Isidore the Laborer 1

Isidore the Laborer"San Isidro Labrador" redirects here. For the city in El Salvador, see San Isidro Labrador, Chalatenango.

Saint Isidore

Saint Isidore the Farmer

Confessor

Born c. 1070Madrid, Kingdom of Castile

Died May 15, 1130 (aged 59) or 1172Madrid, Kingdom of Castile

Honored in Roman Catholic ChurchAglipayan Church

Beatified May 2, 1619, Rome by Pope Paul V

Canonized March 12, 1622, Rome by Pope Gregory XV

Feast May 15;[1] October 25; March 22

Patronage Madridagricultures; farmers; day labourers;

San Isidro Cuz Cuz Carampa and Lima Angono, Malaybalay City, Cuenca, Digos, Brgy. San Isidro, San Pablo City Lucban, Mogpog, Morong, Nabas, Pulilan,

Pulupandan, Moises Padilla, Sariaya, Talavera, Tayabas, San Isidro, Talisay City, Cebu Sabana Grande Castalla, Estepona, Madrid, Orotava, Valdepiélagos La Ceiba

Isidore the Farm Labourer, also known as Isidore the Farmer, (Spanish: San Isidro Labrador), (c. 1070 – 15May 1130) was a Spanish farmworker known for his piety toward the poor and animals. He is the Catholic patronsaint of farmers and of Madrid and of La Ceiba, Honduras. His feast day is celebrated on 15 May.The Spanish word labrador means someone who works the land,[2][3] not a worker in general, which in Spanishwould be obrero,[4][5] or trabajador.[6][7] His real name was Isidro de Merlo y Quintana.

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BiographyIsidore was born in Madrid, in about the year 1070, of poor but very devout parents, and was christened Isidore fromthe name of their patron, St. Isidore of Seville. Isidore spent his life as a hired hand in the service of the wealthyMadrilenian landowner Juan de Vargas on a farm in the city's vicinity.[8] He shared what he had, even his meals,with the poor. Juan de Vargas would later make him bailiff of his entire estate of Lower Caramanca.It was said that he stood two meters tall.Isidore married Maria Torribia, known as Santa María de la Cabeza in Spain because her head (cabeza in Spanish)is often carried in procession, especially during droughts. Isidore and Maria had one son. On one occasion, their sonfell into a deep well and, at the prayers of his parents, the water of the well is said to have risen miraculously to thelevel of the ground, bringing the child with it. In thanksgiving Isidore and Maria then vowed sexual abstinence andlived in separate houses. Their son later died in his youth.Isidore died on 15 May 1130, at his birthplace close to Madrid.

Miracle stories

St Isidro and St. Maria

Every morning before going to work, Isidore was accustomed to hearMass at one of the churches in Madrid. One day, his fellow labourerscomplained to their master that Isidore was always late for work in themorning. Upon investigation, so runs the legend, the master foundIsidore at prayer whilst an angel was doing the ploughing for him.[]

On another occasion, his master saw an angel ploughing on either sideof him, so that Isidore's work was equal to that of three of his fellowlabourers. Isidore is also said to have brought back to life his master'sdeceased daughter, and to have caused a fountain of fresh water toburst from the dry earth to quench his master's thirst.One snowy day, when going to the mill with corn to be ground, hepassed a flock of wood-pigeons scratching vainly for food on the hardsurface of the frosty ground. Taking pity on the poor animals, hepoured half of his sack of precious corn upon the ground for the birds,despite the mocking of witnesses. When he reached the mill, however,the bag was full, and the corn, when it was ground, produced doublethe expected amount of flour. (However, corn was not introduced toSpain until the 15th century, perhaps it was originally wheat.)

Isidore's wife, Maria, always kept a pot of stew on the fireplace in their humble home as Isidore would often bringhome anyone who was hungry. One day he brought home more hungry people than usual. After she served many ofthem, Maria told him that there simply was no more stew in the pot. He insisted that she check the pot again, and shewas able to spoon out enough stew to feed them all.[9]

On 2 April 1212, after torrential rains had exhumed cadavers from cemeteries in Madrid, his body was discovered inan apparent state of incorruptibility.[10]

He is said to have appeared to Alfonso VIII of Castile, and to have shown him the hidden path by which he surprisedthe Moors and gained the victory of Las Navas de Tolosa, in 1212. When King Philip III of Spain was cured of adeadly disease after touching the relics of the saint, the king replaced the old reliquary with a costly silver one andinstigated the process of his beatification.[11] Throughout history, other members of the royal family would seekcurative powers from the saint.

