St Elizabeth of Portugal

St Elizabeth of Portugal is portrayed in a royal apparel with a dove or an olive branch in her hand. She was the symbol of love and peace. Elizabeth was the daughter of King of Aragon, Pedro III and inherited her name from her great aunt, Elizabeth of Hungary. But in Portuguese history she was referred as Isabel, which was her Spanish name. Elizabeth was educated devoutly and led a very self restricted life. At a very tender age of twelve, she was married to King Denis of Portugal. Elizabeth of Portugal was not only beautiful but was pious as well. Even after marriage she continued to religiously take part in the Mass every day.

At first the husband of St Elizabeth was loving but gradually he started avoiding her, which ultimately leads to a great suffering. Denis did not responds to his wife's devotion to the God. According to a popular story, an evil speaking page once tried to evoke jealousy in her husband by claiming some lie. The furious king ordered death sentence for the good page but ultimately truth prevailed by the unusual accidental substitution of the accuser with the victim.

The king's evil nature leads to a rebellion with his son, which was ultimately reconciled by St Elizabeth of Portugal. The forbearance and love of St Elizabeth of Portugal changes her husband. After the death of the king, St. Elizabeth devoted her life for the poor and sick. Even in her death bed she tried to spread holiness and peace. Miracles followed the death of St Elizabeth of Portugal.