Today, May 15, is the memorial of Saint Isidore the Farmer.
Patron saint of farmers.
Isidore, born in 1070, was named after St. Isidore of Seville. He was a pious farmer married to Blessed Maria de la Cabeza. Their son died young; they became convinced it was the will of God that they not have children, and they lived together chastely the rest of their lives, doing good works.
He was accused by fellow workers of neglecting his duties by attending Mass each day, taking time out for prayers, helping the poor, among others.
Isidore claimed he had no choice but to follow the Highest Master. When Isidore’s master came in the morning to chastise him for skipping work for church, he found angels plowing the fields in place of Isidore.
He died of natural causes in 1130. He was beatified by Pope Paul V in 1619.
He was canonized by Pope Gregory XV on March 12, 1622. The humble farmer was canonized in the same ceremony with St. Teresa of Avila, St. Philip Neri, St. Ignatius of Loyola, and St. Francis Xavier.