Today July 8

Today is the feast of St. Elizabeth of Portugal (1271 - 1336), grandniece of a saint (St. Elizabeth of Hungary, for whom she was named. I think if you are named for an actual canonized saint in your actual family, you increase your odds of becoming one yourself!). She was a sweet, beautiful, rich princess, daughter of the King of Aragon. Although she probably should never have had to be put in this position -- and certainly not starting at so young an age -- she was the Peacemaker in her family. She made peace first between her grandfather James (who was then king) and her father Peter, just by being born. Then later between her selfish husband Denis, King of Portugal, and her impetuous son Alfonso -- who probably had just cause, seeing as he was unjustly ignored by his father in favor of his illegitimate sons. It's never easy for a firstborn son to be thrown over for anybody else, especially not for "natural children" who are not even sons of his own mother! Twice she made peace between them, risking her life even, by inserting her very person between them on the battlefield. She also averted war between Ferdinand of Castile (no relation) and his cousin, and between Ferdinand and her own brother, James II of Aragon.

She grew up remarkable unspoiled, lived to share her goods with the poor, and while not fasting (thank God; we have more than enough extremely ascetical saints), she was abstinent and offered up the sacrifice of neither eating nor drinking between meals.

She made a good wife (shoot, at age 12!) in the manner of St. Rita . . . married to a spoiled, abusive, unfaithful man, who nevertheless let her carry out her daily acts of charity, her saying of the Office and attending Mass, her founding and visiting hospices and hospitals (like her great-aunt), and her entertaining of and donating to the poor right there in her own castle. And when Denis, her husband, came down with a debilitating disease, she nursed him so well, so long and so cheerfully, he died repentant and reconciled with the Church. Now free, she desired to become a nun, but she was persuaded to remain a laywoman, which she did, though she did become a Third Order Franciscan. She died as a result of her peacemaking penchant, when she brought about yet another reconciliation, traveling at her great age and in great heat. She was overcome and never regained consciousness.