St. Elizabeth of Portugal
Feast Day: July 4
The namesake of her great-aunt, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, this daughter of Aragon’s king was married at age 12 to Diniz of Portugal, a good king but
unfaithful husband. As queen, Elizabeth founded hospitals, orphanages and a home for women. She was a peacemaker, reconciling her husband and rebellious son Alfonso, and helping avert wars. Widowed in 1325, she retired to a Poor Clare convent she founded in Coimbra, and as a Franciscan tertiary devoted herself to God and people in need. She died trying to broker peace between two kings, her son and nephew.
