ST. ISIDORE THE FARMER
Patron of Farmers & Rural Communities
A humble laborer whose faith moved heaven to tend the earth alongside him.
church Diocese of Gumaca · Vicariate of St. Peter
St. Isidore
the Farmer
A parish rooted in faith and the land — serving the faithful of Hondagua, Lopez, Quezon since 1961.
Who Was St. Isidore the Farmer?
format_quote He shared what he had — even his meals — with the poor and with the birds that suffered from the lack of food in winter.
Isidore was born in Madrid around 1070–1082 to poor, devout parents. As a young boy, he went to work on the estate of John de Vargas, a wealthy landowner, and labored there for the remainder of his life. Known as a Mozarab — a Christian living under Muslim rule — his family kept their faith even before Madrid returned to Christian hands in 1085.
He married Maria Torribia, herself later canonized as Santa María de la Cabeza. Together they had one son, who tragically died young. In gratitude after a miraculous rescue of their child from a deep well, the couple vowed abstinence and lived in separate houses devoted to prayer and charity.
Isidore is venerated alongside Saints Ignatius of Loyola, Francis Xavier, Teresa of Ávila, and Philip Neri as one of the “Five Saints” of Spain. He was canonized on 12 March 1622 by Pope Gregory XV.
A Life of Divine Grace
The life and miracles of St. Isidore are preserved in the Codex of Saint Isidore, a 13th-century manuscript testifying to his extraordinary union with God.
Our Parish Priest
Rev. Fr. Genaro De Castro
Rev. Fr. Genaro De Castro shepherds the faithful of St. Isidore the Farmer Parish in Hondagua, Lopez, Quezon. Under his pastoral care, the parish continues its mission of building a vibrant Catholic community rooted in prayer, service, and devotion to the patron saint of farmers.
The parish falls under the Vicariate of St. Peter, led by Vicar General Rev. Fr. Ramon D. Uriarte, MA, SThL, and the episcopal leadership of Bishop Euginius Cañete of the Diocese of Gumaca.
The History of Lopez, Quezon
Long before it bore the name Lopez, this land was known as Talolong — a flourishing coastal settlement in the southern part of Gumaca, named after the river that traversed the place. Founded by descendants of Datu Dumangsil and Datu Balinsusa of the Kalilayan kingdom, the original settlement sat at the marshy mouth of a quiet river.
Plagued by the frequent plundering and terrorism of pirates, the colony was forced to relocate to higher ground. In 1756, people from the town of Mayoboc (present-day Pitogo) sought refuge in the settlement after a devastating Moro raid burned their town to the ground.
After 45 years of persistent petitions, Governor General Fernando Norzagaray approved the separation of Talolong from Gumaca on June 30, 1857. The new municipality was named in honor of Alcalde Mayor Don Candido Lopez y Diaz, with Don Antonio Olivarez serving as its first gobernadorcillo.
The town endured the American arrival in 1900, the Japanese occupation beginning December 24, 1941, and a heroic liberation on March 12, 1945, achieved by the combined forces of Vera’s Party guerrillas and American soldiers. Out of the entire town, only one house remained standing — that of Ramon Mopera.
Today, Lopez is a vibrant municipality of over 96,000 people, carrying forward centuries of resilience, faith, and community spirit.
Mass Schedule
We invite you to join us in the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. All are welcome in the house of the Lord.
Our Community in Pictures
Moments of faith, fellowship, and celebration captured through the years at St. Isidore the Farmer Parish.
Parish Ministries
Our parish is alive because of the dedicated men and women who serve in our various ministries.
Lectors & Commentators
Proclaiming the Word of God during the celebration of the Holy Eucharist with clarity and devotion.
Music Ministry
Leading the congregation in praise and worship through hymns and sacred music.
Social Services
Extending Christ’s love through outreach programs and care for the less fortunate.
Youth Ministry
Nurturing the faith of the next generation through catechesis, retreats, and activities.
Altar Servers
Assisting the priest during liturgical services with reverence and dedication.
Floral & Environment
Beautifying our sacred space with floral arrangements for reverent worship.
The Feast of
St. Isidore
Join our community in celebrating the patron saint of farmers, laborers, and all who work the land.
Visit Our Parish arrow_forwardParish Events & Announcements
Stay connected with our parish community. Here are the latest happenings and upcoming gatherings at St. Isidore the Farmer.
Feast of St. Isidore the Farmer
The annual fiesta celebration honoring our patron saint with a solemn High Mass, grand procession through the barangays, traditional pabitin, and community agape.
Nine-Day Novena to the Sacred Heart
Join us for nine consecutive days of prayer and devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Parish Family Day & Fellowship
A day of fun, games, and fellowship for all parish families.
Youth Faith Formation Retreat
A weekend retreat for young parishioners aged 13–25.
Parish News & Announcements
Hondagua Parish Latest Updates
Stay connected with the latest news, upcoming events, spiritual reflections, and important announcements from our beloved Hondagua Parish community.