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The number of miracles attributed to him has been counted as 438.[12] The only original source of hagiography onhim is a fourteenth century codex called Códice de Juan Diácono which relates five of his miracles: 1. The pigeonsand the grain. 2. The angels ploughing. 3. The saving of his donkey, through prayer, from a wolf attack. 4. Theaccount of his wife's pot of food. 5. A similar account of his feeding the brotherhood. The codex also attests to theincorruptible state of his body, stating it was exhumed 40 years after his death.[13]

Veneration

San Isidro Labrador-Madrid

Isidore was beatified in Rome on 2 May 1619, by Pope Paul V. He wascanonized nearly three years later by Pope Gregory XV, along withSaints Ignatius of Loyola, Francis Xavier, Teresa of Avila, and PhilipNeri, on 12 March 1622.[14]

In 1696, his relics were moved to the Royal Alcazar of Madrid tointervene on behalf of the health of Charles II of Spain. While there,the King's locksmith pulled a tooth from the body and gave it to themonarch, who slept with it under his pillow until his death. This wasnot the first, nor the last time his body was allegedly mutilated out ofreligious furor. For example, it was reported one of the ladies of thecourt of Isabella I of Castile bit off one of his toes.

In 1760, his body was brought to the Royal Palace of Madrid duringthe illness of Maria Amalia of Saxony.

In 1769, Charles III of Spain had the remains of Saint Isidore and hiswife Maria relocated to the San Isidro Church, Madrid.[15] Thesepulcher has nine locks and the King of Spain has the master key. Asthe opening of the sepulcher must be performed by the archbishop ofMadrid and authorized by the King himself, it has not been openedsince 1985.[16]

Saint Isidore is widely venerated as the patron saint of farmers, peasants and day laborers. The cities of Madrid,Leon, Saragossa, and Seville honour him as their patron. The US National Catholic Rural Life Conference claimshim as its patron.[17] San Ysidro, California and San Ysidro, New Mexico were named after him. His feast day iscelebrated on 15 May.St. Isidore the Farmer is also honored on his day in Aglipayan Church (Philippine Independent Church).

PatronageSt. Isidore is the patron saint of farmers and brick layers. He is also the patron of Madrid.

IconographySaint Isidore is often portrayed as a peasant holding a sickle and a sheaf of corn. He might also be shown with asickle and staff; as an angel plows for him; or with an angel and white oxen near him. In Spanish art his emblems area spade or a plough.

LegacyThe story of St. Isidore is a reminder of the dignity of work, and that ordinary life can lead to holiness. Legends about angel helpers and mysterious oxen indicate that his work was not neglected and his duties did not go unfulfilled. St. Isidore's life demonstrates that: If you have your spiritual self in order, your earthly commitments will

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fall into order also."[18]

The house of his master, Juan de Vargas, in Madrid is now a museum, popularly known as the "Casa de San Isidro".It houses temporary exhibitions on the history of Madrid, as well as on the life of the saint. It is not to be confusedwith the aforementioned San Isidro Church. Not only does this museum contain a chapel built upon the place whereIsidore lived and died, but also the well where his son fell and was saved.

This is in the chapel built where he lived anddied, in the Saint Isidore Museum in Saint

Andrew's square in Madrid.

Feast day celebrations and festivals

The date of his liturgical feast, which, though not included in theGeneral Roman Calendar, has been celebrated for centuries in severalcountries and dioceses, is 15 May.[19] Many towns venerate St Isidoreand his wife Saint Maria Torribia with processions in which the fieldsare blessed.

Spain

Procesión San Isidro Labrador -Madrid

One of the most celebrated holidays of Madrid is held on May 15, theFeast Day of San Isidro who is the city's patron saint as well as thepatron saint of farmers. The traditional festival and feast are held in anopen-air area known as the Pradera del Santo. In the afternoon, theimage of San Isidro and his wife, Santa Maria de la Cabeza, areparaded through the streets, from Calle del Sacramento to the Plaza dela Villa, via Calle del Cordon.[]

The feast in honor of San Isidro is declared of National Tourist Interestin Andalusia and is one of the most important celebrations in provinceof Malaga. The fiesta is very popular in region of Alameda becauseSan Isidro is a patron of the town.[20]

Celebrations honoring both saints are also held elsewhere on theislands. For years, the Alicantine locality of Castalla has beencelebrating the Fair of San Isidro, where numerous companies displaytheir products in a playful and festive atmosphere. A medieval swapmeet and mechanical attractions are especially popular.

