Isidore the Laborer

Saint Isidore the Laborer, also called Isidore the Farmer, was born in Madrid around 1070 to poor but devout parents, who named him after Saint Isidore of Seville. Living in a changing Spain after Madrid passed into Christian rule, he spent his life as a hired farmworker for the landowner Juan de Vargas. Isidore became beloved for his quiet faith, his care for animals, and his generous heart toward the poor, often sharing his own food with those in need. He married María Torribia, remembered in Spain as María de la Cabeza, and they had a son. When their child fell into a deep well, Isidore and María prayed, and the water was said to rise and lift the boy to safety. Many other miracles are associated with him, especially the stories of angels plowing while he attended Mass, and of food and grain multiplied for the hungry. Venerated as the patron of farmers and agriculture, and especially honored in Madrid and many towns, Saint Isidore died on 15 May 1130. His feast day is May 15.