Farming and Homesteading with the Saints

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FARMING P HOMESTEADING

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

23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 Versa 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 21
in the United States ofAmerica.

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.

Contents Preface....................................................................................................................xi Prayer to St. Isidore theFarmer...................................................................xv PartI: Patron Saints of Creatures, Critters, Flying Things, FarmAnimals, andTheirAilments...............................................1 Rumination ..............................................................................................................3 For Protection against Wild AnimalAttacks.................................................5 For Protection against Wolves and Foxes.......................................................6 For Protection against Bears.............................................................................8 For Protection against Mosquitoes and Biting Flies.....................................9 For Protection against Wasps .........................................................................10 For Protection against Caterpillars................................................................10 For Protection against Spiders........................................................................11 For the General Protection against and Fear of Insects .............................12 For Protection against Rodents......................................................................13 For Protection against Snakes and Snakebites.............................................15 For Protection against Rabies and ItsCarriers ............................................18 For Protection against Worms andParasites................................................21 For Protection against Equine Diseases and for Equine Health ..............23 For the General Protection against Diseased Cattle...................................24 For Protection against Mad Cow Disease....................................................26 For the General Protection of Animals andLost Animals........................27 For the General Protection of DomesticAnimals ......................................28 For the General Protection of Livestock ......................................................31 For the Protection of Horned Livestock ......................................................32 v
For the Protection of Cattle............................................................................32 Patrons of Barn Cats and FarmDogs ................................................................37 For the Protection of Barn Cats.....................................................................37 For the Protection of Farm Dogs...................................................................39 Patrons of Horses and Donkeys..........................................................................43 For the Protection of Horses ..........................................................................43 For the Protection of Pack Horses.................................................................52 For the Protection of Donkeys.......................................................................53 For Protection against Horse Theft...............................................................53 Patrons of Rams, Sheep, andSwine ...................................................................55 For the Protection of Rams.............................................................................55 For the Protection of Sheep and Lambs.......................................................55 For the Protection of Swine and Pigs............................................................57 For the Protection of Hares and Other Small Creatures...........................59 Patrons of Birds of the Air ...................................................................................61 For the General Protection of Birds..............................................................61 For the Protection of Blackbirds....................................................................64 For the Protection of Geese............................................................................64 For the Protection of Chickens and Poultry................................................67 Patrons of Bees and Hives....................................................................................69 For the Protection of Bees and Hives ...........................................................69 PartII: Patron Saints ofFarm-RelatedPeople and Occupations .............................................................................................73 Rumination ............................................................................................................75 For the Protection of Farmers, Farmworkers, and Field Hands...............77 For the Protection of Bird Breeders andDealers ........................................85 For the Protection of Beekeepers...................................................................85 For the Protection of Butchers.......................................................................85 For the Protection of Dairy Workers ............................................................90 viFarming
and Homesteading with the Saints
For the Protection of Cowherds.....................................................................90 For the Protection of Shepherds andShepherdesses ..................................91 For the Protection of Swineherds ..................................................................96 For the Protection of Horsemen, Horsewomen, and Equestrians...........97 For the Protection of Stable Hands andGrooms .......................................98 For the Protection of Farriers and HoofTrimmers ....................................99 For the Protection of Saddlemakers ............................................................100 For the Protection of Veterinarians .............................................................101 For the Protection of Gardeners ..................................................................102 For the Protection of Flower Growers ........................................................109 For the Protection of Grain Merchants......................................................110 For the Protection of Harvesters..................................................................111 For the Protection of Haymakers ................................................................111 Patrons of Seed, Flour, and SpiceMerchants .................................................113 For the Protection of Spice Merchants.......................................................114 For the Protection of Hop Pickers ..............................................................114 For the Protection of Tobacconists..............................................................115 For the Protection of Vine Dressers............................................................117 For the Protection of Vintners.....................................................................117 For the Protection of Distillers.....................................................................122 For the Protection of Spinners.....................................................................124 For the Protection of Wool Combers .........................................................126 For the Protection of Cheese Makers..........................................................127 Patrons of General Laborers ..............................................................................129 For the Protection of Mechanics and Wheeled Vehicles .........................131 For the Protection of Fruit Dealers .............................................................132 For the Protection of Grocers and Farmstand Vendors...........................133 For the Protection of Stressed-Out Workers .............................................134 For the Protection of Farmers Suffering Financial Hardships................135 Contentsvii
