St. Elizabeth of Portugal
The Peacemaker of Portugal
"Charity is the true mark of nobility."
Saint Facts
- Origin:
- Portugal
- Gender:
- Female
- Vocation:
- Laity
- Birth:
- 1271
- Feast Day:
- Jul 4
- Death:
- 1336
Saint Details
St. Elizabeth of Portugal, born in 1271 to King Peter III of Aragon and Constance of Sicily, was named after her great-aunt, St. Elizabeth of Hungary. At the age of eleven, she married King Dinis of Portugal in 1282, a union that would test her faith amidst the immoral atmosphere of the court. Despite her husband's infidelity, Elizabeth remained devoted to her Christian virtues, becoming a patroness of the poor and sick. She founded charitable establishments, including the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha in Coimbra, and was known for her humility and generosity. Elizabeth's role as a peacemaker was pivotal; she intervened to prevent civil war, notably in 1323 between her husband and son, and again in 1336 between her son, King Afonso IV, and Alfonso XI of Castile. After King Dinis's death in 1325, Elizabeth joined the Third Order of St. Francis and devoted herself to charity and penance. She died on July 4, 1336, in Estremoz, Portugal. Elizabeth was canonized by Pope Urban VIII on May 25, 1625, in recognition of her exemplary life and miracles attributed to her intercession, earning her the titles "Peacemaker" and "Holy Queen." Her legacy as a model of piety and peacemaking has endured, inspiring generations with her selfless dedication to God and humanity.
Associated Holy Sites
Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova
Calçada Santa Isabel, 3040-270 Coimbra, Portugal
Details for: Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova
The Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova, located in Coimbra, Portugal, is a significant religious site associated with Saint Clare of Assisi, a follower of Saint Francis of Assisi and founder of the Order of Poor Ladies, now known as the Poor Clares. Built in the 17th century to replace the original Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha, which was prone to flooding, this monastery houses the tomb of Queen Saint Isabel of Portugal, a revered figure known for her piety and charitable works. Pilgrims visit the site to honor her legacy and seek spiritual inspiration. The monastery’s serene atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and religious artifacts make it a place of prayer and reflection. Its connection to Saint Clare and Queen Saint Isabel underscores its importance as a destination for those seeking to deepen their faith and connect with the history of Christian devotion in Portugal.
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