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What they said
Isidore said, "I work alone and know of none save God to whom I look for strength."
What the world was like
During the lifetimes of Isadore and Maria, there was a war between Christians and Muslins in Spain. A popular knight named El Cid fought for the Christians and became a hero for winning many battles.
During Isidore's lifetime, Vikings led by Leif Ericson established settlements in North America. Knights and peasants from across Europe took part in the first Crusade. They traveled to Jerusalem to fight for control of the city and make it Christian. The Chinese invented military rockets. The first European universities were started. Compasses were first used to tell direction when traveling by water.
Who he was
Isidore was born in Spain. His parents did not have a lot of money. At a very young age, Isidore was taught to work very hard. He was not educated. He worked for a wealthy farm owner all of his life. Isidore spent his days planting and plowing in the fields. He worked from sunrise to sunset. This work was physically hard, but he never complained and always did his best.
Isidore was a quiet and humble man. He began each day by going to Mass and praying. After Mass he would go to the fields to work. Those who worked with him were angry that he attended Mass in the morning because this caused him to be late for work. They complained to the landowner. The landowner decided to watch Isidore work to see if he was getting his work done. He saw Isidore plowing the field with angels helping him.
Isidore married Maria and they had a son. Their son died when he was very young. From that moment on they dedicated their lives to serving God and others. Even though they did not have much, they always shared what they did have with the poor. They also took care of the animals and shared their food with them. Maria also became a saint.
What these saints means to us today
No matter how ordinary our lives seem we can lead lives of holiness as Isidore and Maria did.
No matter where we work or what we do, if it is at school, at home, or in an office, we should work with dignity and always do our best. Isidore and Maria also give us the example of sharing all that we have with those who are in need.
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