SAINT ISIDORE

FARMER 

This year, Saint Isidore's feast day was shared, and overshadowed by, Pentecost Sunday. We present a little bit about his life, and share a prayer.

Saint Isidore was born a few centuries after the famous archbishop of Seville (Saint Isidore of Seville, and Doctor of the Church) around 1070, into a peasant family near Madrid. He spent years employed as a laborer in the fields, plowing the land. He would go to church early in the morning, and often be late for work as a plowman. 

Isidore's employer received the report of his tardiness, and went to investigate. He saw Isidore arriving late, but also saw additional help in the form of a mist and white oxen plowing next to Isidore. When they were approached, the images disappeared. Miracles were part of Isidore's simple life as he looked to God for help, strength and guidance.

God blessed Isidore with a good wife. Her name was Maria Torribia. She, too, was generous and kind, devout and a canonized saint. She is venerated as Maria de la Cabeza in Spain.

Honesty and integrity were part of the fabric of Isidore's being. He worked hard, and while outdoors, he often exhibited his love for animals and wild creatures. He shared what he had with the poor--and sometimes that included hungry birds. 

As he acted in loving worship toward God, and gentle care for God's creatures and the poor that he met, he found that God sometimes multiplied his outpouring--literally, including some dried corn that was poured out for the birds. It was meant for the mill, and what was left doubled as it was later ground for flour. Kindness and generosity were part of his lifestyle.

Saint Isidore died in 1140, preceding the death of his wife. He is still venerated in Spain, and is patron saint of several cities there.

Prayer to Saint Isidore

Dear Saint Isidore, 

you received the help of angels while working as a farm laborer. With integrity and dedication you worked as a plowman, honoring God first in worship, and in faithfulness toward the One to Whom you looked for strength. 

Intercede for us as we farm and garden, cultivate and reap, that our land might be protected and fruitful. May we work gladly, and generously share what we have with others. May we persevere in each task, receiving Your care and help, knowing that “the earth is the Lord’s and everything in it.” Amen.

Feast Day: May 15

Patron Saint of: Laborers, Gardeners, Farmers, and the U.S. National Rural Life Conference