Portal:Catholic Church/Patron Archive/May 15

Painting of Saint Isidore the Farmer

Isidore the Laborer, also known as Isidore the Farmer (Spanish: San Isidro Labrador) (c. 1070 – 15 May 1130), was a Mozarab farmworker who lived in medieval Madrid. Known for his piety toward the poor and animals, he is venerated as a Catholic patron saint of farmers, and of Madrid; El Gobernador, Jalisco; La Ceiba, Honduras; and of Tocoa, Honduras. His feast day is celebrated on 15 May. (Full article...)
Prayer: "Dear Saint Isidore, you know how normal it is to cultivate the land for you were employed as a farm laborer most of your life. Although you received God's help materially through Angels in the field, all farmers are aided spiritually to see the wonders God has strewn on this earth. Encourage all farmers in their labours and help them to feed many people. Amen."


Attributes: Portrayed as a peasant holding a sickle and a sheaf of corn, a sickle and staff; as an angel plows for him; or with an angel and white oxen near him. In Spanish art, his emblems are a spade or a plough.
Patronage: Madrid; agriculture; farmers; day labourers; • ArgentinaSan Isidro; • ChileCuz Cuz; • PeruCarampa, Lima; • The Philippines–numerous locations; • Puerto RicoSabana Grande; • SpainCastalla, Estepona, Madrid, Orotava, Valdepiélagos; • HondurasLa Ceiba
See also: Jeanne de Lestonnac, France