The Diocese of La Crosse celebrated the feast day of St. Isidore, the Farmer this week, listing among his qualities appeal across a broad spectrum of people, not just those in agriculture.

“His chief appeal is to those who, as he did, work the land,” the diocese posted online. “But his good qualities – his whole-hearted trust in God, his enthusiasm and vigor in doing his job, and his spirit of prayer and devotion to religious practice – these can profitably be admired and imitated by all laboring men, just as his wife Maria, can serve as a model for working men’s wives.” 

St. Isidore was born around the year 1070 in Madrid, Spain.

Catholic.org and other resources discuss how Isidore experienced celestial visions and was visited by angels, who sometimes helped him with his farm work. 

His family was not financially well off, but they were spiritually devoted to God, Saints Resource says. He got a job at a wealthy estate in Madrid, but maintained his religious commitment, going to Mass in the morning before beginning work. That, though, prompted the other farmhands to think he was lazy since he started his job late. After hearing complaints about Isidore’s work, the estate owner, Juan de Vargas, went to check it out. He discovered two angels guiding the plow. 

Vargas also credit Isidore with saving the life of his daughter, as well as one of his horses, Saints Resource says. 

Isidore had a great love for poor people and for animals. Franciscan Media says Isidore was reportedly able to miraculously provide food for poor people. 

Pope Paul V beatified Isidore in 1619, and Pope Gregory XV canonized him in 1622. His feast day is celebrated on May 15. Isidore is the patron saint of farmers, day laborers, and the United States National Rural Life Conference.

The diocese posted a prayer for people to express their gratitude to Isidore. It ends with: “Good St. Isidore, bless us and our labors, that we may someday reap the reward of good works with you in heaven. Amen.”