ST ELIZABETH OF PORTUGAL (1271-1325) - 4th Jul

 Elizabeth born in Zaragoza, Spain in 1271, she was the daughter of Peter III of Aragon and was married off to King Denis of Portugal in 1282. 

    From the beginning Elizabeth showed a great compassion to the poor. Legend says she would leave the palace disguised, in order to take food to the poor. 

    She was very devoted to God and also passed great part of her time in prayer. One of the miracles attributed to her is the “miracle of the roses”. 

    After the king had discovered she was leaving the palace to take food to the poor he forbade her to do it. She never gave up and every day she was still leaving behind the 

    king’s back. One day in the winter time she was carrying pieces of bread hidden in her dress. The King saw her going out and stopped her. 

    Obediently she unfolded the dress and there were roses instead of bread. She was always an example of devotion to God and to those in need. When her husband died in 1325, 

    she entered in a convent of Poor Claires in Coimbra where she spent the rest of her days. She left the convent in the summer of 1336 to try to stop a war between her son and her 

    grandson. In spite of being sick she walked to the middle of the battle field and did not leave until the two men came to a resolution peacefully. The battle was averted, 

    but Elizabeth died shortly after. Pope Urban VIII canonized her in 1625 and called her the Peacemaker.




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