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St Isidore the Farmer
May 15
Farm labourer, married man. Born in 1070, Isidore entered the service of John de Vergas, a wealthy landowner from Madrid, when he was about ten years old. He worked faithfully on his estate outside the city for the rest of his life. He married a young woman who also became a saint – Maria de la Cabeza. They had one son.
Isidore used to rise early in the morning to go to church. His fellow workers sometimes complained about him when he arrived at work late after spending too long in church.
During his holidays he used to visit the churches of Madrid and surrounding areas. He also prayed all day long, as he walked behind the plough.
Isidore was known for his generosity to the poor. There are accounts of him miraculously finding supplies of food for them. He also had a great concern for the proper treatment of animals.
He died on this day in 1130, and was declared a saint in 1622 with Ignatius of Loyola, Francis Xavier, Teresa of Avila and Philip Neri. Together, the group is known in Spain as ‘The Five Saints.’ He is now a patron saint of farmers and rural communities and patron of Madrid.
