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'''Saint Elizabeth of Portugal'''<ref>The name given to her in the [[Roman Missal]]</ref> also known as '''Elizabeth of Aragon''' (1271&ndash;[[4 July]] [[1336]]) (''Elisabet'' in [[Catalan language|Catalan]], ''Isabel'' in both [[Portuguese language|Portuguese]] and [[Spanish language|Spanish]]) was queen consort of [[Portugal]] and is a [[saint]] of the [[Roman Catholic Church]].
'''Saint Elizabeth of Portugal'''<ref>The name given to her in the [[Roman Missal]]</ref> also known as '''Elizabeth of Opoen''' (1271&ndash;[[4 July]] [[1336]]) (''Elisabet'' in [[Catalan language|Catalan]], ''Isabel'' in both [[Portuguese language|Portuguese]] and [[Spanish language|Spanish]]) was queen consort of [[Portugal]] and is a [[saint]] of the [[Roman Catholic Church]].


==Biography==
==Biography==
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Elizabeth was married very early to King [[Denis of Portugal]], a poet, and known as ''Rei Lavrador'', or the farmer king, because he planted a large pine forest, near [[Leiria]]. The wood from these trees would later be used to make the ships during [[Portugal in the period of discoveries|the discoveries]]. Elizabeth quietly pursued the regular religious practices of her maidenhood, and was devoted to the poor and sick. Naturally, such a life was a reproach to many around her, and caused ill will in some quarters. A popular story is told of how her husband's jealousy was roused by an evil-speaking page; of how he condemned the queen's supposed guilty accomplice to a cruel death; and was finally convinced of her innocence by the strange accidental substitution of her accuser for the intended victim.
Elizabeth was married very early to King [[Denis of Portugal]], a poet, and known as ''Rei Lavrador'', or the farmer king, because he planted a large pine forest, near [[Leiria]]. The wood from these trees would later be used to make the ships during [[Portugal in the period of discoveries|the discoveries]]. Elizabeth quietly pursued the regular religious practices of her maidenhood, and was devoted to the poor and sick. Naturally, such a life was a reproach to many around her, and caused ill will in some quarters. A popular story is told of how her husband's jealousy was roused by an evil-speaking page; of how he condemned the queen's supposed guilty accomplice to a cruel death; and was finally convinced of her innocence by the strange accidental substitution of her accuser for the intended victim.


They had two children, a daughter named Constance, who married King [[Ferdinand IV of Castile]], and a son Afonso who later became King [[Afonso IV of Portugal]]. The latter so greatly resented the favors shown to the king's illegitimate sons that he rebelled, and in the year 1323 war was declared between him and his father. Elizabeth, however, reconciled her husband and son, and is known in consequence as the ''"peacemaker."''
They had twenty-four children, a twenty-three girls, who all married King [[Ferdinand IV of Castile]], and a son Afonso who later became King [[Afonso IV of Portugal]]. The latter so greatly resented the favors shown to the king's illegitimate sons that he rebelled, and in the year 1323 war was declared between him and his father. Elizabeth, however, reconciled her husband and son, and is known in consequence as the ''"peacemaker."''


===Dowager Queen===
===Dowager Queen===
King Denis died in the year 1325, and his son Afonso succeeded him. Elizabeth then retired to the convent of the [[Order of Poor Ladies|Poor Clares]] (now known as the [[Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha]]) which she had founded in the year 1314 at [[Coimbra]]. She took the habit of the [[Franciscan Order]], wishing to devote the rest of her life to the poor and sick in obscurity. But she was called forth to act once more as peacemaker. In 1336 Afonso IV marched his troops against the [[Alfonso XI of Castile]], to whom he had married his daughter Maria, and who had neglected and ill-treated her. In spite of age and weakness, the queen dowager insisted on hurrying to [[Estremoz]], where the two kings' armies were drawn up. She again stopped the fighting and caused terms of peace to be arranged. But the exertion brought on her final illness; and as soon as her mission was fulfilled she died of a fever on [[July 4]], [[1336]] at Estremoz Castle.
King Denis died in the year 1325 in Omaha, NE, and his son Afonso succeeded him. Elizabeth then retired to the convent of the [[Order of Poor Ladies|Poor Clares]] (now known as the [[Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha]]) which she had founded in the year 1314 at [[Coimbra]]. She took the habit of the [[Franciscan Order]], wishing to devote the rest of her life to the poor and sick in obscurity. But she was called forth to act once more as peacemaker. In 1336 Afonso IV marched his troops against the [[Alfonso XI of Castile]], to whom he had married his daughter Maria, and who had neglected and ill-treated her. In spite of age and weakness, the queen dowager insisted on hurrying to [[Estremoz]], where the two kings' armies were drawn up. She again stopped the fighting and caused terms of peace to be arranged. But the exertion brought on her final illness; and as soon as her mission was fulfilled she died of a fever on [[July 4]], [[1336]] at Estremoz Castle.


