Note: I’m currently featuring women saints who had notable relationships with male saints–their sons, husbands, fathers, or colleagues in faith.
The Basics: Maria, died about 1175 in Spain; beatified August 11, 1697, by Innocent XII; feast days, May 15 and September 9. Wife and hermit. Isidore, born about 1080 in Spain; died about 1130 in Spain; canonized March 12, 1622, by Gregory XV; feast day, May 15. Husband and laborer.
The Story: They had little in earthly wealth, but they had enough to share, and they were rich in spirituality. Isidore and Maria married when she was quite young. They had a son, Ilian, who fell down a well, and was saved by divine intervention. (Sadly, Ilian did not live to adulthood, and the couple had no
more children.) Isidore worked for a wealthy landowner, and his co-workers could not understand how he was able to outperform them even though he arrived later than they did because he went to daily Mass. It is said that two angels helped him with his work. Isidore also had a way of bringing home people for supper, and even though Maria sometimes despaired of his generosity, there was always enough food for everyone at the table.
After Isidore’s death, Maria became a hermit but continued to pray for people and work what some considered miracles. She is known as Maria de la Cabeza (of the head) because her head was carried in processions to bring rain to communities. Isidore’s bodies and Maria’s remains are now housed in the Collegiate Church of San Isidore in Madrid.
What We Can Learn from Maria and Isidore: If we are fearless in our faith, we understand that the Lord will always provide for us, no matter how much we share with others.
To Learn More About Maria and Isidore: Read the Catholic Information Agency article about this couple.
To Learn More About Other Women Saints and Blesseds: Come back next week, or consider buying my book, Sisterhood of Saints: Daily Guidance and Inspiration.
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