Saint of the day May 15, 2025

Isidore was born to very poor yet very pious Catholic parents in Madrid, Spain. His parents were unable to support him when he was a youth and sent him to work for a wealthy landowner, John de Vergas (He ended up working for him for the rest of his life).

He married a very religious woman named Maria Torribia (also known as Maria de la Cabeza). She, like Isidore, became a saint. They had one son who died unexpectedly as a child. Their grief inclined them to believe their son’s death to be a sign from God and consequently vowed to live a life of perfect continence.

Isidore frequented Holy Mass every morning but often reported to work late. Late, though he was, his plowing was nevertheless accomplished by angels that resulted in three times more productivity. His coworkers and his boss witnessed such miraculous events and accorded Isidore with great respect.

St. Isidore loved the poor and loved the animals. The miracle of the multiplication of food occurred when Isidore fed a flock of starving birds, and at another time when Isidore shared his food with a large group of beggars.

Isidore died on May 15, 1120, at 60 years of age and was canonized in 1622 along with four very notable Spanish saints. The group, known as “the five saints”, included St. Ignatius of Loyola, St. Teresa of Avila, St. Francis Xavier, St. Philip Neri, and St. Isidore. His body has been found incorrupt. His memorial is celebrated on May 15th on the Roman Calendar.

St. Isidore is known as the patron of Madrid, Spain as well as Leon, Saragosa, and Seville. He is also considered the patron of farmers, peasants, day laborers, and rural communities. Lastly, he is the patron of the United States National Rural Life Conference.

Reflection

St. Isidore reminds us that sanctity isn’t about what you do but about your assent to God’s will in your personal life. He responded to God’s call in his heart with generosity. He leaned into the desire for God that had been gifted to him, and he did so without counting the cost.

St. Isidore knew what many of us forget – prayer is the building of a relationship. Relationships are about more than conversation – they are about time spent in one another’s presence. Christ, the Divine Bridegroom, desires more than conversation with us. He desires union with us. He desires time spent in his physical, Eucharistic presence. Although it may be popular to think of Jesus as a “best friend,” in reality he is something more. He wants to be one with us, as spouses are one in marriage.

Saint Isidore the Farmer's life challenges the modern compartmentalization of work and spirituality, showing that work can be a channel for grace, regardless of its nature. His legacy endures, especially among those who seek to find meaning in their work and to serve God through their daily labors