Revolution of Love.com
St. Isidore: God's Laborer
(1070 - 1136)
The Church never does anything by accident. There is always meaning, though it may not always be clear, behind the Church's proclamations and actions. One such event took place in the seventeenth century, when the Church canonizes a "poor farm laborer" along with some of the greatest saints in her history; she was trying to tell us something of great importance.
On March 12, 1622, Pope Gregory XV raised to the altars of the Church four men and one woman, blessing them with the title of "saint." These five people were Ignatius of Loyola - founder of the Jesuits and father of the spiritual exercises, Philip Neri - apostle of Rome, Teresa of Avila - doctor of prayer, Frances Xavier - patron of the missions, and Isidore of Madrid - the "farm laborer." You may be asking yourself the question, "What is a farm hand doing amidst some of the best-known and powerful saints of the Church?" As mentioned, behind the Church's decisions and proclamations lay a well thought out, reasoned explanation.
St. Isidore was born in 1070 and died in 1136. His parents were very devout and pious people, but were extremely poor. Uneducated, but virtuous and prayerful, Isidore became a farmhand for a wealthy nobleman named Juan de Verges whose large estate was located outside of Madrid. While in his service, Isidore married. He and his wife Maria had one child, a son, but the boy died at an early age.
Despite personal loss and poverty, Isidore's love for God and neighbor burned brightly. He practiced his faith by doing good works, especially helping those in need. He was often seen leaving his home early each morning to attend daily Mass and would often make pilgrimages to various Churches throughout the area in order to spend time in adoration and prayer. In fact, his union with God was so deep that he was known to have worked several miracles, including the multiplication of food and raising a child from the dead.
Isidore never started a religious order or lay association. He was a simple farmhand who earned his bread by the sweat of his brow. His life followed the old Latin saying "ora et labora" - work and prayer. Though his vocation and mission were radically different from those he was canonized with, Isidore's life bore eternal fruit.
If there is anything I have learned from the life of St. Isidore it is that holiness can be attained regardless of your vocation or state in life. To be a farmhand centuries ago was no easy task. Without any education and born in poverty, Isidore would never have an opportunity to get ahead in the world, particularly since it was the eleventh century.
I believe the reason why Pope Gregory canonized Isidore, along with Ignatius, Xavier, Philip and Teresa, was due in large part to the simple fact that he found holiness within his vocation as a farmhand. Like Ignatius, Xavier and the rest, he blossomed where God planted him. Isidore never sought holiness outside of his station in life, but within it, and this is precisely why his sanctity shined so brightly.
In conclusion, Isidore's life points to an awesome reality that we often forget - no matter what you do in life, no matter who you are or used to be, holiness is for you.
Isidore's feast day is Monday, May 15. Let us seek his intercession and ask him to help us live our vocation as lay people in all its beauty and glory.
St. Isidore, pray for us!
God bless.
St. Isidore's feast day is May 15. He is the patron saint of agricultural workers.
For further reading about St. Isidore visit:
Catholic.org - St. Isidore