St. Isidore the Farmer
Feast day: May 15
Isidore was born in Madrid to poor but very devout parents. He married a young woman who also became a saint, St. Mary de la Cabeza, and they had one son, who died as a child. Isidore spent his life as a hired hand in the service of a wealthy landowner on his farm. Always devout, Isidore visited a church on his way to work, prayed while plowing and made local pilgrimages. He was known for his miraculous works, his love of the poor and his concern for the proper treatment of animals. Isidore died in 1130 and was canonized in 1622. He is the patron of Madrid and of farmers.
Collect
Lord God, to whom belongs all creation,
and who call us to serve you
by caring for the gifts that surround us,
inspire us by the example of Saint Isidore
to share our food with the hungry
and to work for the salvation of all people.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