For the Protection of Early Risers andOversleepers................................135 For the Protection of Unmarried Farmers’ Daughters.............................136 PartIII: Patron Saints of Places .........................................................137 Rumination ..........................................................................................................139 For the Protection of Apple Orchards ........................................................141 Patrons of Planting and CropFields................................................................143 For the Protection of the Harvesting of Planting and Crop Fields .......143 Patrons of Gardens and Flower Gardens.........................................................149 For the Protection of Organic Gardens andFarms..................................150 For the Protection of Vineyards...................................................................151 For the Protection of Rural Communities.................................................152 For the Protection of Stables and Barns .....................................................152 For the Protection of Domestic Homes and Farmhouses .......................153 PartIV: Patron Saints of Weather and Protectors against NaturalDisasters................................................................................155 Rumination ..........................................................................................................157 For Protection against Cold Weather .........................................................159 For Protection against Frost..........................................................................160 For Rain and for Protection againstDrought ...........................................161 For Protection against Storms andLightning ...........................................168 For Protection against Fire............................................................................175 For Protection against Flood ........................................................................182 For Protection against Hailstorms...............................................................185 For Protection against Earthquakes.............................................................187 PartV: Blessings and Prayers ..............................................................191 For the Day...........................................................................................................193 The Angelus ....................................................................................................194 viiiFarming and Homesteading with the
Saints
The Angelus Bell ............................................................................................195 St. Francis’s Canticle of the Sun...................................................................196 Prayer Invoking St. Isidore the Farmer.......................................................197 Prayer to St. Joseph the Worker...................................................................198 A Blessing of Anything..................................................................................198 For the Animals ...................................................................................................199 A Blessing of Animals....................................................................................199 A Blessing of Sick Animals ...........................................................................199 A Blessing of Horses and Other Animals...................................................200 An Equestrian’s Prayer to St. Anne..............................................................201 A Blessing of Cattle, Herds, and Flocks .....................................................201 A Blessing of Fowl or Any Kind of Bird.....................................................202 A Blessing of Bees and Their Hive..............................................................203 Prayer to St. Anthony for Lost Animals .....................................................203 Deprecatory Blessing against Pests ..............................................................204 For the Land.........................................................................................................205 Prayer for the Renewal of the Earth............................................................205 A Blessing of Orchards and Vineyards .......................................................207 A Blessing of Fields,Mountain-Meadows, and Pastures.........................207 A Blessing of Seed and Seedlings.................................................................209 A Blessing for Roses .......................................................................................210 For the Farm.........................................................................................................211 Blessing of a Home or Farmhouse...............................................................211 Another Blessing of a Home or Farmhouse...............................................211 The Blessing of a Stable for Horses, Cattle, and Other Animals...........212 The Blessing of Crosses to Be Set in Fields and Vineyards.....................213 The Blessing of an Automobile, Wagon, orTractor ................................214 For Weather and Other Difficulties.................................................................215 A Prayer for Good Weather..........................................................................215 Contentsix
A Prayer for Rain............................................................................................215 A Prayer for an End to Storms.....................................................................215 A Prayer for Protection against Storms.......................................................216 At a Time of Earthquake...............................................................................216 A Blessing to Ward off Floods......................................................................217 The Blessing of a Well...................................................................................218 For the Food.........................................................................................................219 The Blessing of Eggs......................................................................................219 A Blessing of Cheese or Butter.....................................................................219 A Blessing of Salt or Oats for Animals .......................................................220 A Blessing of Lard ..........................................................................................220 A Blessing of a Granary or the Harvest ......................................................221 The Blessing of Seed......................................................................................221 A Blessing of Herbs........................................................................................222 The Blessing of St. John’s Wine...................................................................224 A Blessing of Beer...........................................................................................225 A Blessing of Grapes ......................................................................................225 A Blessing after the Harvest..........................................................................226 Sources ................................................................................................................227 Saints and Their Patronages........................................................................229 Permissions.........................................................................................................237 About the Author...........................................................................................239
xFarming and Homesteading with the Saints

