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This article focuses on the canonization process of Madrid’s patron saint, san Isidro Labrador, in the post-Tridentine context of the city’s transformation into the permanent seat of the Court. The first part of the article deals with the difficulties posed by the local worship of the incorrupt body of this farmer who had died centuries before and was considered a saint, but lacked formal ecclesiastical recognition. The second part analyzes Spanish diplomatic correspondence during the years that the process lasted. While St Isidore’s status as a local and well-established saint was decisive, the correspondence reveals Spain’s attempt to directly achieve the canonization of a figure who was now the patron not only of the Villa (town) but also of the Corte (court). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]