Patronage: Farmers, laborers, Madrid, rural communities, and rain
Early Life
Saint Isidore the Farmer (San Isidro Labrador) was born around 1070 in Madrid, Spain. He was a humble peasant who worked as a farm laborer for a wealthy landowner named Juan de Vargas. Though poor in material wealth, he was rich in faith, dedicating his life to prayer, charity, and hard work.
Life of Holiness
Isidore was known for his deep piety and devotion to God. He attended daily Mass before beginning his work in the fields, often spending his days in prayer as he plowed. His fellow workers sometimes accused him of neglecting his duties, but his master found that Isidore’s fields were always miraculously well-tended, leading to the belief that angels assisted him in his labor.
Despite his modest means, Isidore was generous to the poor. He shared his food with those in need and was said to have miraculously provided food for hungry people and animals. One famous story tells of how he fed a group of starving birds with the grain meant for planting, yet his harvest was still abundant.
Isidore was married to María Torribia, later venerated as Santa María de la Cabeza. Like her husband, she was known for her holiness and charity. They lived a simple and prayerful life, often giving to those in need despite their own poverty.
Miracles and Legacy
Many miracles were attributed to Isidore, both during his life and after his death. Some of the most well-known include:
- The Angelic Plowmen – Isidore was seen praying while angels plowed the fields in his place.
- The Overflowing Pot – He miraculously multiplied food to feed the poor.
- The Well of Water – He struck the ground, and a spring of fresh water appeared to help a thirsty employer.
Isidore died in 1130 and was buried in Madrid. His body was later found to be incorrupt. He was canonized in 1622 by Pope Gregory XV, alongside other great saints: Ignatius of Loyola, Francis Xavier, Teresa of Ávila, and Philip Neri.
Today, Saint Isidore remains a beloved figure among farmers and rural communities, representing the virtues of hard work, faith, and trust in God’s providence.