farming and Homesteading with the Saints, author and hobby farmer Andie Andrews Eisenberg presents a faith-filled treasury of Catholic holy men and women connected to agriculture, animals, and rural life. In these pages, you’ll meet the patron saints of creatures, critters, flying things, horses, sheep, cats, dogs, beekeepers, gardeners, field hands, shepherds, and many more. You will also have at your fingertips a wellspring of blessings to pray for the safety of your home, your farm, and the animals under your care.
Whether you are a traditional or next-gen farmer, a weekend gardener, or someone who embraces the revival of the back-to-the-land movement, Farming and Homesteading with the Saints is a timeless resource and a stirring reminder that farming with faith means that you are never, ever alone in your work.
ANDIE ANDREWS EISENBERG is an avid horsewoman, certified equine massage therapist, novelist, screenwriter, and blogger. When she's not writing, Andie can be found kicking up dust while dancing with horses, raising Valais Blacknose sheep, tending gardens, chasing chickens, mending fences, feeding her family, and finding 101 uses for baling twine on her Tennessee farm.