Isidore the Laborer
A humble 12th-century Spanish peasant, he was known for his great piety. Legend has it that angels would come to help him with his work in the fields so he could pray.
- Middle Ages
- Spain
- Feast day May 15
- c. 1070 – 1130
Saint Isidore the Laborer (born c. 1070, died 1130 in Madrid) was a humble Castilian farmworker, married to Saint Maria de la Cabeza. He spent his life serving a wealthy landowner, Juan de Vargas, near Madrid. His life was marked by deep piety: he began his days with Mass and prayer and was known for his charity towards the poor and animals. Several miracles are attributed to him, the most famous being when angels would plow his field while he prayed, to compensate for the time he spent in devotion. It is also said that he multiplied food for the hungry and caused a spring to flow. He is venerated for his simple faith and diligence in work, considering labor a means to glorify God. His incorrupt body is preserved in the Collegiate Church of San Isidro in Madrid. He was beatified in 1619 and canonized in 1622 by Pope Gregory XV.