Saint Isidore the Farmer

Saint Isidore the Farmer is also called Saint Isidore the Laborer. He was a poor man who worked on the land. He lived in Spain a long time ago. He was born around the year 1070 and died in 1130. He spent most of his life working in the fields near Madrid.

Isidore was not rich or famous. He did not lead an army or preach to crowds. He was a simple man. He worked hard every day. He prayed often and went to Mass when he could. He trusted God and lived a quiet life.

Many people loved him because he was kind. He helped others when he could. He shared his food with the poor. He did not think of himself first. He lived like Jesus taught—loving God and loving his neighbor.

After his death, people began to tell stories about him. Some said angels helped him plow the fields. Others said his prayers brought food to the hungry. These stories spread, and people began to ask for his prayers in heaven.

Isidore became the patron saint of farmers. People still pray to him today, especially those who work the land. He shows us that we can become holy even in simple work.

Isidore was born in Madrid, Spain. His parents were poor. They raised him to love God and to work hard. As a boy, he learned how to farm. He did not go to school. He worked in the fields to help his family.

When he grew up, he worked for a rich landowner. His job was to plow the fields, plant seeds, and take care of the crops. He got up early every day. He prayed before he worked. He often went to church before going to the fields. Some people said he spent too much time praying, but the work still got done. His boss saw that the fields were always well cared for.

Isidore married a woman named Maria. She was also kind and faithful. They lived a simple life. They had a son, but the child died young. After that, they lived in prayer and service to others. Maria later became known as Saint Maria de la Cabeza. She is also honored as a saint in Spain.

Isidore did not try to stand out. He just worked, prayed, and helped others. He shared what little he had. He gave food to the poor. He cared for animals. People who knew him saw that he was honest and good. Even though he was poor, he was rich in faith.

Isidore loved God very much. He prayed every day. He prayed when he woke up. He prayed before work. He prayed while walking to the fields. Prayer was part of his whole day.

He went to Mass as often as he could. Sometimes he went early in the morning before work. He wanted to be close to God. Some people thought he was wasting time, but Isidore believed that prayer came first. He trusted that God would help him finish his work.

Isidore also trusted God in hard times. Farming is not easy. Some years the crops are bad. Some years there is too much rain or not enough. But Isidore did not complain. He believed God would take care of him and his family. He worked hard and left the rest to God.

He also cared for others. His faith was not just words. He helped people who were hungry. He gave what he had, even when he had little. He was not proud. He just tried to live like Jesus. Simple faith. Simple life. But full of trust in God.

Many stories were told about Saint Isidore after he died. People believed that God helped him in special ways. One story says that when Isidore went to Mass, others thought he was being lazy. But when they looked out at the field, they saw angels plowing beside him. The work was getting done, even while he prayed.

Another story says that one winter day, Isidore was bringing food to the poor. He had a sack of grain. When someone asked him for food, he shared from the sack. Later, when he opened it, the sack was still full. People believed it was a miracle.

There is a story that one day, Isidore was using his donkey to carry grain for planting. While he was working, a flock of hungry birds came. They began eating the grain that had fallen to the ground. Some people would have chased the birds away, but Isidore did not. He let them eat.

People watching him thought he was foolish. They said he was wasting good seed. But later, when the field was planted, it grew better than anyone expected. The crops were strong and full. People believed that because Isidore was kind to the birds, God blessed his work. The story shows that Isidore cared for all of God’s creatures, even the small ones.

These stories may sound strange, but they show how people saw Isidore. They believed he was close to God. They believed God helped him because he was good and kind. Whether or not all the stories are true, they remind us that God can work in quiet lives.

Isidore was married to a woman named Maria. She was kind and faithful like him. They lived a simple life together. They worked hard, prayed often, and helped others. They did not have much, but they shared what they had.

They had one son. The story says that the boy fell into a well and almost died. Isidore and Maria prayed with trust. The water in the well rose, and the boy was saved. After this, they gave thanks to God and stayed close to Him.

Later, their son died young. This was very hard for them. But they stayed faithful. They gave their pain to God. They kept living a quiet life of work, prayer, and kindness. They supported each other in faith.

Maria is now honored as a saint too. People call her Saint Maria de la Cabeza. In Spanish, “de la Cabeza” means “of the head.” Some say she was called this because her head, or skull, was kept as a holy relic after her death. It was placed in a special place where people came to pray. Others believe the name comes from a place near Madrid where a shrine was built in her honor. That place was also called La Cabeza.

Like Isidore, she is remembered for her strong faith, her prayers, and her kindness. Their marriage shows how a husband and wife can grow in holiness together by loving God and helping others.

Saint Isidore was made a saint in the year 1622. This happened many years after he died. People had kept his memory alive through stories and prayers. They believed he was in heaven and could pray for them. Many said they received help after asking for his prayers.

Pope Gregory XV canonized him. He also canonized other well-known saints that same year, including Saint Ignatius of Loyola and Saint Teresa of Ávila. The Church saw that Isidore lived a holy life, even though he was just a simple farmer. He showed that you do not need to be rich or famous to be close to God.

Saint Isidore is now the patron saint of farmers, workers, and rural communities. People who work the land ask him to pray for them. They ask for good weather, strong crops, and peace in their homes. He is also the patron saint of Madrid, where he lived and worked.

His feast day is May 15. On that day, many people in Spain and other countries honor him with prayer and celebration. Farmers bring their tools and animals to be blessed. They remember that Isidore worked with his hands and trusted God with his whole life.

Saint Isidore: The Farmer

This small book tells the story of Saint Isidore the Farmer. He was a simple man who loved God, helped the poor, and went to Mass often. Angels were said to help him with his farm work, and many miracles were told about him. The book is easy to read and great for young children. It helps kids learn about a saint who lived a quiet and faithful life. The size is just right for small hands, and the story is clear and simple. It’s a good way for kids to learn about a holy man who worked the land.