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A large celebration is held in Estepona, (near Marbella) in Andalucia, where locals celebrate the day by drinking amix of brandy and a popular energy drink which is named in his honour. This has led to St. Isidore often beingtermed as the patron saint of krunk (because of the name of this combination drink in the US).The Romería festival in Almogia, a pueblo blanco in the campo north of Malaga (about halfway between Malaga andAntequera) in Andalucia, celebrates San Isidro, its patron saint, on the middle weekend of May with a fiesta carnival.Floats from the surrounding farming communities, accompanied by traditionally dressed ladies in flamenco dressesand caballeros on dancing horses, sing and dance from Almogia to the Romería ground a few kilometres north of thevillage and the festival includes music, traditional horse races, a bar for horses as well as their riders, and muchparading of costume and finery. The best-dressed float is awarded a prize.

Chile15 May is San Isidro Day in Cuz-Cuz, about five kilometers from the city of Illapel, Choapa province, in theCoquimbo region of Chile. If the day falls on a Monday, the following Sunday is celebrated. Celebrations begin atnoon with a Mass, followed by a procession and Chilean dances.

Peru

First Group of Shippers of San Isidro Labrador in Lima, Peru.

The residents of San Isidro de Carampá of Ayacuchoin the city of Lima celebrate a San Isidro festival. TheFirst Society of San Isidro de Carampá organizes thefestival, along with the Butler and the Adornantefestivals. In the evening, after the celebration of theMass, a procession moves to the house of theAdornante. On the next day, Central Day, another Massis said, this time celebrated by the Butler. Anotherprocession is held, followed by a festival.

Philippines

Throughout the Philippines, several feasts arecelebrated on 15 May in honour of St Isidore, reveredin this mostly agricultural nation because of his being as a farmer.

• The Sabugan ng Biyaya Festival (also known as simply Sabugan Festival) of the town of Agdangan, Quezon, is athanksgiving event for the blessings that the town has received.

• The colourful Pahiyás Festival is held in honour of Ss Isidore and María dela Cabeza in Lucban, Quezon, inthanksgiving for a bountiful harvest.

• The Kangga Festival is held on his feast day in Mogpog, Marinduque (the island province best known for itsMoriones Festival every Holy Week). The festivities highlight Filipino farming traditions, as well as inthanksgiving for a good harvest and the town's continuing prosperity.

• The Nabas Bariw Festival is celebrated in Nabas, Aklan, every 12–15 May as St Isidore is the town's patron saint.The feast also showcases the town's bariw products such as hats and mats as well as the town's unique attractions.

• Carabaos are made to kneel before the church of San Isidro Labrador during the town fiesta of Pulilan, Bulacan.• St Isidore is fêted in the towns of San Isidro and Talavera, Nueva Ecija. The province is often referred to as the

“Rice Granary of the Philippines", and its principal crops aside from rice are corn and onions. Celebrations begina week before the feast itself, including daily novenas, Masses, processions, entertainment and a funfair (perya).

• St. Isidore celebrating feast on May 15–16 of Barangay Teguis Poro Cebu.

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•• St. Isidore's feast is also celebrated in the town of Lezo, Aklan every 14th-15th of May. Lezo is an agriculturaltown, giving thanks to Sr. San Isidro Labrador for their bountiful harvest.

United StatesIn 1947, at the request of the National Catholic Rural Life Conference, he was officially named patron of farmers,with a feast day on 10 May in all dioceses of the United States, with a proper Mass and Office. When St Isidore'sfeast was first inserted into the calendar for the United States in the year 1947, the feast day of Saint John Baptist deLa Salle was still being celebrated on 15 May, with the result that the celebration of his feast was assigned to 22March.With the 1969 revision of the General Roman Calendar, the memorial of Saint John Baptist de la Salle was moved tohis day of death, 7 April, and Saint Isidore's was restored to the 15 May date and celebrated as an optional memorial.In some places within the US and Canada, his feast is celebrated on 25 October, and other locations and someTraditionalist Catholics in that area, though not elsewhere, keep the 22 March date.

