In the year 1070, Isidore was born in Madrid, Spain. His family was poor, and he worked as a farmer on the property of a wealthy man named John de Vergas. He was exceedingly religious and such a wonderful worker that de Vergas permitted him to worship every day in the chapel on his land, and as a result, he was frequently accused by his coworkers of abandoning his duties since he prioritized prayer over labor.

Isidore married a woman named Mary and they had a son. Unfortunately, their son passed away when he was still very young, and as a result, they came to understand that it was God's intention for them to remain childless. They then lived together chastely for the remainder of their lives, carrying out good deeds.

Isidore continued to be poor, but he contributed what he could spare to the underprivileged. According to one story, one day while he was walking to the mill, he stopped and fed the starving birds with half of the maize in his sack. Strangely enough, his sack miraculously filled up again by the time he reached the mill.

He experienced divine visions, and he is reported to have occasionally received assistance from angels while working in the fields.

He passed away from natural causes in 1130. His body is still incorruptible, and numerous healings and miracles have reportedly occurred at his grave. St. Isidore was beatified on May 2, 1619, by Pope Paul V and canonized on March 12, 1622, by Pope Gregory XV 1622. His spouse, Saint Mary de la Cabeza, was also declared a saint.

He is the patron saint of the US National Rural Life Conference as well as farmers. His feast day is celebrated on May 15th.

Other Saints of the Day
Saint Gerebrand
Saint Nicholas the Mystic
Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac
Saint Hilary of Galeata
Saint Cassius of Clermont