St. Isidore, like so many saints, was a pretty normal guy who worked the land on an estate, cared for his family, and loved God. But what is so special about him that he was named a saint?
Help From Above
Isidore was born in Madrid in the 12th century and worked the fields of the local De Vargas estate from childhood. He married Maria and their only child died as an infant. He was a very pious man who would attend daily Mass and sometimes come to work late (which did bother his fellow workers at times). However, it is said that his fellow workers and Master De Vargas saw him plowing with two angels at his side, so that the work that he did was the amount of three men (it’s like the farming version of Angels in the Outfield!).
Although they were poor, he and his faithful wife served the poor and oppressed in the slums of the city by bringing them food. Also, he would bring them to their home for food and shelter, even though they lived in very humble circumstances. Many miracles were attributed to both of them (which is why Maria is a saint too!). But, the simple virtues of family life, mercy, charity, and love and care for the land and animals are values we should all emulate. St. Isidore’s feast day is May 15 and he is the patron of farmers and rural communities.
Read a bit more about him here and here.
Why an Ear of Corn?
St. Isidore was a farmer and laborer in Madrid in the 12th century who worked an estate for a wealthy landowner for his whole life. He would go to Mass early in the morning and pray his way through his daily work. It is said that he provided food for the poor miraculously and had great care for animals. He is the patron of farmers.
Who wold be friends with St. Isidore?
- Farmers
- Gardeners
- Those who live in small towns
- Rural priests (they are sowing seeds in rural communities!)
- Spaniards
- Americans
- Soup Kitchen workers and volunteers
- Families
- People who have lost a child
Novenas & Prayers to St. Isidore
There are three novena suggestions to pray a novena to St. Isidore each year: one that would end on his feast (May 15), one to end on Assumption (August 15) which has been called Our Lady of the Fields and flowers and herbs are traditionally blessed on that day, and one before Thanksgiving in November for the harvest and thankfulness. The novena can be found here. There is also an excellent litany in honor of St. Isidore. Here’s an excerpt:
St. Isidore, pray for us.
St. Isidore…
patron of farmers, pray for us.
illustrious tiller of the soul, pray for us.
model of laborers, pray for us.
devoted to duty, pray for us.
loaded down with the labors of the field, pray for us.
model of filial piety, pray for us.
support of family life, pray for us.
confessor of the faith, pray for us.
example of mortification, pray for us.
assisted by angels, pray for us.
possessor of the gift of miracles, pray for us.
burning with lively faith, pray for us.
zealous in prayer, pray for us.
ardent lover of the Blessed Sacrament, pray for us.
Head over to our shop to pick up this medal to gift to your farmer or gardener friend!
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