This is the story of Saint Isidore the Farmer (Spanish: Isidro Labrador, Polish: Izydor Oracz), a man who worked the fields outside Madrid, loved God, cared for the poor, and, according to legend, was helped by angels.
Isidore was born around 1070 in Madrid, Spain. The world he entered was feudal, harsh for peasants, and made little room for fame or fortune among the rural poor. Isidore’s parents were poor laborers, and from a young age, he worked as a farmhand for a wealthy landowner, Juan de Vargas.
He married Maria Torribia, who herself became a saint (known as Maria de la Cabeza). Together, they lived a life of hard work, charity, and deep faith.
Isidore’s life was, on the surface, unremarkable. He woke before dawn, attended Mass, and worked the fields from sunrise to sunset. Yet, his coworkers noticed something unusual: sometimes Isidore would arrive late to the fields because he stopped for extra prayers at church.
His master grew suspicious, wondering if Isidore was shirking his duties. But when he went to check the fields, legend says he saw a miracle: angels, or sometimes mysterious oxen, were plowing beside Isidore or working in his place, ensuring the work was never left undone.
Isidore’s reputation for charity was legendary. He and Maria would often bring hungry laborers to their home, sharing what little food they had. There is a story that one day, Maria ran out of stew for their guests, but miraculously, the pot refilled itself and everyone ate their fill.
Another story tells how, on a cold day, Isidore fed pigeons with wheat meant for the mill; despite this, there was no shortage at home.
The heart of Isidore’s legend lies in the stories of angels plowing the fields. According to several sources, his master once saw not one, but two angels working alongside Isidore, their plows gleaming in the sun. These visions became a symbol: God rewards the humble and faithful, sometimes in ways unseen by others.
In some versions, Isidore is even seen walking behind the plow while angels guide the oxen, making up for every moment he spent in prayer.
The stories don’t stop at angelic helpers. Isidore is credited with more than 400 miracles after his death. Among them, he was said to have miraculously found water in times of drought, multiplied food for the hungry, and even rescued his own son from a well with the help of prayer.
His relics were believed to have healed King Philip III of Spain, and he reportedly appeared to King Alfonso VIII in 1212, guiding him in a surprise attack during the Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa.
Isidore died in 1130, loved by locals for his humility and reputation for miracles. His veneration grew, and miracles continued to be attributed to him. He was beatified in 1619, and canonized in 1622 along with Ignatius of Loyola, Francis Xavier, Teresa of Avila, and Philip Neri.
He is now the patron saint of farmers, Madrid, and all who work the land. His feast day is celebrated on May 15th.
Isidore’s story resonates because it’s so ordinary—and so extraordinary. He didn’t preach to crowds or write books. He worked, prayed, and loved. His sanctity was seen not in grand gestures, but in quiet charity and steadfast faith
His message: you don’t have to be a scholar, visionary, or founder to be a saint. The smallest acts, done with love, are miracles in themselves.
The legend of Isidore’s angelic coworkers is more than just a miracle story. It’s a reminder that, in faith, we are never truly alone in our work. The angels in his stories are symbols of divine help available to anyone who lives with humility and devotion.
We all have guardian angels—helpers unseen, but always present.
Centuries after his death, Isidore’s example still inspires. In Spain, his feast is a major celebration, and his relics are honored in Madrid. He remains a symbol of hope for rural communities and a reminder that the sacred can be found in the humblest work.
His life is proof that you don’t need to be extraordinary to be holy—just faithful, generous, and willing to let the angels do their part.
Saint Isidore the Farmer’s story is a testament to the power of humility, charity, and quiet faith. In fields outside Madrid, a simple man became a legend, not for moving mountains but for letting his heart move him—and for letting angels lend a hand.
