π Life Timeline
1271
Born in July 7, 1271 AD, Coimbra, Portugal
1271
Born Elizabeth of Aragon on Jul 7, 1271 in Barcelona, daughter of King James I of Aragon and Violant of Castile
1331
During a civil war against her own son Afonso IV (1331-57), she prayed incessantly for peace and is said to have hidden
1336
sh, proving she carried divine bread
1336
Died β July 3, 1336 AD, Estremoz, Portugal
1625
Canonized β 1625 by Pope Urban VIII
β Biography
Born Elizabeth of Aragon on Jul 7, 1271 in Barcelona, daughter of King James I of Aragon and Violant of Castile. Married King Denis of Portugal in 1282 at age 11. Had four surviving children. Initially a worldly princess, she was transformed by the preaching of a Franciscan friar and devoted herself to prayer, fasting, and charity. Built hospitals, leper houses, and a Franciscan convent in Coimbra. During a civil war against her own son Afonso IV (1331-57), she prayed incessantly for peace and is said to have hidden the Blessed Sacrament, which multiplied to feed her supporters. When the war ended, she retired to the Monastery of Mafra, living in poverty and serving the poor. Known for the miracle of rosesβshe carried roses instead of bread as alms, and when confronted by her son, the roses remained fresh, proving she carried divine bread. Died Jul 4, 1336 at age 65. Canonized in 1625. Patron of Portugal and those who reconcile enemies.
π‘ Patronage
Patron of: Portugal, peacemakers, the Third Order of Dominicans, and those who transform their families through prayer.
π¬ Words of the Saint
I want to be poor in the eyes of men to be rich in the eyes of God.
π Key Facts
Born
July 7, 1271 AD, Coimbra, Portugal
Died
July 3, 1336 AD, Estremoz, Portugal
Feast Day
Jul 3
Canonized
1625 by Pope Urban VIII
π Legacy
Elizabeth ended civil war through prayer alone. Her conversion of King Denis transformed Portugal. She is one of Portugal's patron saints.