Isidore is a Spanish Saint, born in 560, in Sevilla, Cartagena, Spain

He was literally born into a family of saints, as two of his brothers, Leander and Fulgentius and one of his sisters, Florentina, are revered as saints in Spain. Leander and Fulgentius were Bishops and Florentina, an Abbess.

His elder brother Leander took over Isidore's education and his teaching method involved force and punishment, though Isidore was an intelligent and a hard-working boy. Isidore ran away one day, when the punishment became unbearable and was frustrated by his inability to learn as fast as his brother wanted.

While sitting alone, he noticed water dripping on a nearby rock. Though they carried no force, over time, the water drops had worn holes in the rock. Isidore realized that if he kept working at his studies, his small efforts would eventually pay off in great learning.

He returned home. However, his brother in exasperation, confined him to a cell to complete his studies, fearing that he would run away again. But, this time, Isidore did well in his studies and rose above his past to become the greatest teacher in Spain.

Isidore succeeded his brother Saint Leander, as archbishop of Seville in 600. His love of learning made him promote a seminary in every diocese of Spain and he made sure that all branches of knowledge, including arts and medicine were taught in these seminaries.

His encyclopedia of knowledge, the Etymologies, was a popular textbook in Spain, for nine centuries. Isidore also wrote books on grammar, astronomy, geography, history, and biography as well as theology.

Saint Isidore died in 636, in Seville. He gave all his possessions to the poor before he died.

Other Saints of the Day

1. Saint Plato
2. Saint Gwerir of Liskeard
3. Saint Henry of Gheest
4. Saint Peter of Poitiers
5. Saint Theodulus the Lector

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