Saints Who Married Saints: Isidore & Maria de la Cabeza
Patronage: farmers
Feast day: May 15 (Isidore) & September 9 (Maria)
Sts. Isidore and Maria were born just outside of Madrid in the early 12th Century, Spain. A poor family, Isidore worked his entire life as a farmer for the wealthy John de Vergas at Torrelaguna while Maria spent her time cleaning chapels and shrines. Together, they were known for caring for the needy among them.
Constant symbols of the faith, working as the hands and feet of Christ, Isidore was consistently late to work the field as he would go to Mass at the dawn of the day. Thankfully, John de Vargas allowed this, and Isidore worked hard enough that his tardiness didn’t impact his work. Legend says that two angels could be seen assisting Isidore in plowing the fields.
Although they had little, Isidore was known for sharing what they did have, especially his meals, even if that meant going without himself. He would even bring the hungry to his home — and Maria was always ready with a pot of stew for anyone who needed it.
It is said that one day Isidore brought so many home that they ran out of food before everyone could be served. When Maria told Isidore that the pot was empty, he insisted she looked again. Like the miracle of the loaves and fishes, Maria found more stew waiting for her and was able to feed everyone after all.
Isidore and Maria show the beautiful complementarity of spouses. Isidore worked the fields, evangelizing with his actions, while Maria prepared to continue serving God’s people from the home. Without Isidore there would be no one to feed, but without Maria there would be no food to give.
Isidore was canonized in 1622 and Maria was canonized in 1697, over 500 years after their deaths. St. Isidore is the patron of Madrid. His incorrupt body can be found in the Cathedral of Madrid, interred alongside relics of Maria.
BONUS: If you start St. Isidore’s novena a this Wednesday, September 1, you’ll finish on September 9, Maria’s feast day! Find the novena here.
