___

Ruben and Antonia Diaz, a farm family from Deming, New Mexico, will receive the 2002 Isidore and Maria Award at the 79th Anniversary gathering of the National Catholic Rural Life Conference, November 8-9, 2002, at the Holiday Inn Fairlane in Dearborn, Michigan.

The Diaz's were nominated by Most Reverend Ricardo Ramirez, C.S.B., bishop of Las Cruces, New Mexico. Bishop Ramirez wrote: "Ruben and Antonia are an excellent farming couple. They exemplify the ideals and values according to the tradition of the Spanish saints and patrons of farmers, St. Isidore and St. Mary la Cabeza."

Brother David G. Andrews, CSC, executive director of NCRLC, said the Isidore and Maria Award honors a rural couple who exemplify a vocation to farm life and a love which combines family, integrity, stewardship and religion. "Our patron saints Isidore and Maria represent a shared fidelity to a dream. We can find no better contemporary exemplars of Isidore and Maria for 2002 than Ruben and Antonia Diaz."

Ruben and Antonia immigrated to the United States from the state of Jalisco, Mexico, and brought with them rural and agricultural values such as love of the earth and care for all its creatures. They also brought their family values and traditions and have contributed enormously to the Deming area, including their parish of St. Ann.

Antonia and Ruben have been family farmers who live a true rural ethic. They have raised a sizeable family and their farm has gradually grown to include 1,600 acres in the desert area of southern New Mexico. "They have indeed made the desert bloom," said Br. Andrews.

Saint Isidore and Maria are the patron saints of the National Catholic Rural Life Conference. St. Isidore was born in Madrid, Spain about the year 1110. From childhood he worked as a farm hand on the De Vergas estate outside of Madrid. He and Maria were prayerful, devoted to religion, loved the earth, animals, and his community. The earthly remains of the couple are found over the main altar in the cathedral of St. Isidore in Madrid.

The award will be presented by Most Reverend David Ricken, President of the National Catholic Rural Life Conference, at the annual celebratory banquet on November 9th. Joining him will be Most Reverend Ricardo Ramirez and Most Reverend Ronald Gilmore, NCRLC Board member and Chair of the Agriculture Task Force of the U.S. Bishops Conference.