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

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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

Christ’slove, Andie AndrewsEisenberg
Prefacexiii

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.

199

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 Saints

AlmightyeverlastingGod,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.

A 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.)
For the Animals201

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.)

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A 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

For the Animals203

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 Saints

For 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.)
211
(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 Saints

The 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.

For the Farm213
(Thecrossesaresprinkledwithholywater.)

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.)

214Farming
and Homesteading with the Saints

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

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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

216Farming and Homesteading with the Saints

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.

For Weather and Other Difficulties217

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, #28

Sources

Adels, Jill Haak. The Wisdom of the Saints. “St. Anthony of Padua.” New York: Oxford University Press,1987.

Archdiocese of Baltimore. “Setting the World on Fire: Inspiring Quotes from St. Catherine of Siena.” Letter T368.https://www.archbalt.org/ setting-the-world-on-fire-inspiring-quotes-from-st-catherine-of-siena/.

Archives of the Lisieux Carmel, Last Conversations (LC 9.6, LC 17.7)

https://www.archives-carmel-lisieux.fr/english/carmel/index.php/last-year-of-therese/ last-year-of-therese-page-3.Alternately, quoted text can be found in the book My Vocation Is Love, Therese of Lisieux, by Jean Lafrance. Originally published as Ma vocation c’est l’amour by Mediaspaul, 8 rue Madame 75006, Paris, France. English translation by Anne Marie Brennan OCD. © 1990, 1994 St. Pauls, Homebush NSW 2140, Australia, pages 9–10.

Benedict XVI. St. Odo’s Life. September 2, 2009.https://anastpaul.com/2019/11/18/ saint-of-the-day-18-november-saint-odo-of-cluny-c-880-942/.

Breviary According to the Rite of the Order of Preachers,1967.

Ford, David Nash. “St. Swithun, Bishop of Winchester.”

http://earlybritishkingdoms.com/adversaries/bios/swithun.html.

LaFrance, Jean. My Vocation Is Love: St. Therese’s Way to Total Trust. Translated by Anne Marie Brennan, O.C.D. Boston: Pauline Books and Media,2012.

Member of the Order of the Holy Cross. The Metropolitan Second Reader: With ComprehensionActivities. Montreal: James A. Sadlier Catholic Publisher, 1883, 1993.

https://www.crusaders-for-christ.com/uploads/8/9/4/8/8948848/ metropolitan_second_reader_-_with_comprehension_activities.pdf.

New American Bible. rev. ed. Washington, D.C.: Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970.

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and Homesteading with the Saints

The Roman Missal © 2010, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation.

Roten, Fr. Johann G., S.M. “The Angelus: An Artistic Rendering.” All about Mary. https://udayton.edu/imri/mary/a/angelus-painting-by-millet.php.

Scudder, Vida Dutton, ed. and trans. “To Stefano Maconi.” Letters T329, T368. St. Catherine of Siena as Seen in Her Letters. London, New York: J. M. Dent and E. P. Dutton, 1905.http://www.domcentral.org/trad/cathletters.htm#2StefanoMaconi.

Stokes, John S., Jr. “Blessing Mary Gardens: The Blessing of Mary Gardens as Holy Places.”https://udayton.edu/marianlibrary/marysgardens/b/ blessing-mary-gardens.php.

Thérèse of Lisieux. Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of St. Thérèse of Lisieux. Translated by John Clarke, O.C.D. 3rd ed. Washington, DC: ICS Publications,1996.

Thurston, Herbert. “Angelus Bell.” Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 1. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1907. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01487a.htm.

Thurston, Herbert J.,SJ, and Donald Attwater, eds. Butler’s Lives of the Saints. Westminster, MD: Christian Classics,1990.

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Resources for Liturgy: On Caring for God’s Creation. Washington, DC: USCCB, 2015.https://www.usccb.org/ issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/environment/upload/ ecology-resource-liturgy.pdf.

University of Notre Dame. “St. Thomas Aquinas.”http://faith.nd.edu/s/1210/faith/ interior.aspx?cid=27402&crid=0&ecid=27402&gid=609&pgid=13038&sid=1210.

Velez, Fr. Juan. “Mary, Mystical Rose.”https://www.cardinaljohnhenrynewman.com/ mary-mystical-rose-cardinal-newman/.

Voragine, Jacobus de, comp. 1275. The Golden Legend (Aurea legenda). Vol. 7. Translatedby William Caxton,1483.

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228Farming

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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.

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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.

978-0-8294-5537-3 $16.99 U.S. RELIGION / SAINTS
ISBN:

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