Isidore and Maria led virtuous lives: commitment to family, love for the land, service to the poor and a deep spirituality. This simple couple worked their entire lives for a wealthy landowner in medieval Spain. St. Isidore was known for his piety, special love of the downtrodden and a respectful care for animals.

Piety calls for faithfulness to relationships among family, kin, community and society. Piety moves a person to venerate God with generosity and affection, humbly to others and to all of Creation.

Dear God, thank you for rural lives. Bless those who are formed by the rhythms of nature and church. Help us to rejoice in You and each other. Isidore and Maria, pray for us. Amen.

The National Catholic Rural Life Conference presents the Isidore and Maria Award to a married couple who exemplify fidelity to a vocation that combines family, integrity, stewardship and faith.

2006 Tom and Sheryl Giessel

2005 Don and Mary Klauke

2002 Ruben and Antonia Diaz

2001 Caroline and Clarence Bormann

2000 Brenda and Joe Cochran

1999 Bill and Judy Heffernan

1998 Juanita and Darrel Buschkoetter