St. Elizabeth of Portugal
Saint Elizabeth of Portugal
When they lived:
St. Elizabeth of Portugal, also known as Queen Elizabeth or Isabel of Aragon, was born on July 4, 1271, and she passed away on July 4, 1336. She lived during the late 13th and early 14th centuries.
Where they lived:
St. Elizabeth of Portugal lived primarily in Portugal, where she served as the queen consort through her marriage to King Denis of Portugal. She resided in various royal residences across the kingdom, including the famous Palace of Sintra.
Notable world events during the time of their life:
- The Mongol Empire’s Decline (1258-1335): During this period, the once-vast Mongol Empire experienced a gradual decline, leading to the fragmentation of their dominion and the emergence of various successor states.
- The Hundred Years’ War (1337-1453): Although it started toward the end of St. Elizabeth’s life, the Hundred Years’ War between the kingdoms of England and France had significant geopolitical implications for Europe, shaping alliances, military strategies, and regional dynamics.
- The Black Death (1347-1351): This devastating pandemic, caused by the bubonic plague, had far-reaching consequences across Europe, leading to massive loss of life, socio-economic disruptions, and changes in religious practices.
- Rise of the Italian Renaissance: The 14th century marked the beginnings of the Italian Renaissance, a period of great cultural and artistic flourishing, which would later influence Europe profoundly.
Their patronage:
St. Elizabeth of Portugal is revered as the patron saint of several causes, including:
- Peace and Reconciliation: Known for her efforts to mediate conflicts between her husband, King Denis, and their relatives, she symbolizes the virtues of diplomacy and peacemaking.
- Charitable Work: St. Elizabeth dedicated her life to helping the poor and the sick. She is a patroness of charitable endeavors and a role model for those committed to serving the less fortunate.
- Victims of Betrayal: Elizabeth faced betrayal from her own family during her life. As a result, she is considered a patron saint for those who have experienced betrayal and seek strength to overcome it.
- Brides and Newlyweds: Due to her role as a queen and her own marital experiences, she is invoked by brides and newlyweds, seeking her intercession for a happy and harmonious marriage.
Amid Royalty
On January 4, 1271, a beautiful princess was born into the royal house of Aragon, Spain, to father Peter 111, king of Aragon, and mother Constance of Sicily. Elizabeth was named after her great-aunt, the famous Elizabeth of Hungary and Germany (saint).
Elizabeth was sister to three kings: Alfonso 11, James 11 of Aragon, and Frederick 111 of Sicily. She had a very pious education—the best there could be. For a princess, Elizabeth took early steps toward a strict, devout life.
Elizabeth would say the entire divine office daily, attend mass twice a day, fast, and indulge in penances.
Becoming Elizabeth of Portugal
Royalty marries royalty; therefore, in 1281, at the age of 10, Elizabeth was arranged to be married to King Denis of Portugal. As part of her dowry, she received the towns of Obidos, Abrantes, and Porto de Mos. Since she was very young, the marriage was celebrated in 1288, when Elizabeth was 17 and Denis was 26. But it was not to be an easy marriage.
King Denis was regarded as Rei Lavrader (a working king to his people). Still, he was an unfaithful and abusive husband to Elizabeth. His morals were low, and his court was very corrupt. Elizabeth was loathed by some in the court. Her life of devotion and charity to the poor and sick was obviously different from many in the court.
Elizabeth’s marriage with Diniz was blessed with a son, Alfonso, and a daughter, Constance. Despite Diniz’s sinful ways and false accusations toward her, Elizabeth would always pray for him.
Between Her Husband and Son
Perhaps Elizabeth’s greatest trial in her marriage was between her husband and her son, Alfonso.
Alfonso resented his father, King Diniz, for favoring his illegitimate son, Afonso Sanches. He was to later rebel against his father, and in 1322, war was declared between the father and son.
What mother or wife will watch her husband and son go to war with each other and do nothing? Not Elizabeth of Portugal.
Elizabeth rode out by herself to the battlefront and was in between the two opposing armies. The war was averted. Peace returned later in 1324, when the illegitimate son was exiled and Alfonso swore loyalty to his father.
In his later years, King Diniz repented of his sins and apologized to his wife, Elizabeth. He took ill and died in 1325.
The Quiet Life of Charity and Penance
Elizabeth retired to a monastery after her husband’s death. She moved into the sanctuary of Santa Clara a Velha Coimbra, which she had founded in 1314. She took on a life of poverty and joined the Third Order of St.Francis of Assisi.
While in the monastery, she continued taking care of the poor and sick. She was a benefactor to many hospitals, paid the dowries of poor girls, educated the children of the poor, provided lodgings for pilgrims, and was always dressed modestly for a Queen.
The Last Act of Mercy
Only one situation could drag Elizabeth out of the monastery. To sue for peace. Alfonso IV of Portugal, her son, was drawn to battle with her grandson, Alfonso X1 of Castille. This was in the era when intermarriage between cousins, especially among royals, was a family tradition.
King Alfonso IV had given his daughter Maria in marriage to his sister’s (Constance’s) son. The younger Alfonso of Castille had mistreated her. In 1336, Alfonso IV was ready to go to war with his nephew.
Not minding her poor health and old age, Elizabeth moved to the battlefront to meditate for peace between her son and her grandson. She succeeded in brokering peace between the two.
Stressed from her journey, she came down with a fever. On July 4, 1336, Elizabeth of Portugal joined the Good Lord, the Eternal Peacemaker. She was buried at the convent of Santa Clara de Coimbra.
5 Interesting Facts About St. Elizabeth of Portugal
- Elizabeth earned the title “Peacemaker” for her remarkable role in
settling many royal disputes. To her credit, a peace treaty was
signed between her husband and Fernanda IV of Castile, which fixed
the two countries’ borders. - Her persistent prayer and patience converted her husband from his
sinful life, and he died a holy death. - Her dedication to the poor and sick as a Queen was unheard of before.
in Portugal. - She is honored as the co-patron of the diocese and cathedral of San
Cristobal de La Laguna, Spain, since its inception in 1819. - Renowned for the miracle of roses In her troubled marriage, her
Her husband once caught her on her way to feed the poor with bread.
When he asked what she had hidden in her dress, she said roses.
and, immediately, the bread turned to roses.
Prayer to St. Elizabeth of Portugal
Father of gift and love, You gave St. Elizabeth the gift of reconciling enemies. With the help of her prayers, give us the courage to work for peace among men, that we may be called the sons of God. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your son, who lives and reigns with the holy spirit, one God forever and ever Amen