Corrales, New Mexico

In Corrales, New Mexico, the town celebrates the San Ysidro Feast day on 15 May. Matachinas dance through thestreets and the fiesta is a big part of the celebrations in the city.

References[1] Roman Martyrology 2001 for 21st-century date; Catholic Encyclopedia (1910) (http:/ / www. newadvent. org/ cathen/ 08189a. htm) for

(same) early 20th-century date[2] Spanish-English dictionary (http:/ / www. spanishdict. com/ translate/ labrador)[3] Merriam-Webster Spanish Central (http:/ / www. spanishcentral. com/ translate/ labrador)[4] Collins Spanish-English Dictionary (http:/ / dictionary. reverso. net/ spanish-english/ obrero)[5] Word Reference Spanish-English (http:/ / www. wordreference. com/ es/ en/ translation. asp?spen=obrero)[6] Spanish-English dictionary (http:/ / www. spanishdict. com/ translate/ trabajador)[7] Collins Spanish-English Dictionary (http:/ / dictionary. reverso. net/ spanish-english/ trabajador)[8] Butler, Alban. The Lives or the Fathers, Martyrs and Other Principal Saints, Vol. V, D. & J. Sadlier, & Company, 1864 (http:/ / www. ewtn.

com/ library/ MARY/ ISIDORE. htm)[9] "Isidore and Maria, Patron Saints of Farmers" National Catholic Rural Life Conference (http:/ / www. ncrlc. com/ page. aspx?ID=91)[10] http:/ / www. abc. es/ madrid/ 20140515/ abci-idas-venidas-cuerpo-incorrupto-201405141334. html[11] http:/ / www. secretosdemadrid. es/ los-milagros-mas-famosos-de-san-isidro/[12] http:/ / www. secretosdemadrid. es/ los-milagros-mas-famosos-de-san-isidro/[13] http:/ / www. membrilla. com/ portal/ index. php/ revista-digital/ cultura/ item/

2850-juan-di%C3%A1cono-el-hombre-an%C3%B3nimo-que-rescat%C3%B3-la-memoria-de-san-isidro[14] Ott, Michael. "St. Isidore the Labourer." The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 8. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1910. 14 Apr. 2013

(http:/ / www. newadvent. org/ cathen/ 08189a. htm)[15] http:/ / www. abc. es/ madrid/ 20140515/ abci-idas-venidas-cuerpo-incorrupto-201405141334. html[16] http:/ / www. abc. es/ madrid/ tops/ 20140515/ abci-tras-huellas-sanisidro-201405141744_6. html[17] Ball, Judy. "Rooted in Soil, Praised on High", Saints For Our Lives, St. Anthony Messenger, Franciscan Media (http:/ / www.

americancatholic. org/ Messenger/ May2003/ Saints. asp)[18] Foley O.F.M., Leonard. Saint of the Day, Lives, Lessons, and Feast, (revised by Pat McCloskey O.F.M.), Franciscan Media, ISBN

978-0-86716-887-7 (http:/ / www. americancatholic. org/ Features/ Saints/ saint. aspx?id=1384)[19] Martyrologium Romanum (Libreria Editrice Vaticana 2001 ISBN 978-88-209-7210-3)[20] "Festas de San Isidro Labrador", Guide - Spain (http:/ / visit. guide-spain. com/ Andalusia/ Malaga/ Alameda/ _id=954)

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External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Saint Isidore the Laborer.

• St Isidore the Farmer (http:/ / crl. nmsu. edu/ Research/ Projects/ retablos/ san_ysidro_labrador. html)• Visitors guide to the Fiestas San Isidro in Madrid (http:/ / www. madrid-guide-spain. com/ san-isidro. html)• Yucatan, Mexico celebrates San Isidro Labrador in multiple town fiestas (http:/ / www. yucatanliving. com/

events/ merida-events-everyone-loves-a-clown. htm)• Lucban San Isidro Pahiyas Festival website (http:/ / www. pahiyasfestival. com)• The Life of San Isidro, Labrador (http:/ / pages. pomona. edu/ ~kbw14747/ isidro. htm)• Saint Isidore the Laborer (http:/ / www. christianiconography. info/ isidoreLaborer. html) at the Christian

