Saint Isidore, the Plowman, known as the patron saint of peasants and farmers

Patron
Patron saint of workers, peasants and farmers in some Spanish and Italian cities.

Summary
Born in Madrid, around 1070, Isidore became a saint by praying, working in the fields and sharing his goods with the poorest. A farmer who, together with his wife, Blessed Maria de la Cabeza, waited diligently to work in the fields, patiently reaping the heavenly reward even more than the earthly fruits, and was a true model of a Christian farmer.

Work and Prayer
Despite working hard in the fields, he participated in the Eucharist every day and dedicated a lot of space to prayer, so much so that some envious colleagues accused him, unfairly, of taking hours away from work. There is no shortage of envy, but he overcomes everything thanks to the help of his wife Maria. In this way he revealed the profound relationship and importance between sanctified work and prayer.

Marriage
With his wife, Maria de La Cabeza, he lived a marriage that was always characterized by great attention to the poorest, with whom they shared what little they had. No one left Isidoro without having received something. The two sanctified each other and Mary was also recognized by the Church as Blessed.

Death and canonization
He died on May 15, 1130. He was canonized on March 12, 1622 by Pope Gregory XV. His remains are preserved in the Madrid church of Sant’Andrea.

My prayer
“Dear saint, you give us testimony that prayer and work are pillars of spirituality. It shows us that charity also comes from this experience. Intercede so that we have good harvests, intercede so that we are exemplary workers and generous people par excellence. By Christ Our Lord. Amen!”

Saint Isidore farmer, pray for us!

Other saints and blesseds celebrated on May 15:

1. In Lampsacus, in the Hellespont, in present-day Turkey, the passion of saints Peter, Andrew, Paul and Dionysia, martyrs. († s. III)
2. In Arvena, in Aquitaine, today Clermont-Ferrand, in France, saints Cassius and Victorinus, martyrs. († s. III)
3. In Sardinia, region of Italy, Saint Simplius, presbyter. († s. III/IV)
4. In Larissa, in Thessaly, region of Greece, Santo Aquileus O Thaumaturge, Bishop. († s. IV)
5. In Autun, in Gaul Lionense, in modern-day France, Saint Reticium, Bishop. († s. IV)
6. In Ethiopia, Saint Caleb or Elésban, king. († c. 535)
7. In Septêmpeda, in Piceno, today in the Marches, region of Italy, Saint Severinus, bishop, whose name was given to the city. († date inc.)
8. In Bingen, next to the Rhine River and near Mainz, currently in Germany, Saint Roberto, Duke. († s. VIII)
9. In Córdoba, in Andalusia, a region of Spain, São Vitesindo, martyr. († 855)
10. In Aix-en-Provence, France, Blessed André Abellon, presbyter of the Order of Preachers. († 1450)

– Research and writing: Rafael Vitto – Comunidade

– Production and editing: Fernando Fantini – Comunidade