St. Elizabeth of Portugal
Queen, Peacemaker, and Model of Charity and Devotion
📖 Life of St. Elizabeth of Portugal
St. Elizabeth was a Spanish princess who was given in marriage to King Denis of Portugal at the age of twelve. She was very beautiful and very lovable, but most importantly, she was deeply devout and attended Mass every day, a practice that would sustain her throughout her life.
Elizabeth was a holy wife, but although her husband was fond of her at first, he soon began to cause her great suffering. Though a good ruler, he did not imitate his wife's love of prayer and other virtues. In fact, his sins of impurity gave great scandal to the people, causing Elizabeth much pain and sorrow.
Later, to make matters worse, the King believed a lie told about Elizabeth and one of her pages by another page, who was jealous of his companion. In great anger, the King ordered the one he believed guilty to be sent to a lime-burner, with instructions to throw the first page who came into the furnace.
The good page set out obediently, not knowing death was waiting for him. On his way, he stopped for Mass, since he had the habit of going daily. The first Mass had begun, so he stayed for a second one. In the meantime, the King sent the wicked page to the lime-burner to find out if the other had been killed. And so it was this page who was thrown into the furnace!
When the King learned what had happened, he realized that God had saved the good page, punished the liar, and proven Queen Elizabeth to be innocent. This amazing event helped greatly to make the King live better. He apologized to his wife in front of everyone and began to have a great respect for her.
In his last sickness, Elizabeth never left his side, except for Mass, until he died a holy death. St. Elizabeth lived for eleven more years, doing even greater charity and penance. She was a wonderful model of kindness toward the poor and a successful peacemaker between members of her own family and between nations.
Because St. Elizabeth was faithful to daily Mass, she found strength to carry her many great crosses. And because her page was faithful to daily Mass, he escaped death. Her life teaches us the importance of making daily Mass a habit.
🌟 Legacy of St. Elizabeth of Portugal: Queen and Peacemaker
Spiritual Legacy
St. Elizabeth's legacy is one of royal holiness, demonstrating that sanctity can be achieved in any state of life, even as a queen. Her unwavering devotion to daily Mass and prayer sustained her through great trials and made her a powerful intercessor.
Model of Christian Marriage
Despite her husband's failings and the suffering he caused her, St. Elizabeth remained faithful and loving. She showed that true Christian marriage involves patience, prayer, and the power to transform hearts through God's grace.
Peacemaker and Diplomat
St. Elizabeth's role as a peacemaker extended beyond her family to the realm of international diplomacy. She successfully mediated conflicts between nations, showing that Christian charity can bring peace even in the most difficult circumstances.
Charity and Service
St. Elizabeth's dedication to the poor and her works of charity established her as a model of Christian service. She used her royal position not for personal gain, but to serve God and her neighbor, especially those most in need.
📅 Feast Day
Feast of St. Elizabeth of Portugal
Liturgical Celebration
The feast of St. Elizabeth of Portugal is celebrated on July 4th, commemorating her death and honoring her heroic virtues. This date is especially significant for those seeking her intercession for peace, reconciliation, and strength in difficult marriages.
Traditions and Customs
In Portugal and Spain, this feast day is celebrated with special prayers for peace and reconciliation. Many people pray novenas to St. Elizabeth for help in family conflicts and for the grace to attend daily Mass more faithfully.
Prayer and Devotion
The feast day is an excellent time to pray for peace in families and nations, for strength in difficult marriages, and for the grace to be more faithful to daily Mass. St. Elizabeth's example encourages us to use our positions and resources for the good of others.
🛡️ Patronage
Primary Patronages
- • Peacemakers: Patron of those who work for peace
- • Difficult Marriages: Patron of troubled marriages
- • Queens and Royalty: Patron of Christian rulers
- • Charity Workers: Patron of those who serve the poor
- • Daily Mass Goers: Patron of faithful Mass attendance
- • Portugal: Patron saint of Portugal
Special Intentions
- • Family Reconciliation: Help in resolving conflicts
- • Marital Problems: Strength in difficult marriages
- • Peace in Nations: Intercession for world peace
- • Charity Work: Guidance in serving the poor
- • Faithful Mass Attendance: Help in daily devotion
- • Royal Duties: Guidance for Christian rulers
🙏 Prayers
Prayer to St. Elizabeth of Portugal
"O St. Elizabeth of Portugal, holy queen and peacemaker, who through your devotion to daily Mass found strength to carry your many crosses, intercede for us before the throne of God.
You who remained faithful and loving despite great suffering in your marriage, help all who are experiencing difficulties in their relationships. Teach us to trust in God's providence and to find strength in prayer and the sacraments.
You who were a successful peacemaker between nations and families, help us to work for peace in our own lives and in the world. Guide us to use our positions and resources for the good of others, especially the poor and suffering.
St. Elizabeth of Portugal, pray for us! Amen."
Short Prayer
"St. Elizabeth of Portugal, pray for us!"