Iconography (http:/ / www. christianiconography. info) web site

Article Sources and Contributors 8

Article Sources and ContributorsIsidore the Laborer  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=624614868  Contributors: A3RO, AMC0712, Ahoerstemeier, AidanP02, Aille, Allens, Baraqa1, Bwpach,Caeruleancentaur, Carl.bunderson, Ceplm, Charlz71, Chuck56, CommonsDelinker, Cor martyr, Cuchullain, Dickstracke, DuncanHill, Energyfreezer, Erudy, Esoglou, Ethansmith,FDGONZAGA, Fastifex, FeanorStar7, FordPrefect42, GrahamHardy, Hailey C. Shannon, Handsome xxx, HippoOwl, Hot sarah18, Iridescent, Jackieveronica, Jailbirdx0x, Jansonsudaria,Jaraalbe, John Carter, Jondel, Jortegag, Jose Corregidor, Jpbowen, Karljoos, Kawaii-Soft, Kelly Craig Walling, Lima, Ludi, Mannanan51, Maveric2215, Melromero, Miracle Pen, Oking83,PBS-AWB, PaulGS, Pigman, Pinethicket, Polylerus, Pratyya Ghosh, Qq wiki, Quuxplusone, Red45joe, Renice, Rojypala, Roltz, Roypeter347, Ser Amantio di Nicolao, Severo, Some standardizedrigour, SqueakBox, Srnec, Strike Eagle, Supplicem, Tim1357, Tmanlegro, TriniMuñoz, Vieque, Whatwhich, Zaqarbal, 100 anonymous edits

Image Sources, Licenses and ContributorsFile:Saint Isidor Farmer (18th cen, anon).jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Saint_Isidor_Farmer_(18th_cen,_anon).jpg  License: Creative CommonsAttribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported  Contributors: user:DozenistImage:Bandera de Madrid.svg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Bandera_de_Madrid.svg  License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported Contributors: Valadrem (http://valadrem.blogspot.com)Image:Flag of Argentina.svg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_Argentina.svg  License: unknown  Contributors: Government of Argentina (Vector graphics byDbenbenn)Image:Flag of Chile.svg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_Chile.svg  License: Public Domain  Contributors: Alkari, B1mbo, Cathy Richards, Cycn, DavidNewton, Dbenbenn, Denelson83, Er Komandante, Fibonacci, Fry1989, Fsopolonezcaro, Herbythyme, Huhsunqu, Kallerna, Kanonkas, Klemen Kocjancic, Kyro, MAXXX-309, Mattes, McZusatz,Mozzan, Nagy, Nightstallion, Piastu, Pixeltoo, Pumbaa80, SKopp, SMAUG, Sarang, SiBr4, Srtxg, Sterling.M.Archer, Str4nd, Ultratomio, Vzb83, Xarucoponce, Yakoo, Yonatanh, Zscout370, 51anonymous editsImage:Flag of Peru.svg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_Peru.svg  License: Public Domain  Contributors: User:DbenbennImage:Flag of the Philippines.svg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_the_Philippines.svg  License: Public Domain  Contributors: User:Achim1999Image:Flag of Puerto Rico.svg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_Puerto_Rico.svg  License: Public Domain  Contributors: User:MaddenImage:Flag of Spain.svg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_Spain.svg  License: Public Domain  Contributors: AnomieImage:Flag of Honduras.svg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_Honduras.svg  License: Public Domain  Contributors: D1990, Denelson83, ECanalla, Feydey, FredJ, Homo lupus, Klemen Kocjancic, Mattes, Matthew hk, Neq00, Oak27, Pumbaa80, Rocket000, RubiksMaster110, SKopp, Steinsplitter, ThomasPusch, Tocino, Vzb83, Yuval Madar, ZooFari,Zscout370, 10 anonymous editsFile:SIsidroImage.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:SIsidroImage.jpg  License: Public Domain  Contributors: BocacheteFile:Sa_Isidro_Labrador-Madrid.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Sa_Isidro_Labrador-Madrid.jpg  License: Creative Commons Attribution 3.0  Contributors:TamorlanFile:Saint Isidore.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Saint_Isidore.jpg  License: unknown  Contributors: User:Kelly Craig WallingFile:Procesión San Isidro Labrador -Madrid.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Procesión_San_Isidro_Labrador_-Madrid.jpg  License: Creative Commons Attribution3.0  Contributors: TamorlanImage:Primera caudrilla sanisidro.JPG  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Primera_caudrilla_sanisidro.JPG  License: Public Domain  Contributors: Amartinez180, Balbo,InfrogmationImage:Commons-logo.svg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Commons-logo.svg  License: logo  Contributors: Anomie

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