*** *** ***

— Daughter of King Peter III of Aragon, St. Elizabeth (1271-1336) was a devout child, developing a spiritual strength that would equip her in life. At a young age, she was given in marriage to Denis, King of Portugal. He would have several illegitimate children, resulting in great strife over heirship to the throne. Elizabeth sought to bring about lasting peace between the king and their son, Afonso, who felt passed over in favor of the king’s illegitimate children. Elizabeth also had great compassion for the sick and the poor, donating much of her income to charities. After her husband’s death in 1325, Elizabeth became a Franciscan tertiary.
(The memorial was originally added to the Roman Calendar for celebration on July 4. In the United States, it was transferred to July 5 since Independence Day is a national holiday.)