Isidore was a humble farm laborer who worked another man's land near Madrid all his life. He began each day with Mass and prayer, shared his food with the poor, and became patron of farmers.
Life
Isidore the Farmer was born around 1070 in Madrid, Spain. He spent his whole life as a laborer on a landowner's farm and, with his wife Maria, lived a poor but deeply faithful life.
It is said that he went to Mass every day before work and shared whatever little he had with the poor. Various legends grew up as well, such as the story that angels plowed the field for him while he prayed. He died around 1130 and was canonized in 1622 together with Ignatius of Loyola, Francis Xavier and others. He is patron of Madrid and of farmers.
Spirituality
Isidore's spirituality is a lay life in which prayer and work are one. He spent his life plowing fields with no great achievements, yet he became a saint through intimacy with God and love of neighbor. Holiness is possible in ordinary daily life and in the family.
Reflection
Saint Isidore met God before going to work. As I begin my busy day, do I give the first moments to God?