St. Elizabeth, known as Elizabeth of Aragon, was born in 1271 into the royal family of Aragon, Spain. She was the daughter of King Peter III of Aragon and Queen Constance. Named after her great-aunt, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, she was imbued with a deep sense of piety and devotion from a young age. Her early life was marked by her commitment to prayer, fasting, and charitable works, setting the foundation for her future sanctity.
Marriage and Queenship
At the age of twelve, Elizabeth was married to King Denis of Portugal, thus becoming Queen of Portugal. Despite the challenges of her royal duties and her husband’s infidelities, Elizabeth remained a model of virtue and patience. Her marriage was marked by her efforts to bring peace and reconciliation, not only within her family but also within her kingdom. She became known as a peacemaker, often intervening in disputes and conflicts.
Works of Charity
Elizabeth’s reign as queen was characterized by her extensive charitable work. She founded hospitals, orphanages, and homes for the poor. One notable act of charity was her establishment of a hospital in Coimbra. She also provided dowries for poor young women to marry and supported various religious institutions. Her deep compassion for the suffering and the marginalized was evident in her daily life, as she often visited the sick and distributed alms personally.
Devotion and Spiritual Life
Elizabeth’s spiritual life was profoundly influenced by her devotion to the Eucharist and the Blessed Virgin Mary. She was known to attend Mass daily and spent long hours in prayer. Her piety extended to her personal life, where she practiced rigorous fasting and wore a hairshirt as a form of penance. Elizabeth’s spirituality was also marked by her devotion to the Franciscan Order, which she supported generously.
Peace and Reconciliation
One of the most significant aspects of Elizabeth’s legacy is her role as a peacemaker. She mediated disputes between her husband and their son, helping to prevent civil war. Her efforts at peace extended beyond her family; she was instrumental in negotiating peace treaties between warring factions within Portugal and with neighboring kingdoms. Her peacemaking earned her the title “The Peacemaker” and solidified her reputation as a holy and wise queen.
Later Life and Death
After the death of King Denis in 1325, Elizabeth retired to the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha in Coimbra, where she became a Third Order Franciscan. She continued her charitable works and lived a life of prayer and penance. In 1336, she journeyed to Estremoz to prevent a war between her son, King Alfonso IV of Portugal, and King Alfonso XI of Castile. It was there that she fell ill and died on July 4, 1336.
Canonization and Legacy
St. Elizabeth of Portugal was canonized by Pope Urban VIII in 1625. Her feast day is celebrated on July 4. She is remembered for her deep faith, her dedication to peace and charity, and her unwavering commitment to her duties as queen and servant of God. Her life remains an inspiring example of holiness and service in the midst of royal responsibilities and personal trials.