Community prays

MARIA STEIN - Dozens of people gathered to pray for those affected by recent flooding during a community prayer service at the Maria Stein Shrine of the Holy Relics on Thursday evening.

Matt Hess, coordinator of ministry and hospitality, said the service was put together in about 72 hours. Hess felt a sense of urgency to acknowledge the recent flooding, and the community prayer service was the response.

The service venerated relics of St. Isidore, the patron saint of farming, and St. Gregory Thaumaturgus, miracle worker and patron saint against flooding.

Hess spoke about St. Isidore, a lifelong farmer in 11th century Spain who was a faithful worker and devoted much of his time to God. Isidore was even known to be late to work due to his time spent lingering in church, according to Hess.

St. Gregory was born to an esteemed pagan family and studied law until he met Origen, a celebrated scholar. St. Gregory then studied theology and philosophy and converted to Christianity. His memorial title Thaumaturgus means "the wonder-worker" in Latinized Greek, Hess said.

Sister Barbara Ann Hoying gave the reflection, saying people need to trust in God and his plan. Hoying referenced John 21:15 when Jesus asks Simon Peter three times if he loves him and tells Simon Peter to feed his lambs. Hoying said that people must still love God during good times and bad, including when farms and businesses are flooded.

Attendees were able to venerate the relics of Ss. Isidore the Farmer and Gregory Thaumaturgus. Susie Bergman, shrine marketing and public relations manager, said the veneration was unique and special for the service since it is not done often.