St. Isidore, the Farmer (1070-1130)

Feast Day: May 15
Canonized: March 12, 1622
Patron of farmers and rural communities
Began each day with Mass

St. Isidore was born into a peasant family in Madrid. Although his family was poor, they were rich in love for God and taught Isidore to dedicate himself to His service. Isidore went to work as a day laborer on the estate of John de Vergas, a wealthy landowner from the town of Torrelaguanna, and would work there throughout his 59-year life.

Beginning each day by attending Mass before heading to the fields, he arrived at work after his fellow laborers. Legend has it that they thought Isidore was slacking off, but when de Vergas came to investigate, he found two angels plowing the fields in Isidore’s place – so that Isidore had time for prayer.

Isidore was married to Maria Torribia, who would eventually be canonized as Santa Maria de la Cabeza. They had one son, who died in infancy.
Despite his own poverty, Isidore had a generous heart for the poor, often bringing them home for a plate of stew to fill their aching stomachs. He was also known for his kindness to animals.

As the story of the lives of Isidore and Maria became known in Spain, farmers invoked their effective intercession for bountiful harvests.