There are two Isidores in the Catholic Church. One is St. Isidore’s vocation as a married man. Another one is a humble farmer, he has become the patron of farmers and rural communities. In particular, he is the patron of Madrid, Spain, and of the United States National Rural Life Conference.
Isidore entered the service of John de Vergas, a wealthy landowner from Madrid. He worked faithfully on his estate outside the city for the rest of his life. He married a young woman as simple and upright as himself who also is currently a blessed soon-to-be canonized—Maria de la Cabeza. They had one son, who died as a child. Impressively, Isidore and his wife Maria are one of two married couples in the history of the Church to become saints as a married couple.
Isidore had deep religious instincts. He used to go to church early in the morning and spent many a holiday devoutly visiting the churches of Madrid and surrounding areas. Even at work, St. Isidore walked behind the plow, communing with God, never ceasing in his devotion. Due to his deep devotion, his fellow workers sometimes complained that he often showed up late because of lingering in church too long. There are witnesses who claim they saw angels tilling and working the fields in his place so Isidore could be free to pray and help the poor.
Another miracle associated with Isidore is an account of Isidore miraculously having an extra supply of food to give to the needy. Although very poor themselves, Isidore and Maria never denied the poor assistance. They trusted the Lord to supply for their needs, and the needs of others, so generosity came easily for them. In addition, it was not just the poor Isidore who loved and served, but he also had a great concern for the proper treatment of animals.
St. Isidore died May 15, 1130, and was declared a saint in 1622, with Saints Ignatius of Loyola, Francis Xavier, Teresa of Avila, and Philip Neri. Together, the group is known in Spain as “the five saints.”
2023 marked the 401-year anniversary of St. Isidore’s canonization. His intercession, and example of humility and sacrificial giving, continue to this day to be a model of Christian living.