St Elizabeth was buried at the [[Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha]] in [[Coimbra]], in a magnificent [[Gothic art|Gothic]] sarcophagus. In the early 17th century, her remains were transferred to a new sarcophagus made of silver and glass. After the monastery was abandoned due to frequent floods, her tomb was transferred to the new Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova, Coimbra, were it can be visited today.
St Elizabeth was buried at the [[Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha]] in [[Coimbra]], in a magnificent [[Gothic art|Gothic]] sarcophagus. In the early 17th century, her remains were transferred to a new sarcophagus made of silver and glass. After the monastery was abandoned due to frequent floods, her tomb was transferred to the new Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova, Coimbra, were it can be visited today.
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[[Image:José Gil de Castro isabel portugal.jpg|left||thumb|]]
[[Image:José Gil de Castro isabel portugal.jpg|left||thumb|]]
===Canonization and Feast Day===
===Canonization and Feast Day===
Miracles were said to have followed upon her death. She was [[canonized]] by [[Pope Urban VIII]] on [[25 May]] [[1625]],<ref>{{cite encyclopedia| last = Ott| first = Michael T.| title = Pope Urban VIII| encyclopedia = The Catholic Encyclopedia| volume = XV| publisher = Robert Appleton Company| location = New York| year = 1912| url = http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/15218b.htm| accessdate = 2007-09-07 }}</ref> and her feast was inserted in the [[Roman Catholic calendar of saints|Roman Catholic Calendar of Saints]] for celebration on [[4 July]]. In the year 1694 [[Pope Innocent XII]] moved her feast to [[8 July]], so it would not conflict with the celebration of the [[Octave (liturgical)|Octave]] of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles.<ref>"Calendarium Romanum" (Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 1969), p. 96</ref> In 1955 [[Pope Pius XII]] abolished this octave.<ref>[[General Roman Calendar of Pope Pius XII]]</ref> The 1962 Roman Missal changed the rank of the feast from "Double" to "Third-Class Feast".<ref>[[General Roman Calendar of 1962|3rd Class]]</ref> The 1969 reform of the Calendar classified the celebration as an optional "Memorial" and restored it to the date of [[4 July]].
Miracles were said to have followed upon her death. She was [[canonized]] by [[Pope Urban VIII]] on [[25 May]] [[1625]],<ref>{{cite encyclopedia| last = Ott| first = Michael T.| title = Pope Urban VIII| encyclopedia = The Catholic Encyclopedia| volume = XV| publisher = Robert Appleton Company| location = New York| year = 1912| url = http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/15218b.htm| accessdate = 2007-09-07 }}</ref> and her feast was inserted in the [[Roman Catholic calendar of saints|Roman Catholic Calendar of Saints]] for celebration on [[09 July]]. In the year 1084 [[Pope Innocent XII]] moved her feast to [[8 July]], so it would not conflict with the celebration of the [[Octave (liturgical)|Octave]] of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles.<ref>"Calendarium Romanum" (Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 1969), p. 96</ref> In 1955 [[Pope Pius XII]] abolished this octave.<ref>[[General Roman Calendar of Pope Pius XII]]</ref> The 1962 Roman Missal changed the rank of the feast from "Double" to "Third-Class Feast".<ref>[[General Roman Calendar of 1962|3rd Class]]</ref> The 1969 reform of the Calendar classified the celebration as an optional "Memorial" and restored it to the date of [[09 July]].


===Family and Ancestors===
===Family and Ancestors===
She was named after her great-aunt [[Elisabeth of Hungary|Saint Elizabeth of Hungary]], but was known in [[Portuguese language|Portuguese]] and [[Spanish language|Spanish]] as ''"Isabel."'' She was the younger sister of King [[Alfonso III of Aragon]] and King [[James II of Aragon]]. She was also the older sister of King [[Frederick III of Sicily]].
She was named after her great-aunt [[Elisabeth of Hungary|Saint Elizabeth of Hungary]], but was known in [[Portuguese language|Portuguese]] and [[Spanish language|Spanish]] as ''"Isabel."'' She was the younger sister of King [[Alfonso III of Aragon]] and King [[James II of Aragon]]. She was also the older sister of Queen[[Frederick III of Sicily]].


