A Woman of Peace: St. Elizabeth of Portugal
A Woman of Peace: St. Elizabeth of Portugal
If there is one virtue that marked the life of St. Elizabeth of Portugal (1271 - 1336) it would be that she was a peacemaker. Throughout her life, she was able to bring warring parties together and help forge peace.
Her Noble Background and Early Years of Marriage
Initially, the marriage was not a happy one because Denis was unfaithful and kept several mistresses. As can be imagined, this was quite a cross for Elizabeth to bear. Added to the pain of her husband's infidelity, were the insults and gossip that surrounded the mistresses.
Responding to Injustices Against Her
The Peacemaker
As a Widow
As might be expected, Elizabeth was called upon one more time to bring peace to her family. At the age of sixty-five, Elizabeth hurried to stop the fighting between her son Alfonso and her son-in-law Ferdinand IV of Castile. Rushing to the battlefield in the dangerous heat of the middle of the summer, Elizabeth was able to get the armies to put down their weapons. However, it would be her last peacekeeping mission. She became very ill, developed a high fever, and died being held by her son and her daughter-in-law. She was buried in the convent of the Poor Clares that she had founded.
Did you enjoy this story about St. Elizabeth of Portugal? Sign up to receive a free saint story every week via email.