Saint Isidore was born of poor parents in Madrid, Spain during 1070AD. He farmed the fertile land of John de Vergas, a wealthy Madrid nobleman, throughout his adult life. Isidore married Maria de la
Cabeza, a girl as poor as he, who bore him a son. The son died early in life, and afterwards they lived in perfect continence. She too became a saint.
Isidore was deeply religious, and would rise early to attend daily Mass, often at Churches dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Known to pray while working in the fields, he spoke daily to his guardian angel and the saints. Coworkers sometimes complained he was late because of lingering in Church. Once his employer, John de Vergas, accused Isidore of neglecting the farm and Isidore replied, "I know, sir, that I am your servant but I have another Master as well, to Whom I owe service and obedience." Later Vergas saw two strangers plowing for Isidore with a team of Oxen and realized they were angels who were helping Isidore make up work missed while at Mass.
John de Vergas grew to love Isidore and offered him riches. Isidore declined, asking the money be given instead to the poor for whom he had great love. Once, when he had invited some poor people to dinner, he was able to satisfy them all with the portion of food that had been saved for him. On another occasion during a hot summer day, he made water spring up from the ground by striking it with a goad-stick, thereby quenching his employer's thirst.
Isidore was also concerned for the welfare of animals, making sure the Oxen and other animals he worked with were treated well. Once while traveling to the mill, and upon seeing several birds cluttered in the snow suffering a lack of food, opened his sack of corn and emptied out half for them. He continued on to the mill, where he found the sack full, and the corn produced twice the normal yield.
Survived by his wife Maria, Isidore died May 15, 1130AD and was buried in the St. Andrew cemetery. Later his body, still incorrupt, was moved to the church and given a place of honor.
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How did Saint Isidore of Seville
become the
patron saint for the Internet? |
The Observation Service for Internet, who drew it's mission from the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, researched the Internet and related technologies to select a patron saint that best reflects the concerns and ideals of computer designers, programmers and users. The saint chosen was Saint Isidore. The saint who wrote the well-known 'Etymologies' (a type of dictionary), gave his work a structure akin to that of the database. He began a system of thought known today as 'flashes;' it is very modern, notwithstanding the fact it was discovered in the sixth century. Saint Isidore accomplished his work with great coherence: it is complete and its features are complementary in themselves. A great gift for those with work related to computers or for those who have an aptitude for computers.
Prayer to Saint Isidore
the Farmer
Dear 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
labors and help them to feed many people. Amen.
Litany
of Saint Isidore
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