Saint Isidore the Farmer

May 15th is the Feast of St. Isidore the Farmer

I’ve only in the last year or so become aware of Saint Isidore the Farmer (also known as Isidore the Laborer), and he is becoming one of my favorite saints. He lived outside of Madrid, Spain, from 1070 to 1130 and spent his life working for a local landowner.

By all accounts, Isidore was hardworking and pious, praying continuously as he worked and going to daily Mass regularly before starting his day. By some accounts his fellow laborers grumbled that his prayers kept him from starting work with the rest of them. But he was a hard worker who never failed to pull his own weight. In fact, it’s said that Angels would occasionally step in to lend a hand when necessary.

Isidore was gentle and patient, as good with animals as with people. He and his wife, Saint Maria de la Cabaza, had their share of sorrows — their only child died very young — but it did not diminish their generosity. They gave often to the poor and needy in their community, and there are accounts of miraculous multiplication of the food they would offer.

I think what draws me especially to this saint is a sense of a good and humble Christian life. Aside from a few basic miracles, there is none of the usual pageantry and extravagance that we usually get from the stories of saints. This is someone who lived his life, doing his best to balance work, faith, and family.

Isidore is the Patron Saint of Farmers and of Rural Life.