Centuries later, Philip III of Spain lay gravely ill. Borne to him were the relics of Saint Isidore. After prayer and contact, the monarch recovered. Gratitude moved him to honour the saint publicly, ordering a noble silver reliquary and advancing the cause that culminated in canonisation under Gregory XV. The royal chamber becomes a catechesis: saints are not ornaments but companions; relics are not curiosities but memorials of grace; earthly authority bows before holiness and then employs its strength to magnify God’s works. When the powerful are healed, it is to teach the humble to hope—and to teach the restored to serve.
Prayer: O Christ, who healest body and soul, make us instruments of gratitude after every favour received. Through Saint Isidore’s intercession, grant health to the sick and humility to the strong.
Scripture: Psalm 103:2–5; Acts 19:11–12.
