Who was Santa Izabel de Portugal?
Saint Elizabeth of Portugal was born in 1271, daughter of King Peter III of Aragon and Queen Constance of Sicily. From a young age, she was known for her faith, simplicity and charity. At the age of 12, she married King Dinis, becoming Queen consort of Portugal.
Despite challenges in her marriage, marked by the king’s infidelities and political tensions, Saint Elizabeth remained steadfast in her faith and charity. She was a skilled mediator in family and political crises, working to prevent wars, including conflicts between her husband and her son, the future King Afonso IV.
After the death of the king, she retired to the convent of the Poor Clares in Coimbra, where she lived in prayer and austerity until her death on 4 July 1336 in Estremoz, while attempting once more to reconcile her son and grandson.
Why is Saint Elizabeth of Portugal a saint?
Tireless charity
Saint Elizabeth dedicated her life to helping the poor and those in need. She founded hospitals, convents, charitable works, and distributed alms daily. It is said that she would rise before dawn to personally attend to the needy, avoiding embarrassing them before the royal court.
Peacemaker and mediator
She played a crucial role in Portuguese politics, acting as a mediator between her husband and her son, thus avoiding civil wars. She would literally place herself between armed forces to prevent conflict, showing great courage and unshakeable faith.
Life of prayer
Even as queen, Elizabeth maintained a deeply spiritual life. She attended daily Mass, spent long hours in prayer and practised fasting and penance for the good of the kingdom.
The Miracle of the Roses
The most famous episode in Saint Elizabeth’s life is the Miracle of the Roses:
While carrying bread hidden in her cloak to give to the poor, King Dinis questioned her about what she was carrying. She replied, “Roses.” When she opened her cloak, the bread had turned into roses, even though it was winter.
This miracle became a symbol of her charity and is one of the reasons she is often depicted holding a basket of roses.
To whom was Saint Elizabeth of Portugal devoted?
Saint Elizabeth had a deep devotion to the Virgin Mary and the Blessed Sacrament. She prayed the Office of Our Lady daily, promoted the building of churches in Mary’s honour and spent time in Eucharistic adoration.
She was also devoted to saints associated with charity, such as Saint Elizabeth of Hungary (her great-aunt) and Saint Francis of Assisi.
How is devotion to Saint Elizabeth of Portugal today?
Saint Elizabeth continues to be highly venerated, especially in Portugal and Portuguese-speaking communities. She is invoked as:
- Protector of peace and family reconciliation.
- Intercessor in social and charitable causes.
- Patron of charitable works.
In Coimbra, where her incorrupt body rests in the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova, her feast is celebrated with Masses, processions and the distribution of bread to the poor, recalling her miracle of the roses.
When is Saint Elizabeth of Portugal’s feast day celebrated?
The Catholic Church celebrates Saint Elizabeth on 4 July. On this day, special Masses, novenas and acts of charity are held in her honour. In Portugal, cities such as Coimbra, Estremoz, Santarém and Lisbon commemorate her with religious and cultural celebrations.
Legacy of Saint Elizabeth of Portugal
Saint Elizabeth left a profound legacy:
✅ She founded charitable institutions that have survived for centuries.
✅ She exercised diplomatic influence, consolidating peace in Portugal.
✅ She became a model of holiness lived out in daily life, even while occupying a position of power.
✅ She was canonised in 1625 by Pope Urban VIII.
Today, she remains an example of how faith, politics, charity and courage can be united. Her life continues to inspire social works, prayers for peace and concrete acts of solidarity.
References Consulted
- BARTON, Simon. A History of Portugal and the Portuguese Empire. Cambridge University Press, 2009.
- FERNANDES, Hermínia Vasconcelos Vilar. “Isabel de Aragão, Rainha Santa.” Dicionário de História Religiosa de Portugal, vol. 3. Lisbon: Círculo de Leitores, 2000.
- NETO, Maria Teresa. Santa Isabel de Portugal. Lisbon: Paulus Editora, 2004.
- VATICAN. “Santa Isabel de Portugal.” Vatican.va. Available at: https://www.vatican.va/news_services/liturgy/saints/ns_lit_doc_20040704_santaisabel_po.html
- LOPES, João. Queens of Portugal. Lisbon: Esfera dos Livros, 2011.
- SANTOS, Maria José. The Holy Queen Isabel. Lisbon: Quetzal Editores, 2012.
Learn more about the lives of other saints of the Catholic Church