Elizabeth (1271–1336) was a princess of Aragon who became Queen of Portugal through her marriage to King Denis, and was named for her great-aunt, Saint Elizabeth of Hungary. Devoted to prayer and generous care of the poor and sick, she became famous as a peacemaker, reconciling members of her own family and preventing war between kingdoms. After her husband's death she lived humbly as a Franciscan tertiary near the Poor Clare monastery she founded at Coimbra, and she was canonized in 1625.
Elizabeth shows that gentleness is not weakness: in a court full of rivalry she answered conflict with patience, forgiveness, and quiet courage. She reminds us that a family's wounds can be healed by one person who refuses to stop loving, and that true greatness is found in serving the poor and making peace.
Saint Elizabeth of Portugal, peacemaker and friend of the poor, pray for our family, that we may forgive one another gently and carry God's peace into every hurting place. Amen.