Saint Elizabeth of Portugal

Saint Elizabeth of Portugal is also known as Saint Isabella of Portugal. She was a queen, a wife, a mother, and later a woman who lived simply and served others. She was born into a royal family, married a king, and lived in a palace. But her faith was more important to her than wealth or power.

Elizabeth is remembered for her kindness and her deep love for peace. She helped the poor, cared for the sick, and worked hard to bring peace when people were fighting. She even stepped between armies to stop war.

She lived in the 13th and 14th centuries, during a time when kings and nobles often fought for power. But Elizabeth used her place in the royal family to do good. She helped people get along, and she gave much of her own money to help those in need.

The Catholic Church honors her as a saint. Her life shows that holiness can be lived out in everyday things—like helping the poor or making peace in a family. Her story is one of love, sacrifice, and quiet strength.

Elizabeth was born in the year 1271 in Spain. Her father was King Peter III of Aragon. Her mother was Queen Constantia. Elizabeth was named after her great-aunt, Saint Elizabeth of Hungary. Like her great-aunt, she also became a saint.

From the time she was very young, Elizabeth was kind and gentle. She liked to pray. She also liked to help others. She learned about the Catholic faith from her parents and teachers. She went to Mass often and learned to love God very much.

Even as a child, Elizabeth gave food to the hungry and clothes to the poor. She did not act proud, even though she was a princess. People could see she had a kind spirit. She did not look down on anyone.

She grew up with a strong sense of duty. Her family expected her to marry a king one day. But she did not let royal life distract her from living her faith. She prayed often, gave to the poor, and tried to follow Jesus in all she did.

When she was only 12 years old, Elizabeth was married to King Denis of Portugal. He was much older than her. He ruled the country, and Elizabeth became queen. But even as queen, she lived simply and gave much to the poor.

Her husband, King Denis, was not always faithful to her. This brought her much sorrow. But she did not become bitter. Instead, she showed patience and kindness. She even helped care for the children her husband had with other women. She treated them with love.

Elizabeth built hospitals and shelters. She helped orphans and widows. She visited the sick and gave bread to the hungry. She also paid for poor girls to get married or enter convents. She gave her own money for these good works.

Even though she wore fine clothes as queen, her heart was with those who suffered. She fasted often and spent time in prayer. She tried to bring peace to the royal court. She lived her faith quietly, with love and care for others.

Elizabeth was known for making peace. Many times, people came to her with problems. She listened to both sides and tried to help them make peace. She did not take sides or speak with anger. She was calm and fair.

Her biggest act of peace came when her own family was fighting. Her son rose up against his father, King Denis. They were ready to go to war. Elizabeth rode between their armies on a mule. She begged them to stop. Because of her, the war was stopped.

Later, she also made peace between her son and other rulers. She traveled long distances, even when she was old, to bring people together. She prayed a lot and asked others to do the same.

Elizabeth knew that peace was not always easy. But she believed it was worth working for. She kept the words of Jesus in her heart: “Blessed are the peacemakers.” She lived those words with her actions.

After King Denis died in 1325, Elizabeth did not return to the royal court. Instead, she chose a quiet life. She moved to a convent and became part of the Third Order of Saint Francis. This is a group for people who want to live simply and serve God, while still living in the world.

She did not become a nun, but she wore simple clothes and lived humbly. She spent time in prayer and helped the poor. She no longer had a crown, but she was still a queen in how she served others.

Even in her old age, she kept traveling to help bring peace. In 1336, she went to stop a war between her son, now King Afonso IV of Portugal, and the King of Castile. The trip was hard on her body. She became sick on the way.

She died soon after in the city of Estremoz. She died as she had lived—trying to make peace. Her last act was another gift of love.

Elizabeth was loved by many people. After her death, people began to pray to her and ask for her help. Many said their prayers were answered. Because of this, the Church looked into her life and miracles.

She was declared a saint by Pope Urban VIII in the year 1625. Her feast day is July 5 in the United States. She is the patron saint of peace, of widows, and of those who suffer from family problems.

Many churches and schools have been named after her. Statues of her often show her carrying roses or bread, symbols of her kindness and charity. One story says that when her husband doubted her giving bread to the poor, the bread turned into roses.

Saint Elizabeth of Portugal reminds us that peace begins in the heart and in the home. She did not shout or fight. She listened, prayed, and acted with love. She shows us that anyone—rich or poor, young or old—can follow Jesus and help others.

St. Elizabeth of Portugal

Fr. Vincent McNabb writes about Saint Elizabeth of Portugal as a strong wife, mother, and queen. She stayed faithful and kind even when her husband, King Diniz, was unfaithful. She chose peace and showed great courage at home, not just in church. The author believes her actions showed real wisdom and strength. He also says King Diniz’s best choice may have been marrying her. While history often praises kings, Fr. McNabb reminds us that queens like Elizabeth also played a big role in helping their husbands and their countries. Her life still gives people something to think about today.