St. Isidore of Seville
Doctor of the Church
St. Isidore of Seville
Doctor of the Church
Died: 636
Isidore was literally born into a family of saints in sixth century Spain. Two of his brothers, Leander and Fulgentius, and one of his sisters, Florentina, are revered as saints in Spain. It was also a family of leaders and strong minds with Leander and Fulgentius serving as bishops and Florentina as abbess.
This didn't make life easier for Isidore. To the contrary, Leander may have been holy in many ways, but his treatment of his little brother shocked many even at the time. Leander, who was much older than Isidore, took over Isidore's education and his pedagogical theory involved force and punishment. We know from Isidore's later accomplishments that he was intelligent and hard-working so it is hard to understand why Leander thought abuse would work instead of patience.
One day, the young boy couldn't take any more. Frustrated by his inability to learn as fast as his brother wanted and hurt by his brother's treatment, Isidore ran away. But though he could escape his brother's hand and words, he couldn't escape his own feeling of failure and rejection. When he finally let the outside world catch his attention, he noticed water dripping on the rock near where he sat. The drops of water that fell repeatedly carried no force and seemed to have no effect on the solid stone. And yet he saw that over time, the water drops had worn holes in the rock.
Isidore realized that if he kept working at his studies, his seemingly small efforts would eventually pay off in great learning. He also may have hoped that his efforts would also wear down the rock of his brother's heart.
When he returned home, however, his brother in exasperation confined him to a cell (probably in a monastery) to complete his studies, not believing that he wouldn't run away again.
Either there must have been a loving side to this relationship or Isidore was remarkably forgiving even for a saint, because later he would work side by side with his brother and after Leander's death, Isidore would complete many of the projects he began including a missal and breviary.
In a time where it's fashionable to blame the past for our present and future problems, Isidore was able to separate the abusive way he was taught from the joy of learning. He didn't run from learning after he left his brother but embraced education and made it his life's work. Isidore rose above his past to become known as the greatest teacher in Spain.
His love of learning made him promote the establishment of a seminary in every diocese of Spain. He didn't limit his own studies and didn't want others to as well. In a unique move, he made sure that all branches of knowledge including the arts and medicine were taught in the seminaries.
His encyclopedia of knowledge, the Etymologies, was a popular textbook for nine centuries. He also wrote books on grammar, astronomy, geography, history, and biography as well as theology. When the Arabs brought study of Aristotle back to Europe, this was nothing new to Spain because Isidore's open mind had already reintroduced the philosopher to students there.
As bishop of Seville for 37 years, succeeding Leander, he set a model for representative government in Europe. Under his direction, and perhaps remembering the tyrannies of his brother, he rejected autocratic decision- making and organized synods to discuss government of the Spanish Church.
Still trying to wear away rock with water, he helped convert the barbarian Visigoths from Arianism to Christianity.
He lived until almost 80. As he was dying his house was filled with crowds of poor he was giving aid and alms to. One of his last acts was to give all his possessions to the poor.
When he died in 636, this Doctor of the Church had done more than his brother had ever hoped; the light of his learning caught fire in Spanish minds and held back the Dark Ages of barbarism from Spain. But even greater than his outstanding mind must have been the genius of his heart that allowed him to see beyond rejection and discouragement to joy and possibility.
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Our grandson Matthew has chosen Isidore for his Confirmation name. This gave us an opportunity to research St. Isidore. We were overcome by the life of this Saint and are so proud of his choice. Matthew is computer wise and this was one of his inspirations to make this choice.
St.Isidore of Seville Doctor of the church please help me on my way 2 learn fast
Please pray for me and my family / friends
God Bless us all
Amen
St. Isidore,let me repeat the prayer that I had made two years back, on your feast day. Grant us the Wisdom to know God through prayer,; listen to him through the scriptures and understand his ways, by embellishing our learning with his wisdom. Great Saint, let the water drops of God's grace make an indelible impression upon our souls, so that we shall all be united with him in heaven one day!
Thank-you God, almighty Father, for responding to the petition I placed to St Isidore, my confirmation saint.
I am so very thankful for this information. Our first grand daughter has been given the name of Izidora and baptised with this name. Until now, I had never heard of Isidora, with the feminine of Izidora. She loves books and knowledge. This is a perfect namesake.
Thanks and blessings to those who keep us in the light.
Dear St. Isidore Family of saints , Doctor of the church! Protector of the monks,Intercede before us to our blessed mother . Father paul of moll , Pray for us, St. Joseph Husband of Mary for us !!
St. Isidore of Spain, I thank God for your life and example to all. Pray for us on the eve of Maundy Thursday. Praise be Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament of the altar. We receive you in awe, wonder and love, Sweet Lord, Bless us with amazing gifts of pray, meditation and contemplation. Give us a love for learning, and a desire to teach those under our charge. Help us couple our prayer life with true works of charity. Amen.
Dear St. Isidore, Let me repeat the prayer that I had made an year back. Thank You.
Today is the feast day of St. Isadore, Doctor of our Wonderful Church. It was good to review this information about him and his sibling saints.
Gratefully, prayerfully, lovingly, George + Mary Ann Wolfe, ocds
my b day is at 4th of april
Saints are cool
Thank you for the information on this great Saint Isidore. I did not know him nor his siblings . This is a great way to learn of the many saints we did not know existed.
Happy Feast Day Saint Isidore!! Pray for us until we all get home!
In the personality of St.Isidore, his saintliness is embellished by his great learning and it is augumented by charity. No wonder he is the patron saint of internet! Dear St. Isidore, please pray for me and for those who browse the world wide web to acquire more knowledge and skill! Thank you.
This helped me a lot w/ my St. report. I luv this website and I will use it 4 all my St. projects.
this helped me with my saint report before confirmation. thanks and help me through confirmation
Very interesting.
thank you for your attention on me, to give enlighten my mind and more strength my life in the way of everyday i received the message from you.
I love these daily visits with the saints.
Thank you
This was very enlightening