Today, May 15th, the universal Church celebrates St. Isidore, who was a dutiful farmer and a great man who loved animals.
As a young child, Isidore worked for John de Vergas, a rich Spanish landowner, and he continued to work for him all of his life. He married Maria de la Cabeza. They had a son who, sadly, died as a child.
Isidore loved Our Lord and his Catholic Faith, which motivated his consistent attendance in Church, wherein he visited the Churches throughout Spain. Whilst he performed his farming duties and responsibilities, he would talk to God, pray to Him throughout the day.
He loved the downtrodden and those less fortunate than him. Accounts of witnesses exist that corroborate his ability to miraculously give food to the poor. He taught the proper and kind treatment of animals.
Isidore died on May 15, 1130, and in 1622, he was declared a saint in the company of other great individuals, St. Teresa of Avila, St. Ignatius of Loyola and St. Philip Neri.
St. Isidore lived the “Little Way” that St. Therese of the Little Flower emphasized: do what you are supposed to do, when you are supposed to do it and in the manner it is supposed to be done, carrying out each of your duties and actions with great love, and offering your prayers, works, sufferings and joys to Our Lord. God was paramount in St. Isidore’s life wherein he prayed throughout his day. Holiness is found in such simplicity, in such a wonderful context of love, dedication and devotion to truth.
St. Isidore, pray for us and help us!