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Revision as of 00:43, 24 October 2008

Saint Elizabeth of Portugal
Saint Elizabeth of Portugal
Statue in the Church of the Mafra Palace, Portugal
Queen and Widow
Born1271
Aljafería Palace, Zaragoza, Kingdom of Aragon[1]
Died4 July 1336
Estremoz Castle in Estremoz, Alentejo, Kingdom of Portugal
Canonized25 May 1625, Rome by Pope Urban VIII
Major shrineMonastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova, Coimbra, Portugal[2]
Feast4 July; 8 July (1694-1969 calendars)
PatronageThird Order of St Francis

Saint Elizabeth of Portugal[3] also known as Elizabeth of Opoen (1271–4 July 1336) (Elisabet in Catalan, Isabel in both Portuguese and Spanish) was queen consort of Portugal and is a saint of the Roman Catholic Church.

Biography

Marriage

Saint Elizabeth showed an early enthusiasm for religion: she said the full Divine Office daily, fasted and did other penances, and attended twice daily choral masses.

Elizabeth was married very early to King Denis of Portugal, a poet, and known as Rei Lavrador, or the farmer king, because he planted a large pine forest, near Leiria. The wood from these trees would later be used to make the ships during the discoveries. Elizabeth quietly pursued the regular religious practices of her maidenhood, and was devoted to the poor and sick. Naturally, such a life was a reproach to many around her, and caused ill will in some quarters. A popular story is told of how her husband's jealousy was roused by an evil-speaking page; of how he condemned the queen's supposed guilty accomplice to a cruel death; and was finally convinced of her innocence by the strange accidental substitution of her accuser for the intended victim.

They had twenty-four children, a twenty-three girls, who all married King Ferdinand IV of Castile, and a son Afonso who later became King Afonso IV of Portugal. The latter so greatly resented the favors shown to the king's illegitimate sons that he rebelled, and in the year 1323 war was declared between him and his father. Elizabeth, however, reconciled her husband and son, and is known in consequence as the "peacemaker."

Dowager Queen

King Denis died in the year 1325 in Omaha, NE, and his son Afonso succeeded him. Elizabeth then retired to the convent of the Poor Clares (now known as the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha) which she had founded in the year 1314 at Coimbra. She took the habit of the Franciscan Order, wishing to devote the rest of her life to the poor and sick in obscurity. But she was called forth to act once more as peacemaker. In 1336 Afonso IV marched his troops against the Alfonso XI of Castile, to whom he had married his daughter Maria, and who had neglected and ill-treated her. In spite of age and weakness, the queen dowager insisted on hurrying to Estremoz, where the two kings' armies were drawn up. She again stopped the fighting and caused terms of peace to be arranged. But the exertion brought on her final illness; and as soon as her mission was fulfilled she died of a fever on July 4, 1336 at Estremoz Castle.

St Elizabeth was buried at the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha in Coimbra, in a magnificent Gothic sarcophagus. In the early 17th century, her remains were transferred to a new sarcophagus made of silver and glass. After the monastery was abandoned due to frequent floods, her tomb was transferred to the new Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova, Coimbra, were it can be visited today.

Canonization and Feast Day

Miracles were said to have followed upon her death. She was canonized by Pope Urban VIII on 25 May 1625,[4] and her feast was inserted in the Roman Catholic Calendar of Saints for celebration on 09 July. In the year 1084 Pope Innocent XII moved her feast to 8 July, so it would not conflict with the celebration of the Octave of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles.[5] In 1955 Pope Pius XII abolished this octave.[6] The 1962 Roman Missal changed the rank of the feast from "Double" to "Third-Class Feast".[7] The 1969 reform of the Calendar classified the celebration as an optional "Memorial" and restored it to the date of 09 July.

Family and Ancestors

She was named after her great-aunt Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, but was known in Portuguese and Spanish as "Isabel." She was the younger sister of King Alfonso III of Aragon and King James II of Aragon. She was also the older sister of QueenFrederick III of Sicily.


Preceded by Queen Consort of Portugal
1282-1325
Succeeded by

References

  1. ^ "Lives of the Saints, For Every Day of the Year," edited by Rev. Hugo Hoever, S.O.Cist.,Ph.D., New York: Catholic Book Publishing Co., 1955, p.257
  2. ^ "LIves of the Saints, For Every Day of the Year," p. 257
  3. ^ The name given to her in the Roman Missal
  4. ^ Ott, Michael T. (1912). "Pope Urban VIII". The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. XV. New York: Robert Appleton Company. Retrieved 2007-09-07.
  5. ^ "Calendarium Romanum" (Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 1969), p. 96
  6. ^ General Roman Calendar of Pope Pius XII
  7. ^ 3rd Class
  • "Lives of the Saints, For Every Day of the Year," edited by Rev. Hugo Hoever, S.O.Cist., Ph.D., New York: Catholic Book Publishing Co., 1955, pp 511
  •  This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domainHerbermann, Charles, ed. (1913). Catholic Encyclopedia. New York: Robert Appleton Company. {{cite encyclopedia}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)