Elizabeth was a princess of Aragon who married the king of Portugal. She repeatedly made peace in quarrels within her family and between kingdoms, and after her husband's death she lived as a Poor Clare tertiary.
Life
Saint Elizabeth of Portugal was born in 1271, a princess of the kingdom of Aragon. A relative of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, she was named after her. At a young age she married King Denis of Portugal and became queen.
Though she suffered from her husband's infidelity, she held her family together through prayer and patience and gave generously to the poor and the sick. She mediated several times between the king and their son Afonso, and so was called the 'Peacemaker Queen.' After her husband's death she lived as a Franciscan tertiary beside the Poor Clare convent in Coimbra, and she died in 1336 while on a journey to make peace. She was canonized in 1625.
Spirituality
Saint Elizabeth's spirituality is a love that makes peace. She resolved conflicts not by royal authority but through prayer and gentleness, and even in a wounded marriage she chose patience and mercy over resentment. Even in high position she lived as a friend of the poor.
Reflection
Saint Elizabeth led her quarreling family toward reconciliation. What word could I be the first to offer for the sake of peace in my family or community?