St. Isidore the Farmer
Feast Day: May 15
“If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones.” – Luke 16:10
A Humble Farmer Faithful to God
St. Isidore the Farmer, also known as Isidore the Laborer, is honored for his simple life of faith, prayer, and hard work. His feast day, celebrated on May 15, commemorates his devotion to God, his love for the poor, and his witness that holiness can be lived in ordinary daily life.
A Life Rooted in Prayer and Work
Isidore was born around 1070 near Madrid, Spain, to a poor farming family. From a young age, he worked as a day laborer on the lands of a wealthy landowner. Though poor and uneducated, Isidore was rich in faith.
He began each day by attending Mass and spending time in prayer before starting his labor in the fields. His fellow workers sometimes criticized him for seeming to spend too much time praying, but God blessed his work abundantly.
Miracles of the Field
Tradition holds that angels were seen plowing the fields alongside Isidore, allowing his work to be completed even while he paused to pray.
Many miracles are attributed to him, including providing food for the hungry, causing water to spring from dry ground, and multiplying food for the poor. He lived a life of great charity, sharing what little he had with those in need.
A Holy Family
Isidore was married to Maria de la Cabeza, who is also venerated as Blessed Maria Torribia. Together, they lived a life of simplicity, prayer, and generosity, often opening their home to the poor.
Patron of Farmers and Rural Communities
St. Isidore is the patron saint of farmers, laborers, and rural communities, a powerful intercessor for those who work the land and live close to the rhythms of nature. He is also invoked for good weather, successful crops, and relief from drought.
A Witness to Holiness in Ordinary Life
St. Isidore’s life reminds the faithful that sainthood is not limited to priests, religious, or scholars, but is possible for anyone who seeks God in the simple duties of daily life. His example teaches that prayer, humility, charity, and trust in God are the seeds of holiness.
St. Isidore the Farmer, pray for us!
