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Saint Isidore the Farmer (Credit : Wikimedia Commons)

St. Isidore the Laborer (c. 1070–1130) is a Catholic saint revered as the patron of farmers, peasants, day laborers, and Madrid, Spain. A humble farmhand known for his piety, he is often depicted with angels helping him plow fields while he prayed. His feast day is celebrated on May 15.

Life as devoted farmer

When he was barely old enough to wield a hoe, Isidore entered the service of John de Vergas, a wealthy landowner from Madrid, and worked faithfully on his estate outside the city for the rest of his life. He married a young woman as simple and upright as himself who also became a saint—Maria de la Cabeza. They had one son, who died as a child.

Isidore the Farmer had deep religious instincts. He rose early in the morning to go to church and spent many a holiday devoutly visiting the churches of Madrid and surrounding areas. All day long, as he walked behind the plow, he communed with God. His devotion, one might say, became a problem, for his fellow workers sometimes complained that he often showed up late because of lingering in church too long.

He was known for his love of the poor, and there are accounts of Isidore the Farmer’s supplying them miraculously with food. He had a great concern for the proper treatment of animals.

Death and Veneration

St. Isidore died on May 15, 1130 at 60 years of age. Many years after his death, he appeared to King Alphonsus of Castile when he was fighting the Moors in the Pass of Navas de Tolosa. The saint showed the king a hidden path, through which he was able to surprise and defeat the Muslims. This was one of the miracles considered for his canonization.

This humble laborer was canonized in 1622 by Pope Gregory XV, along with St. Ignatius of Loyola, St. Francis Xavier, St. Teresa of Avila, and St. Philip Neri. Saint Isidore's body is incorrupt, and rests in the Cathedral of Madrid.

Saint Isidore's body is incorrupt, and rests in the Cathedral of Madrid.

Article by Catholic Time Staff